The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been monitoring waste generation and management for over 35 years. This data is crucial for evaluating materials management programs nationwide and understanding the waste stream. As of 2018, the country produced 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW), with a recycling and composting rate of 32.1 percent, amounting to about 94 million tons recycled and composted. Additionally, 17.7 million tons of food were managed using various methods such as animal feed and anaerobic digestion. Combustion with energy recovery handled 35 million tons of waste, while 146 million tons were landfilled.
EPA defines MSW as consumer waste like bottles, food, and electronics. Notably, it excludes construction debris and industrial waste. Paper and paperboard products constituted the largest portion of MSW, with a declining trend due to digital news and electronic reports. Food waste, yard trimmings, plastics, and electronics were significant components of MSW. The management hierarchy emphasizes waste reduction, reuse, and recycling for sustainable materials management.
MSW generation has risen steadily over the years, increasing from 88.1 million tons in 1960 to 292.4 million tons in 2018. Recycling and composting rates have also improved, with a recycling rate of 32.1 percent in 2018. Paper and paperboard recycling led to the most significant reduction in greenhouse gases, equivalent to removing 33 million cars from the road for a year.
Composting and other food management methods have seen a rise, with 25 million tons composted in 2018. Various pathways like animal feed and donation were utilized for managing food waste. Combustion with energy recovery accounted for 34.6 million tons of waste in 2018, with food being the primary component. Landfilling has decreased from 94 percent in 1960 to 50 percent in 2018.
The EPA is constantly reviewing waste management strategies to align with the latest data. The waste hierarchy promotes environmentally friendly practices, emphasizing the importance of reducing waste at the source and promoting recycling. The agency’s Sustainable Materials Management program focuses on multiple environmental benefits, with waste reduction efforts saving over 193 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018 alone.
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