recycling

According to the most recent data sources, how much MSW was generated in the US?

292.4 million tons (2018)

What is the range of landfill avoidance in the US?

24%-35%

What is the largest class of material component of MSW generated (by weight) in the US?

Organic materials (~63%)

In what region of the US is recycling rate the highest?

New England (35%)

How many MSW landfills are there in the US?

1,908

What is the average landfill tipping fee?

$56.80 per ton (2023)

What materials or products are most often banned from US landfills?

Lead‑acid batteries, whole tires, used oil, yard trimmings, containers/paper, white goods, electronics, C&D debris

What federal law governs hazardous and non‑hazardous waste in the US?

RCRA (Resource Conservation & Recovery Act)

Under RCRA, what does Subtitle C regulate?

Hazardous waste from "cradle to grave"

Under RCRA, what does Subtitle D regulate?

Non‑hazardous waste (MSW, appliances, tires, sludges, etc.)

What are the four major types of waste listed in the slides?

MSW, C&D, Industrial (non‑hazardous), Hazardous

What sources generate MSW according to EPA?

Residential, commercial, institutional, industrial

What are examples of items included in MSW?

Packaging, food scraps, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, bottles, newspapers, computers, tires, appliances, paint, batteries

What two national sources provide MSW data?

EPA/Franklin Associates and State of Garbage (SOG)

How does EPA estimate MSW generation?

Production, imports/exports, product lifetimes, recycling industry data

How does SOG estimate MSW generation?

Landfilled + recycled + composted + WTE

What percentage of MSW was landfilled in 2018?

50% (146 million tons)

How much MSW was combusted in 2018?

34.5 million tons (11.8%)

What percentage of MSW was recycled in 2018?

23.6%

What percentage of MSW was composted in 2018?

8.5%

How much waste does the average person generate per day?

4.9 lbs/person/day

How much waste does the average person landfill per day?

3.3 lbs/person/day

Which material has grown rapidly in MSW generation since 1960?

Plastics

Which material category has declined due to legislation and backyard composting?

Yard waste

What percentage of MSW recycled comes from containers/packaging, paper, and yard trimmings?

85%

What are durable goods?

Products with a lifetime of 3+ years

What are nondurable goods?

Products with a lifetime under 3 years

Which states generate the most waste per capita?

Hawaii, Minnesota, Virginia, DC, California

Which states generate the least waste per capita?

Missouri, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Maine

Which states landfill the most per capita?

Hawaii, DC, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana

Which states landfill the least per capita?

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland

Which states recycle the most per capita?

California, Minnesota, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Oregon

Which states recycle the least per capita?

Louisiana, Utah, DC, Tennessee, North Dakota

What is the landfill tipping fee range reported in earlier years?

$22-$96 per ton

How many MSW landfills are in North Carolina?

40

Which states export the most waste?

New York, Maryland, Washington

Which states import the most waste?

Michigan, Virginia, Oregon, Ohio

What is a recycling rate?

Pounds of recyclables collected per household per month OR percent of refuse recycled

What is a net diversion rate?

Percent of total refuse not landfilled or incinerated

What is the weight of 1 cubic yard of uncompacted residential waste?

200 lbs

What is the weight of 1 cubic yard of uncompacted commercial/industrial waste?

450 lbs

What is the weight of 1 cubic yard of compacted MSW in a truck?

750 lbs

What is the landfill density range for MSW?

750-1,250 lbs per cubic yard