It looks like recycling has fallen by the wayside for some North Carolina residents.

The state Department of Environment and Natural Resources said
Friday an annual waste management report for fiscal year 2007-2008
shows local governments collected 90,000 tons less of recycled
products compared to the year before.

Total recycled goods dropped by almost 7 percent, from 1.35
million tons to 1.26 million tons.

The report determined the decrease was largely attributed to a
drop in yard waste cleanup and tire recycling.

Local government officials say that despite the drop, they are
optimistic about curbside recycling programs that collect paper and
beverage containers.

The report lists these programs with a 28 percent increase over the last decade.