Municipal Solid Waste Generation Recycling and Disposal in the United States
Tables and Figures for 2012
US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery
February 2014
Table 1
MATERIALS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
29990
6720
10300
340
180
10820
390
1840
1760
3030
70
44310
12740
12360
800
670
13830
2900
2970
2040
3720
770
55160
15130
12620
1730
1160
15510
6830
4200
2530
7010
2520
72730
13100
12640
2810
1100
16550
17130
5790
5810
12210
3190
87740
12770
14150
3190
1600
18940
25550
6670
9480
13570
4000
84840
12540
15210
3330
1860
20400
29380
7290
11510
14790
4290
77420
12150
15950
3410
1940
21300
30260
7570
12700
15450
4650
71310
11530
16830
3500
2020
22350
31290
7440
13110
15710
4700
70020
11470
16540
3510
2000
22050
31840
7580
13120
15780
4630
68620
11570
16800
3580
2000
22380
31750
7530
14330
15820
4600
Total Materials in Products 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
340
76
117
04
02
123
04
21
20
34
01
366
105
102
07
06
114
24
25
17
31
06
364
100
83
11
08
102
45
28
17
46
17
349
63
61
13
05
79
82
28
28
59
15
360
52
58
13
07
78
105
27
39
56
16
334
49
60
13
07
80
116
29
45
58
17
307
48
63
14
08
84
120
30
50
61
18
285
46
67
14
08
89
125
30
52
63
19
280
46
66
14
08
88
127
30
52
63
18
274
46
67
14
08
89
127
30
57
63
18
Total Materials in Products 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Includes electrolytes in batteries and fluff pulp feces and urine in disposable diapers
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 2
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each material)
Thousands of Tons
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
5080
100
50
Neg
Neg
50
Neg
330
50
Neg
Neg
6770
160
150
10
320
480
Neg
250
60
Neg
300
11740
750
370
310
540
1220
20
130
160
Neg
500
20230
2630
2230
1010
730
3970
370
370
660
130
680
37560
2880
4680
860
1060
6600
1480
820
1320
1370
980
41960
2590
5020
690
1280
6990
1780
1050
1830
1830
1210
42940
2810
5330
720
1340
7390
2140
1270
1950
2120
1280
44570
3130
5770
680
1400
7850
2500
1320
2010
2280
1330
45900
3170
5460
720
1370
7550
2660
1350
2020
2350
1310
44360
3200
5550
710
1360
7620
2800
1350
2250
2410
1300
Total Materials in Products 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Material
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
169
15
05
Neg
Neg
05
Neg
179
28
Neg
Neg
153
13
12
13
478
35
Neg
84
29
Neg
390
213
50
29
179
466
79
03
31
63
Neg
198
278
201
176
359
664
240
22
64
114
11
213
428
226
331
270
663
348
58
123
139
101
245
495
207
330
207
688
343
61
144
159
124
282
555
231
334
211
691
347
71
168
154
137
275
625
271
343
194
693
351
80
177
153
145
283
656
276
330
205
685
342
84
178
154
149
283
646
277
330
198
680
340
88
179
157
152
283
Total Materials in Products 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Recovery of electrolytes in batteries probably not recycled
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
^ Includes recovery of paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 3
MATERIALS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
24910
6620
10250
340
180
10770
390
1510
1710
3030
70
37540
12580
12210
790
350
13350
2900
2720
1980
3720
470
43420
14380
12250
1420
620
14290
6810
4070
2370
7010
2020
52500
10470
10410
1800
370
12580
16760
5420
5150
12080
2510
50180
9890
9470
2330
540
12340
24070
5850
8160
12200
3020
42880
9950
10190
2640
580
13410
27600
6240
9680
12960
3080
34480
9340
10620
2690
600
13910
28120
6300
10750
13330
3370
26740
8400
11060
2820
620
14500
28790
6120
11100
13430
3370
24120
8300
11080
2790
630
14500
29180
6230
11100
13430
3320
24260
8370
11250
2870
640
14760
28950
6180
12080
13410
3300
Total Materials in Products 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
302
80
124
04
02
131
05
18
21
37
01
332
111
108
07
03
118
26
24
18
33
04
317
105
89
10
05
104
50
30
17
51
15
300
60
59
10
02
72
96
31
29
69
14
288
57
54
13
03
71
138
34
47
70
17
247
57
59
15
03
77
159
36
56
75
18
205
55
63
16
04
83
167
37
64
79
20
162
51
67
17
04
88
174
37
67
81
20
148
51
68
17
04
89
178
38
68
82
20
148
51
68
17
04
90
176
38
74
82
20
Total Materials in Products 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Includes electrolytes in batteries and fluff pulp feces and urine in disposable diapers
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 4
PAPER AND PAPERBOARD PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger 8380 5870 700 2510
Books 860
Magazines
Office-type Papers
Standard Mail
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Subtotal Nondurable Goods
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
excluding NewspaperMechanical Paperssect
Total Paper and Paperboard
Nondurable Goods
22170
30550
9570
15440
432
505
12600
15110
Containers and Packaging
Corrugated Boxes 29480 26810 909 2670
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger
Folding Cartons
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks
Other Paper Packaging
Subtotal Containers and Packaging
excluding Corrugated Boxessect
Total Paper and Paperboard
Containers and Packaging
550
5490
70
960
1460
8530
38010
2110
28920
247
761
6420
9090
Total Paper and Paperboard^ 68560 44360 647 24200
Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical dagger papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing
