As a result, it will never be possible to have 100 percent recycling.

The law established gradually expanding goals - 25 percent recycling by 1994 - that now seem impossible.

For many in the industry, 100 percent recycling is more a dream than an imminent reality.

Industry executives also say the final leap into 100 percent recycling will be very expensive, though they did not provide estimates of the cost.

As a result, she said, attaining a goal of 60 percent recycling could, paradoxically, cost taxpayers even more money.

Ironically, incineration also means the state's goal of 40 percent recycling by 1997 will never be realized here.

The recycling law calls for 25 percent recycling by April 1994.

Five years ago, the state solid-waste plan called for 50 percent recycling and reduction by 1997.

The mandatory law, passed in April 1989, calls for 25 percent recycling of all garbage by 1994.

The law calls for 25 percent recycling by mid-1994.