Markets for many recycled products may become saturated, however, and experts say some cities will not recycle unless forced to do so.

Recycling alone cannot do the job; a city of this size and density can only recycle so much.

The city now recycles almost 20 percent of the garbage it collects.

Under existing law, the city must recycle 4,250 tons of garbage a day by 2001, an increase from around 1,800 now.

The city now recycles only about 14 percent, or about 2,200 daily tons.

The law had originally ordered that the city recycle 4,250 tons of garbage each day by 1994.

After an intensive effort, the city is recycling only 14 percent of its garbage.

The city is recycling its tourist population like an ornamental fountain.

The city now recycles about 14 percent of its residential garbage.

Environmental advocates who want the city to recycle more said they hoped the community opposition in Brooklyn would aid their cause.