High-grade papers such as copy paper and printer paper both residential and commercial Formerly called Third Class Mail by the US Postal Service
Includes paper in games and novelties cards etc
sect Valid default values for separating out paper and paperboard sub-categories for recovery and discards were not
available Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
^ Table 4 does not include 10000 tons of paper used in durable goods and 50000 tons tissue in disposable
diapers (Table 1) Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 5
GLASS PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods 2190 Neg Neg 2190
Containers and Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 5530 2270 410 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1850 630 341 1220
Other Bottles and Jars 2000 300 150 1700
Total Glass Containers 9380 3200 341 6180
Total Glass 11570 3200 277 8370
Glass as a component of appliances furniture consumer electronics etc
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink
alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 6
METAL PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods
Ferrous Metals 14570 3940 270 10630
Aluminum 1520 NA 1520
Leaddagger 1420 1360 96 60
Other Nonferrous MetalsDagger 580 Neg Neg 580 Total Metals in Durable Goods 18090 5300 293 12790
Nondurable Goods
Aluminum 190 Neg Neg 190
Containers and Packaging
Steel
Cans 1850 1310 708 540
Other Steel Packaging 380 300 789 80 Total Steel Packaging 2230 1610 722 620
Aluminum
Beer and Soft Drink Canssect 1300 710 546 590
Other Cans 120 NA 120
Foil and Closures 450 NA 450 Total Aluminum Packaging 1870 710 380 1160
Total Metals in
Containers and Packaging 4100 2320 566 1780
Total Metals 22380 7620 340 14760
Ferrous 16800 5550 330 11250
Aluminum 3580 710 198 2870
Other nonferrous 2000 1360 680 640
Ferrous metals (iron and steel) in appliances furniture tires and miscellaneous durables
Aluminum in appliances furniture and miscellaneous durables
dagger Lead in lead-acid batteries
Dagger Other nonferrous metals in appliances and miscellaneous durables
sect Aluminum can recovery does not include used beverage cans imported to produce new beverage cans
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 7
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Durable Goods
PET 350
HDPE 1230
PVC 220
LDPELLDPE 1980
PP 3920
PS 690
Other resins 3070
Total Plastics in Durable Goods 11460 770 67 10690
Nondurable GoodsDagger
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
LDPELLDPE 20 20
PLA 20 20
PP 190 190
PS 830 830
Subtotal Plastic Plates and Cups 1060 Neg Neg 1060
Trash Bags
HDPE 220 220
LDPELLDPE 800 800
Subtotal Trash Bags 1020 1020
All other nondurables
PET 540
HDPE 520
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1160
PLA PLA 20 20
PP 1200
PS 200
Other resins 560
Subtotal All Other Nondurables 4430 130 29 4300
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods by resin
PET 540
HDPE 740
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1980
PLA 40
PP 1390
PS 1030
Other resins 560
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods 6510 130 20 6380
Plastic Containers amp Packaging
Bottles and Jars
PET 2790 860 308 1930
Natural Bottlesdagger
HDPE 780 220 282 560
Dagger Nondurable goods other than containers and packaging sect
Due to source data aggregation PET cups are included in Other Plastic Packaging
All other nondurables include plastics in disposable diapers clothing footwear etc
Injection stretch blow molded PET containers as identified in Report on Postconsumer PET Container Recycling Activity in 2012 National
Association for PET Container Resources Recovery includes caps lids and other material collected with PET bottles and jars
dagger White translucent homopolymer bottles as defined in the 2007 United States National Postconsumer Plastics Bottles Recycling Report
American Chemistry Council and the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers
Neg = negligible less than 5000 tons
PET 3630 880 242 2750
Table 7 (continued)
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Plastic Containers amp Packaging cont
Other plastic containers
HDPE 1410 290 206 1120
PVC 40 Neg 40
LDPELLDPE 40 Neg 40
PP 280 20 71 260
PS 80 Neg 80
Subtotal Other Containers 1850 310 168 1540
Bags sacks amp wraps
HDPE 700 50 71 650
PVC 50 50
LDPELLDPE 2280 390 171 1890
PP 640 640
PS 140 140
Subtotal Bags Sacks amp Wraps 3810 440 115 3370
Other Plastics PackagingDagger
PET 840 20 24 820
HDPE 670 10 15 660
PVC 330 Neg 330
LDPELLDPE 1070 Neg 1070
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 960 20 21 940
PS 300 20 67 280
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Subtotal Other Packaging 4550 70 15 4480
Total Plastics in Containers amp Packaging by resin
PET 3630 880 242 2750
HDPE 3560 570 160 2990
PVC 420 Neg 420
LDPELLDPE 3390 390 115 3000
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 1880 40 21 1840
PS 520 20 38 500
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Total Plastics in Cont amp Packaging 13780 1900 138 11880
Total Plastics in MSW by resin
PET 4520 880 195 3640
HDPE 5530 570 103 4960
PVC 870 Neg 870
LDPELLDPE 7350 390 53 6960
PLA 50 Neg 50
PP 7190 40 06 7150
PS 2240 20 09 2220
Other resins 4000 900 225 3100
