McLean County's recycling rate fell in 2015 for the first time in four years, but a proposed long-term plan would improve the rate and get the county to its long-term goal.

Only 36.5 percent of municipal solid waste generated in the county was recycled last year, down from 37.7 percent in 2013 and 2014, according to Ecology Action Center data. The county's goal is 40 percent.

But the Normal-based EAC is working with Bloomington, Normal and county leaders on a 20-year solid waste management plan due in 2017 that will help, said EAC Executive Director Michael Brown.

That process is driven partly by the impending closure of the McLean County Landfill, which is set to fill up next August. Then, waste disposal costs will go up because waste will be transported to more-distant landfills, including Pontiac.