Israeli waste production has markedly decreased in recent years, in correlation with an upsurge in rates of recycling, the Environment Ministry said on Wednesday.

Israelis produced 560 kilograms in 2005, a 10 percent decline from the 620 kilograms produced in 2002.

The Environment Ministry said that in addition to increased rates of recycling, the reduced waste production was also due to new laws on bottle return deposits.

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Tel Aviv residents saw the most marked decrease in waste production, a 20 percent decrease from 3.27 kilograms in 2002 to 2.62 kilograms in 2005.

According to Ilan Nissim, who heads the ministry's Solid Waste Department, the reduction of waste in Israel matches the reduction rates in Europe. He said the reduction was due to changing habits of consumption and reduction of waste at the source of production.

The rate of recycling in Israel has risen from 3 percent to 23 percent since in the last decade, said Environment Minister Gideon Ezra.

According to Ezra, with a coordinated effort of government ministries and local governments, the rates of household recycling could rise to 35 percent by 2010. The Environment Ministry said imposing a tax on waste could also raise the chances of increased rates of recycling.

Israelis produced six million tons of urban waste last year, including household and office waste, according to an annual report on waste management in the local authorities.