Total Plastics in MSW 31750 2800 88 28950
HDPE = High density polyethylene PET = Polyethylene terephthalate PS = Polystyrene
LDPE = Low density polyethylene PP = Polypropylene PVC = Polyvinyl chloride
LLDPE = Linear low density polyethylene PLA = Polylactide
Dagger Other plastic packaging includes coatings closures lids PET cups caps clamshells egg cartons produce baskets trays shapes loose fill etc
PP caps and lids recovered with PET bottles and jars are included in the recovery estimate for PET bottles and jars
Other resins include commingledundefined plastic packaging recovery
Some detail of recovery by resin omitted due to lack of data
Table 8
RUBBER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Durable Goods
Rubber in Tires
Other Durables Total Rubber amp Leather
Durable Goods
3020
3500
6520
1350
Neg
1350
447
Neg
207
1670
3500
5170
Nondurable Goods
Clothing and Footwear
Other Nondurables Total Rubber amp Leather
Nondurable Goods
770
240
1010
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
770
240
1010
Total Rubber amp Leather 7530 1350 179 6180
Automobile and truck tires Does not include other materials in tires
Includes carpets and rugs and other miscellaneous durables
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Table 9
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
9920
17330
27370
14660
25060
43560
21800
34420
52670
29810
52170
64530
38870
64010
75840
45060
63650
76330
47060
58690
75750
48770
53200
75470
49560
51610
75320
50030
51340
75230
Total Product Wastes 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
113
197
311
121
207
360
144
227
347
143
250
310
160
263
312
178
251
301
186
232
300
195
212
301
198
206
301
199
205
300
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Table 10
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
350
2390
2870
940
3730
3350
1360
4670
8490
3460
8800
16780
6580
17560
28870
7970
19770
31500
8530
19310
34060
9120
19190
36680
9210
18830
38270
9270
17270
38750
Total Product Wastes 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Category
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
35
138
105
64
149
77
62
136
161
116
169
260
169
274
381
177
311
413
181
329
450
187
361
486
186
365
508
185
336
515
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Other than food products
^ Includes recovery of soiled paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 1
MATERIALS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
29990
6720
10300
340
180
10820
390
1840
1760
3030
70
44310
12740
12360
800
670
13830
2900
2970
2040
3720
770
55160
15130
12620
1730
1160
15510
6830
4200
2530
7010
2520
72730
13100
12640
2810
1100
16550
17130
5790
5810
12210
3190
87740
12770
14150
3190
1600
18940
25550
6670
9480
13570
4000
84840
12540
15210
3330
1860
20400
29380
7290
11510
14790
4290
77420
12150
15950
3410
1940
21300
30260
7570
12700
15450
4650
71310
11530
16830
3500
2020
22350
31290
7440
13110
15710
4700
70020
11470
16540
3510
2000
22050
31840
7580
13120
15780
4630
68620
11570
16800
3580
2000
22380
31750
7530
14330
15820
4600
Total Materials in Products 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
340
76
117
04
02
123
04
21
20
34
01
366
105
102
07
06
114
24
25
17
31
06
364
100
83
11
08
102
45
28
17
46
17
349
63
61
13
05
79
82
28
28
59
15
360
52
58
13
07
78
105
27
39
56
16
334
49
60
13
07
80
116
29
45
58
17
307
48
63
14
08
84
120
30
50
61
18
285
46
67
14
08
89
125
30
52
63
19
280
46
66
14
08
88
127
30
52
63
18
274
46
67
14
08
89
127
30
57
63
18
Total Materials in Products 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Includes electrolytes in batteries and fluff pulp feces and urine in disposable diapers
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 2
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each material)
Thousands of Tons
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
5080
100
50
Neg
Neg
50
Neg
330
50
Neg
Neg
6770
160
150
10
320
480
Neg
250
60
Neg
300
11740
750
370
310
540
1220
20
130
160
Neg
500
20230
2630
2230
1010
730
3970
370
370
660
130
680
37560
2880
4680
860
1060
6600
1480
820
1320
1370
980
41960
2590
5020
690
1280
6990
1780
1050
1830
1830
1210
42940
2810
5330
720
1340
7390
2140
1270
1950
2120
1280
44570
3130
5770
680
1400
7850
2500
1320
2010
2280
1330
45900
3170
5460
720
1370
7550
2660
1350
2020
2350
1310
44360
3200
5550
710
1360
7620
2800
1350
2250
2410
1300
Total Materials in Products 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Material
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
169
15
05
Neg
Neg
05
Neg
179
28
Neg
Neg
153
13
12
13
478
35
Neg
84
29
Neg
390
213
50
29
179
466
79
03
31
63
Neg
198
278
201
176
359
664
240
22
64
114
11
213
428
226
331
270
663
348
58
123
139
101
245
495
207
330
207
688
343
61
144
159
124
282
555
231
334
211
691
347
71
168
154
137
275
625
271
343
194
693
351
80
177
153
145
283
656
276
330
205
685
342
84
178
154
149
283
646
277
330
198
680
340
88
179
157
152
283
Total Materials in Products 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Recovery of electrolytes in batteries probably not recycled
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
^ Includes recovery of paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 3
MATERIALS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
