The U.S. steel recycling rate reached 83.3 percent in 2008, according to the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI). That’s an all-time high, the institute says. In 2007, the rate was 78.2 percent.

“All new steel made in the North America contains a minimum of 28 percent steel scrap with some processes using upwards of 90 percent steel scrap to make new steel,” said Bill Heenan, president of SRI in a press release. “Steel continues to be recycled at a higher volume than paper, plastic, glass, copper and aluminum combined, and the steel can still holds the distinction of being food’s and beverage’s most recycled container.”