The Startling Truth About Daily Trash Disposal

The average American throws out 4.9 pounds of trash per day, which amounts to nearly 1,800 pounds of materials per person every year. In 2018, the US threw out over 292 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) – the materials discarded by homes, businesses and institutions. The majority of this waste (62%) is dumped into landfills or burned in incinerators.

The average person throws out 4.5-4.9 pounds of trash per day

The US creates over 624,000 metric tons of waste per day. Nevada generates the highest amount of waste per person: 38.4 tons. The US spends about $200 billion a year on solid waste management and lost energy resources from trash disposal. The United States Municipal Solid Waste Management Market is expected to surpass $25 billion by 2024. Annual waste generation is expected to increase to 3.4 billion metric tons by 2050.

With China banning foreign waste, people need to think about what they can do personally to help reduce the growing trash problem. According to the EPA, over 32% of Americans practice some form of recycling. However, more than 91% of plastic was landfilled or incinerated in 2018. Every 15.5 hours, Americans throw out enough plastic to fill the largest NFL stadium in the country, AT&T Stadium (the home of the Dallas Cowboys), and the pile grows larger every year.

The products we use and dispose of are created by processes like mining and manufacturing, which generate far more, and far more dangerous, waste.

The US creates over 624,000 metric tons of waste per day

The majority of waste (62%) discarded by homes and businesses in the US is ultimately dumped into landfills or burned in incinerators. More than 91% of plastic was landfilled or incinerated in 2018. With China banning foreign waste, the US needs to think about how to reduce its growing trash problem. Over 32% of Americans practice some form of recycling, but this is not enough to keep up with the amount of waste being produced.

The US spent about $200 billion in 2018 on solid waste management and lost energy resources from trash disposal. The United States Municipal Solid Waste Management Market is expected to surpass $25 billion by 2024. Annual waste generation is expected to increase to 3.4 billion metric tons by 2050.

Nevada generates the highest amount of waste per person: 38.4 tons. This is likely due to the state's large tourism industry, which generates a significant amount of waste. The products we use and dispose of are created by processes like mining and manufacturing, which generate far more, and far more dangerous, waste.

The US threw out over 292 million tons of trash in 2018

The majority of waste (62%) discarded by homes and businesses in the US is ultimately dumped into landfills or burned in incinerators. More than 91% of plastic was landfilled or incinerated in 2018. Every 15.5 hours, Americans throw out enough plastic to fill the largest NFL stadium in the country, AT&T Stadium (the home of the Dallas Cowboys), and the pile grows larger every year.

The US spends about $200 billion a year on solid waste management and lost energy resources from trash disposal. Despite this, new landfills are being created, but they are filling up and running out of space. With China banning foreign waste, people need to think about what they can do personally to help reduce the growing trash problem. According to the EPA, over 32% of Americans practice some form of recycling.

Nevada generates the highest amount of waste per person: 38.4 tons

The average person throws away 4.5-4.9 pounds of trash per day, which is roughly 1.5 tons of solid waste per year. This equates to over 624,000 metric tons of waste per day in the US. Nevada generates the highest amount of waste per person: 38.4 tons. This is a staggering amount, especially when compared to the national average.

Nevada's high waste generation can be attributed to several factors, including the state's large population and high consumption levels. The state is home to several major cities, including Las Vegas, which are known for their vibrant nightlife and entertainment industries. These industries generate a significant amount of waste, from food and beverage packaging to event decorations and promotional materials.

Additionally, Nevada's desert climate may contribute to higher waste generation. The hot, dry weather can lead to increased consumption of single-use plastic items, such as water bottles, and disposable products, such as paper plates and napkins, for outdoor events and activities. The state's tourism industry, centred around attractions like casinos and resorts, also contributes to the high waste levels.

To address this issue, Nevada has implemented various waste management strategies. These include recycling and composting initiatives, as well as the development of waste-to-energy facilities. According to the EPA, over 32% of Americans practice some form of recycling, and Nevada is working to increase this number through education and infrastructure improvements.

By raising awareness about the environmental impact of waste and promoting sustainable alternatives, Nevada aims to reduce its per-person waste generation. This includes encouraging residents and businesses to reduce, reuse, and recycle, as well as supporting the development of eco-friendly products and packaging. Through a combination of policy changes, community engagement, and innovative technologies, Nevada is striving to mitigate its waste management challenges and create a more sustainable future.

Over 32% of Americans practice some form of recycling

The average American throws out 4.5-4.9 pounds of trash per day, which equates to roughly 1.5-1.8 tons of solid waste per year. The US as a whole threw out over 292 million tons of trash in 2018, and this figure is expected to increase to 3.4 billion metric tons by 2050. The majority of this waste (62%) is dumped into landfills or burned in incinerators.

Despite this, over 32% of Americans practice some form of recycling, with 28% saying their local community's social norms strongly encourage recycling and re-use. However, recycling anxiety is also real, with one in three Americans getting anxious when trying to recycle. This anxiety is most prevalent among Gen Z and Millennials, with 42% of both groups reporting higher levels of anxiety compared to 27% of Gen Xers and Boomers. This concern has also caused arguments in households, with one in five Americans saying it has caused tension in their relationships.

Recycling rates in the US have increased from less than 7% in 1960 to 32% today. An EPA study found that recycling and reuse activities in the US accounted for 681,000 jobs and $37.8 billion in wages. The EPA encourages all Americans to contribute to recycling efforts, not just on America Recycles Day, but all year long.

Most Americans have access to some sort of recycling program, with 30% having curbside collection only, 43% having both curbside service and drop-off centres, and 21% having drop-off programs only. However, the rules, practices and community norms around recycling vary considerably from place to place, contributing to dramatically different local recycling levels.

Frequently asked questions