24910
6620
10250
340
180
10770
390
1510
1710
3030
70
37540
12580
12210
790
350
13350
2900
2720
1980
3720
470
43420
14380
12250
1420
620
14290
6810
4070
2370
7010
2020
52500
10470
10410
1800
370
12580
16760
5420
5150
12080
2510
50180
9890
9470
2330
540
12340
24070
5850
8160
12200
3020
42880
9950
10190
2640
580
13410
27600
6240
9680
12960
3080
34480
9340
10620
2690
600
13910
28120
6300
10750
13330
3370
26740
8400
11060
2820
620
14500
28790
6120
11100
13430
3370
24120
8300
11080
2790
630
14500
29180
6230
11100
13430
3320
24260
8370
11250
2870
640
14760
28950
6180
12080
13410
3300
Total Materials in Products 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
302
80
124
04
02
131
05
18
21
37
01
332
111
108
07
03
118
26
24
18
33
04
317
105
89
10
05
104
50
30
17
51
15
300
60
59
10
02
72
96
31
29
69
14
288
57
54
13
03
71
138
34
47
70
17
247
57
59
15
03
77
159
36
56
75
18
205
55
63
16
04
83
167
37
64
79
20
162
51
67
17
04
88
174
37
67
81
20
148
51
68
17
04
89
178
38
68
82
20
148
51
68
17
04
90
176
38
74
82
20
Total Materials in Products 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Includes electrolytes in batteries and fluff pulp feces and urine in disposable diapers
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 4
PAPER AND PAPERBOARD PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger 8380 5870 700 2510
Books 860
Magazines
Office-type Papers
Standard Mail
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Subtotal Nondurable Goods
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
excluding NewspaperMechanical Paperssect
Total Paper and Paperboard
Nondurable Goods
22170
30550
9570
15440
432
505
12600
15110
Containers and Packaging
Corrugated Boxes 29480 26810 909 2670
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger
Folding Cartons
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks
Other Paper Packaging
Subtotal Containers and Packaging
excluding Corrugated Boxessect
Total Paper and Paperboard
Containers and Packaging
550
5490
70
960
1460
8530
38010
2110
28920
247
761
6420
9090
Total Paper and Paperboard^ 68560 44360 647 24200
Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical dagger papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing
High-grade papers such as copy paper and printer paper both residential and commercial Formerly called Third Class Mail by the US Postal Service
Includes paper in games and novelties cards etc
sect Valid default values for separating out paper and paperboard sub-categories for recovery and discards were not
available Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
^ Table 4 does not include 10000 tons of paper used in durable goods and 50000 tons tissue in disposable
diapers (Table 1) Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 5
GLASS PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods 2190 Neg Neg 2190
Containers and Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 5530 2270 410 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1850 630 341 1220
Other Bottles and Jars 2000 300 150 1700
Total Glass Containers 9380 3200 341 6180
Total Glass 11570 3200 277 8370
Glass as a component of appliances furniture consumer electronics etc
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink
alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 6
METAL PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods
Ferrous Metals 14570 3940 270 10630
Aluminum 1520 NA 1520
Leaddagger 1420 1360 96 60
Other Nonferrous MetalsDagger 580 Neg Neg 580 Total Metals in Durable Goods 18090 5300 293 12790
Nondurable Goods
Aluminum 190 Neg Neg 190
Containers and Packaging
Steel
Cans 1850 1310 708 540
Other Steel Packaging 380 300 789 80 Total Steel Packaging 2230 1610 722 620
Aluminum
Beer and Soft Drink Canssect 1300 710 546 590
Other Cans 120 NA 120
Foil and Closures 450 NA 450 Total Aluminum Packaging 1870 710 380 1160
Total Metals in
Containers and Packaging 4100 2320 566 1780
Total Metals 22380 7620 340 14760
Ferrous 16800 5550 330 11250
Aluminum 3580 710 198 2870
Other nonferrous 2000 1360 680 640
Ferrous metals (iron and steel) in appliances furniture tires and miscellaneous durables
Aluminum in appliances furniture and miscellaneous durables
dagger Lead in lead-acid batteries
Dagger Other nonferrous metals in appliances and miscellaneous durables
sect Aluminum can recovery does not include used beverage cans imported to produce new beverage cans
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 7
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Durable Goods
PET 350
HDPE 1230
PVC 220
LDPELLDPE 1980
PP 3920
PS 690
Other resins 3070
Total Plastics in Durable Goods 11460 770 67 10690
Nondurable GoodsDagger
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
LDPELLDPE 20 20
PLA 20 20
PP 190 190
PS 830 830
Subtotal Plastic Plates and Cups 1060 Neg Neg 1060
Trash Bags
HDPE 220 220
LDPELLDPE 800 800
Subtotal Trash Bags 1020 1020
All other nondurables
PET 540
HDPE 520
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1160
PLA PLA 20 20
PP 1200
PS 200
Other resins 560
Subtotal All Other Nondurables 4430 130 29 4300
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods by resin
PET 540
HDPE 740
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1980
PLA 40
PP 1390
PS 1030
