And we’re not talking simply cans and bottles here either; in 2006 Mayor Newsom instituted a Mandatory Construction and Demolition Debris Recovery Ordinance, which means that 72% number includes all waste generated on construction sites too.

Truly remarkable! San Francisco is a city of principals, however, and officials are not content to sit back comfortably on a number like 72% — though it may be the best so far, it’s still a C-average in the grand scheme of things, and San Francisco is looking to bring their A-game as soon as possible.

“If we captured everything going to landfill that could have been recycled or composted, we’d have a 90% recycling rate” said San Franciso Department of the Environment Director Jared Blumenfeld. “The Board of Supervisors will soon be considering an ordinance that will require residents and businesses to sign up and use the recycling and composting programs, which we need to make our goals.”

Go, San Francisco! We look forward to tracking your continued progress, and can only hope that many other cities see fit to follow in your footsteps.