Colorado keeping more trash out of landfills

DENVER (AP) - State health officials say Coloradans are recycling and keeping more of their trash out of landfills, though the economic downturn has weakened demand for recycled material.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said Monday that of the 11.2 million tons of waste material generated statewide last year, 3.9 million tons was diverted from landfills, or 35 percent. That's up from 28 percent the year before.

The Solid Waste and Material Management Unit of the department's Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division says last year was the first time since 2003 that Colorado sent less waste to landfills.

Some of the waste diverted from landfills was recycled, while some was material like compost.