Other resins 560
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods 6510 130 20 6380
Plastic Containers amp Packaging
Bottles and Jars
PET 2790 860 308 1930
Natural Bottlesdagger
HDPE 780 220 282 560
Dagger Nondurable goods other than containers and packaging sect
Due to source data aggregation PET cups are included in Other Plastic Packaging
All other nondurables include plastics in disposable diapers clothing footwear etc
Injection stretch blow molded PET containers as identified in Report on Postconsumer PET Container Recycling Activity in 2012 National
Association for PET Container Resources Recovery includes caps lids and other material collected with PET bottles and jars
dagger White translucent homopolymer bottles as defined in the 2007 United States National Postconsumer Plastics Bottles Recycling Report
American Chemistry Council and the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers
Neg = negligible less than 5000 tons
PET 3630 880 242 2750
Table 7 (continued)
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Plastic Containers amp Packaging cont
Other plastic containers
HDPE 1410 290 206 1120
PVC 40 Neg 40
LDPELLDPE 40 Neg 40
PP 280 20 71 260
PS 80 Neg 80
Subtotal Other Containers 1850 310 168 1540
Bags sacks amp wraps
HDPE 700 50 71 650
PVC 50 50
LDPELLDPE 2280 390 171 1890
PP 640 640
PS 140 140
Subtotal Bags Sacks amp Wraps 3810 440 115 3370
Other Plastics PackagingDagger
PET 840 20 24 820
HDPE 670 10 15 660
PVC 330 Neg 330
LDPELLDPE 1070 Neg 1070
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 960 20 21 940
PS 300 20 67 280
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Subtotal Other Packaging 4550 70 15 4480
Total Plastics in Containers amp Packaging by resin
PET 3630 880 242 2750
HDPE 3560 570 160 2990
PVC 420 Neg 420
LDPELLDPE 3390 390 115 3000
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 1880 40 21 1840
PS 520 20 38 500
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Total Plastics in Cont amp Packaging 13780 1900 138 11880
Total Plastics in MSW by resin
PET 4520 880 195 3640
HDPE 5530 570 103 4960
PVC 870 Neg 870
LDPELLDPE 7350 390 53 6960
PLA 50 Neg 50
PP 7190 40 06 7150
PS 2240 20 09 2220
Other resins 4000 900 225 3100
Total Plastics in MSW 31750 2800 88 28950
HDPE = High density polyethylene PET = Polyethylene terephthalate PS = Polystyrene
LDPE = Low density polyethylene PP = Polypropylene PVC = Polyvinyl chloride
LLDPE = Linear low density polyethylene PLA = Polylactide
Dagger Other plastic packaging includes coatings closures lids PET cups caps clamshells egg cartons produce baskets trays shapes loose fill etc
PP caps and lids recovered with PET bottles and jars are included in the recovery estimate for PET bottles and jars
Other resins include commingledundefined plastic packaging recovery
Some detail of recovery by resin omitted due to lack of data
Table 8
RUBBER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Durable Goods
Rubber in Tires
Other Durables Total Rubber amp Leather
Durable Goods
3020
3500
6520
1350
Neg
1350
447
Neg
207
1670
3500
5170
Nondurable Goods
Clothing and Footwear
Other Nondurables Total Rubber amp Leather
Nondurable Goods
770
240
1010
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
770
240
1010
Total Rubber amp Leather 7530 1350 179 6180
Automobile and truck tires Does not include other materials in tires
Includes carpets and rugs and other miscellaneous durables
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Table 9
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
9920
17330
27370
14660
25060
43560
21800
34420
52670
29810
52170
64530
38870
64010
75840
45060
63650
76330
47060
58690
75750
48770
53200
75470
49560
51610
75320
50030
51340
75230
Total Product Wastes 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
113
197
311
121
207
360
144
227
347
143
250
310
160
263
312
178
251
301
186
232
300
195
212
301
198
206
301
199
205
300
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Table 10
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
350
2390
2870
940
3730
3350
1360
4670
8490
3460
8800
16780
6580
17560
28870
7970
19770
31500
8530
19310
34060
9120
19190
36680
9210
18830
38270
9270
17270
38750
Total Product Wastes 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Category
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
35
138
105
64
149
77
62
136
161
116
169
260
169
274
381
177
311
413
181
329
450
187
361
486
186
365
508
185
336
515
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Other than food products
^ Includes recovery of soiled paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 2
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each material)
Thousands of Tons
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
5080
100
50
Neg
Neg
50
Neg
330
50
Neg
Neg
6770
160
150
10
320
480
Neg
250
60
Neg
300
11740
750
370
310
540
1220
20
130
160
Neg
500
20230
2630
2230
1010
730
3970
370
370
660
130
680
37560
2880
4680
860
1060
6600
1480
820
1320
1370
980
41960
2590
5020
690
1280
6990
1780
1050
1830
1830
1210
42940
2810
5330
720
1340
7390
2140
1270
1950
2120
1280
44570
3130
5770
680
1400
7850
2500
1320
2010
2280
1330
45900
3170
5460
720
1370
7550
2660
1350
2020
2350
1310
44360
3200
5550
710
1360
7620
2800
1350
2250
2410
1300
