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US National Waste Lead Researchers:
Geography:
Data date range:
Sources Covered:
Sector Users Covered:
Patrick Reaves and Michael Nolan
United States
1990, 2008 and 2009
Waste
Industry, Agriculture, Energy, Commercial, Residential
US Overview
For the analysis of post-consumer waste streams, the team of DCSC fellows pooled as much data as
possible using publicly available information in an effort to gain insight on the penetration of recycling in
the United States, as well as to capture the overall waste profile and its evolution over the last two
decades. Just as importantly, the team found where data gaps exist and what information is needed to
deliver a comprehensive estimate of all post-consumer waste in the United States.
US Waste Streams
Since 1990, US consumers have sent less recyclable waste to landfills as recycling and composting gained
increased traction. Waste-to-energy penetration has decreased slightly in that same period. Residential
consumers accounted for 60% of all post-consumer waste in the data, while commercial consumers
accounted for 40%. In 2008, the average US household generated more than 2,900 lbs. of waste, of which
1,587 lbs. went to a landfill. While the aggregate amount of waste generated in 2008 was comparable to
1990 levels, US household landfilled waste dropped by more than 400 lbs. per year in that period.
US Household Recycling Profile
The product mix has remained relatively stable over the last 10 years. Paper and paper products make up
more than two thirds of all US consumer recycling at more than 500 lbs. per year for every household.
Consumers are still recycling small amounts of plastic relative to its overall waste footprint.
US Packaging
Packaging accounts for a high percentage of all paper and plastic waste. Consumer packaging alone has
accounted for more than 20% of all US landfill waste over the last two decades, while consumer
packaging makes up less than 11% of all recycled waste.
US Next Steps in Data Gathering
The data provided a wealth of information about the commercial and residential sectors, but very little
about data in the government and industrial sectors. To fully account for all US waste, the analysis
requires significantly more data on construction debris, electronics waste and recycling, and fuel oils,
among other categories.
References
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery. 2009. Municipal
Solid Waste Generation, Recycling, and Disposal and the U.S. - Detailed Tables Figures for 2008. Report
No. EPA-530-F-009-021
EPA. 1998. Characterization of Building Related Construction and Demolition Debris in the United
States. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Report No. EPA530-R-98010
Sustainability Factsheet: Water
Sustainability Factsheet: Water
Sustainability Factsheet: Water
Sustainability Factsheet: Water
Sustainability Factsheet: Water
Sustainability Factsheet: Water