Almost 90 per cent of Irish households were recycling at least some of their waste two years ago, new Government figures reveal.
According to the Central Statistics Office, 1.3 million households recycled some rubbish in the third quarter of 2005, an increase of almost 50 per cent on early 1999.
Paper was the most commonly recycled substance, with clothes the least.
Households who told the Quarterly National Household Survey for June to August 2005 that they did not recycle claimed that they would have done so if facilities were available.
The greatest percentage of recycling homes was in Dublin, with 93.7 per cent getting into the green habit.
Those in the southwest, where 91.8 per cent of homes were recycling, came second.
The Border counties performed worst, with just 77.6 per cent recycling. However, that was more than double the number recycling there in 1999.
Householders aged 25 to 44 were the most likely to recycle, with those in their early 20s the least likely.
According to the survey, which was published yesterday, recycling is a more urban than rural habit. Some 92 per cent of urban household were recycling compared with just 84 per cent of country households.
Households were also moving towards energy conservation. This was achieved most popularly by double-glazing windows (79.3 per cent of homes).
However, CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) light bulbs were used in just 40 per cent of households.
Households comprised of two adults and no children were those who recycled the most.