Total Materials in Products 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Material
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
169
15
05
Neg
Neg
05
Neg
179
28
Neg
Neg
153
13
12
13
478
35
Neg
84
29
Neg
390
213
50
29
179
466
79
03
31
63
Neg
198
278
201
176
359
664
240
22
64
114
11
213
428
226
331
270
663
348
58
123
139
101
245
495
207
330
207
688
343
61
144
159
124
282
555
231
334
211
691
347
71
168
154
137
275
625
271
343
194
693
351
80
177
153
145
283
656
276
330
205
685
342
84
178
154
149
283
646
277
330
198
680
340
88
179
157
152
283
Total Materials in Products 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Recovery of electrolytes in batteries probably not recycled
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
^ Includes recovery of paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 3
MATERIALS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
24910
6620
10250
340
180
10770
390
1510
1710
3030
70
37540
12580
12210
790
350
13350
2900
2720
1980
3720
470
43420
14380
12250
1420
620
14290
6810
4070
2370
7010
2020
52500
10470
10410
1800
370
12580
16760
5420
5150
12080
2510
50180
9890
9470
2330
540
12340
24070
5850
8160
12200
3020
42880
9950
10190
2640
580
13410
27600
6240
9680
12960
3080
34480
9340
10620
2690
600
13910
28120
6300
10750
13330
3370
26740
8400
11060
2820
620
14500
28790
6120
11100
13430
3370
24120
8300
11080
2790
630
14500
29180
6230
11100
13430
3320
24260
8370
11250
2870
640
14760
28950
6180
12080
13410
3300
Total Materials in Products 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
302
80
124
04
02
131
05
18
21
37
01
332
111
108
07
03
118
26
24
18
33
04
317
105
89
10
05
104
50
30
17
51
15
300
60
59
10
02
72
96
31
29
69
14
288
57
54
13
03
71
138
34
47
70
17
247
57
59
15
03
77
159
36
56
75
18
205
55
63
16
04
83
167
37
64
79
20
162
51
67
17
04
88
174
37
67
81
20
148
51
68
17
04
89
178
38
68
82
20
148
51
68
17
04
90
176
38
74
82
20
Total Materials in Products 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Includes electrolytes in batteries and fluff pulp feces and urine in disposable diapers
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 4
PAPER AND PAPERBOARD PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger 8380 5870 700 2510
Books 860
Magazines
Office-type Papers
Standard Mail
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Subtotal Nondurable Goods
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
excluding NewspaperMechanical Paperssect
Total Paper and Paperboard
Nondurable Goods
22170
30550
9570
15440
432
505
12600
15110
Containers and Packaging
Corrugated Boxes 29480 26810 909 2670
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger
Folding Cartons
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks
Other Paper Packaging
Subtotal Containers and Packaging
excluding Corrugated Boxessect
Total Paper and Paperboard
Containers and Packaging
550
5490
70
960
1460
8530
38010
2110
28920
247
761
6420
9090
Total Paper and Paperboard^ 68560 44360 647 24200
Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical dagger papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing
High-grade papers such as copy paper and printer paper both residential and commercial Formerly called Third Class Mail by the US Postal Service
Includes paper in games and novelties cards etc
sect Valid default values for separating out paper and paperboard sub-categories for recovery and discards were not
available Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
^ Table 4 does not include 10000 tons of paper used in durable goods and 50000 tons tissue in disposable
diapers (Table 1) Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 5
GLASS PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods 2190 Neg Neg 2190
Containers and Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 5530 2270 410 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1850 630 341 1220
Other Bottles and Jars 2000 300 150 1700
Total Glass Containers 9380 3200 341 6180
Total Glass 11570 3200 277 8370
Glass as a component of appliances furniture consumer electronics etc
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink
alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 6
METAL PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods
Ferrous Metals 14570 3940 270 10630
Aluminum 1520 NA 1520
Leaddagger 1420 1360 96 60
Other Nonferrous MetalsDagger 580 Neg Neg 580 Total Metals in Durable Goods 18090 5300 293 12790
Nondurable Goods
Aluminum 190 Neg Neg 190
Containers and Packaging
Steel
Cans 1850 1310 708 540
Other Steel Packaging 380 300 789 80 Total Steel Packaging 2230 1610 722 620
Aluminum
Beer and Soft Drink Canssect 1300 710 546 590
Other Cans 120 NA 120
Foil and Closures 450 NA 450 Total Aluminum Packaging 1870 710 380 1160
Total Metals in
Containers and Packaging 4100 2320 566 1780
Total Metals 22380 7620 340 14760
Ferrous 16800 5550 330 11250
Aluminum 3580 710 198 2870
Other nonferrous 2000 1360 680 640
Ferrous metals (iron and steel) in appliances furniture tires and miscellaneous durables
Aluminum in appliances furniture and miscellaneous durables
dagger Lead in lead-acid batteries
Dagger Other nonferrous metals in appliances and miscellaneous durables
sect Aluminum can recovery does not include used beverage cans imported to produce new beverage cans
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 7
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Durable Goods
PET 350
HDPE 1230
PVC 220
LDPELLDPE 1980
PP 3920
PS 690
Other resins 3070
Total Plastics in Durable Goods 11460 770 67 10690
Nondurable GoodsDagger
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
LDPELLDPE 20 20
PLA 20 20
PP 190 190
PS 830 830
Subtotal Plastic Plates and Cups 1060 Neg Neg 1060
Trash Bags
HDPE 220 220
LDPELLDPE 800 800
Subtotal Trash Bags 1020 1020
All other nondurables
PET 540
HDPE 520
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1160
PLA PLA 20 20
PP 1200
PS 200
Other resins 560
Subtotal All Other Nondurables 4430 130 29 4300
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods by resin
PET 540
HDPE 740
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1980
PLA 40
PP 1390
PS 1030
Other resins 560
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods 6510 130 20 6380
Plastic Containers amp Packaging
Bottles and Jars
PET 2790 860 308 1930
Natural Bottlesdagger
HDPE 780 220 282 560
Dagger Nondurable goods other than containers and packaging sect
Due to source data aggregation PET cups are included in Other Plastic Packaging
All other nondurables include plastics in disposable diapers clothing footwear etc
Injection stretch blow molded PET containers as identified in Report on Postconsumer PET Container Recycling Activity in 2012 National
Association for PET Container Resources Recovery includes caps lids and other material collected with PET bottles and jars
dagger White translucent homopolymer bottles as defined in the 2007 United States National Postconsumer Plastics Bottles Recycling Report
American Chemistry Council and the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers
Neg = negligible less than 5000 tons
PET 3630 880 242 2750
Table 7 (continued)
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Plastic Containers amp Packaging cont
Other plastic containers
HDPE 1410 290 206 1120
PVC 40 Neg 40
LDPELLDPE 40 Neg 40
PP 280 20 71 260
PS 80 Neg 80
Subtotal Other Containers 1850 310 168 1540
Bags sacks amp wraps
HDPE 700 50 71 650
PVC 50 50
LDPELLDPE 2280 390 171 1890
PP 640 640
PS 140 140
Subtotal Bags Sacks amp Wraps 3810 440 115 3370
Other Plastics PackagingDagger
PET 840 20 24 820
HDPE 670 10 15 660
PVC 330 Neg 330
LDPELLDPE 1070 Neg 1070
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 960 20 21 940
PS 300 20 67 280
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Subtotal Other Packaging 4550 70 15 4480
Total Plastics in Containers amp Packaging by resin
PET 3630 880 242 2750
HDPE 3560 570 160 2990
PVC 420 Neg 420
LDPELLDPE 3390 390 115 3000
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 1880 40 21 1840
PS 520 20 38 500
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Total Plastics in Cont amp Packaging 13780 1900 138 11880
Total Plastics in MSW by resin
PET 4520 880 195 3640
HDPE 5530 570 103 4960
PVC 870 Neg 870
LDPELLDPE 7350 390 53 6960
PLA 50 Neg 50
PP 7190 40 06 7150
PS 2240 20 09 2220
Other resins 4000 900 225 3100
Total Plastics in MSW 31750 2800 88 28950
HDPE = High density polyethylene PET = Polyethylene terephthalate PS = Polystyrene
LDPE = Low density polyethylene PP = Polypropylene PVC = Polyvinyl chloride
LLDPE = Linear low density polyethylene PLA = Polylactide
Dagger Other plastic packaging includes coatings closures lids PET cups caps clamshells egg cartons produce baskets trays shapes loose fill etc
PP caps and lids recovered with PET bottles and jars are included in the recovery estimate for PET bottles and jars
Other resins include commingledundefined plastic packaging recovery
Some detail of recovery by resin omitted due to lack of data
Table 8
RUBBER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Durable Goods
Rubber in Tires
Other Durables Total Rubber amp Leather
Durable Goods
3020
3500
6520
1350
Neg
1350
447
Neg
207
1670
3500
5170
Nondurable Goods
Clothing and Footwear
Other Nondurables Total Rubber amp Leather
Nondurable Goods
770
240
1010
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
770
240
1010
Total Rubber amp Leather 7530 1350 179 6180
Automobile and truck tires Does not include other materials in tires
Includes carpets and rugs and other miscellaneous durables
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Table 9
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
9920
17330
27370
14660
25060
43560
21800
34420
52670
29810
52170
64530
38870
64010
75840
45060
63650
76330
47060
58690
75750
48770
53200
75470
49560
51610
75320
50030
51340
75230
Total Product Wastes 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
113
197
311
121
207
360
144
227
347
143
250
310
160
263
312
178
251
301
186
232
300
195
212
301
198
206
301
199
205
300
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Table 10
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
350
2390
2870
940
3730
3350
1360
4670
8490
3460
8800
16780
6580
17560
28870
7970
19770
31500
8530
19310
34060
9120
19190
36680
9210
18830
38270
9270
17270
38750
Total Product Wastes 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Category
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
35
138
105
64
149
77
62
136
161
116
169
260
169
274
381
177
311
413
181
329
450
187
361
486
186
365
508
185
336
515
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Other than food products
^ Includes recovery of soiled paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 3
MATERIALS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
24910
6620
10250
340
180
10770
390
1510
1710
3030
70
37540
12580
12210
790
350
13350
2900
2720
1980
3720
470
43420
14380
12250
1420
620
14290
6810
4070
2370
7010
2020
52500
10470
10410
1800
370
12580
16760
5420
5150
12080
2510
50180
9890
9470
2330
540
12340
24070
5850
8160
12200
3020
42880
9950
10190
2640
580
13410
27600
6240
9680
12960
3080
34480
9340
10620
2690
600
13910
28120
6300
10750
13330
3370
26740
8400
11060
2820
620
14500
28790
6120
11100
13430
3370
24120
8300
11080
2790
630
14500
29180
6230
11100
13430
3320
24260
8370
11250
2870
640
14760
28950
6180
12080
13410
3300
Total Materials in Products 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Materials 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
302
80
124
04
02
131
05
18
21
37
01
332
111
108
07
03
118
26
24
18
33
04
317
105
89
10
05
104
50
30
17
51
15
300
60
59
10
02
72
96
31
29
69
14
288
57
54
13
03
71
138
34
47
70
17
247
57
59
15
03
77
159
36
56
75
18
205
55
63
16
04
83
167
37
64
79
20
162
51
67
17
04
88
174
37
67
81
20
148
51
68
17
04
89
178
38
68
82
20
148
51
68
17
04
90
176
38
74
82
20
Total Materials in Products 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Includes electrolytes in batteries and fluff pulp feces and urine in disposable diapers
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 4
PAPER AND PAPERBOARD PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger 8380 5870 700 2510
Books 860
Magazines
Office-type Papers
Standard Mail
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Subtotal Nondurable Goods
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
excluding NewspaperMechanical Paperssect
Total Paper and Paperboard
Nondurable Goods
22170
30550
9570
15440
432
505
12600
15110
Containers and Packaging
Corrugated Boxes 29480 26810 909 2670
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger
Folding Cartons
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks
Other Paper Packaging
Subtotal Containers and Packaging
excluding Corrugated Boxessect
Total Paper and Paperboard
Containers and Packaging
550
5490
70
960
1460
8530
38010
2110
28920
247
761
6420
9090
Total Paper and Paperboard^ 68560 44360 647 24200
Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical dagger papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing
High-grade papers such as copy paper and printer paper both residential and commercial Formerly called Third Class Mail by the US Postal Service
Includes paper in games and novelties cards etc
sect Valid default values for separating out paper and paperboard sub-categories for recovery and discards were not
available Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
^ Table 4 does not include 10000 tons of paper used in durable goods and 50000 tons tissue in disposable
diapers (Table 1) Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 5
GLASS PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods 2190 Neg Neg 2190
Containers and Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 5530 2270 410 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1850 630 341 1220
Other Bottles and Jars 2000 300 150 1700
Total Glass Containers 9380 3200 341 6180
Total Glass 11570 3200 277 8370
Glass as a component of appliances furniture consumer electronics etc
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink
alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 6
METAL PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods
Ferrous Metals 14570 3940 270 10630
Aluminum 1520 NA 1520
Leaddagger 1420 1360 96 60
Other Nonferrous MetalsDagger 580 Neg Neg 580 Total Metals in Durable Goods 18090 5300 293 12790
Nondurable Goods
Aluminum 190 Neg Neg 190
Containers and Packaging
Steel
Cans 1850 1310 708 540
Other Steel Packaging 380 300 789 80 Total Steel Packaging 2230 1610 722 620
Aluminum
Beer and Soft Drink Canssect 1300 710 546 590
Other Cans 120 NA 120
Foil and Closures 450 NA 450 Total Aluminum Packaging 1870 710 380 1160
Total Metals in
Containers and Packaging 4100 2320 566 1780
Total Metals 22380 7620 340 14760
Ferrous 16800 5550 330 11250
Aluminum 3580 710 198 2870
Other nonferrous 2000 1360 680 640
Ferrous metals (iron and steel) in appliances furniture tires and miscellaneous durables
Aluminum in appliances furniture and miscellaneous durables
dagger Lead in lead-acid batteries
Dagger Other nonferrous metals in appliances and miscellaneous durables
sect Aluminum can recovery does not include used beverage cans imported to produce new beverage cans
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 7
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Durable Goods
PET 350
HDPE 1230
PVC 220
LDPELLDPE 1980
PP 3920
PS 690
Other resins 3070
Total Plastics in Durable Goods 11460 770 67 10690
Nondurable GoodsDagger
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
LDPELLDPE 20 20
PLA 20 20
PP 190 190
PS 830 830
Subtotal Plastic Plates and Cups 1060 Neg Neg 1060
Trash Bags
HDPE 220 220
LDPELLDPE 800 800
Subtotal Trash Bags 1020 1020
All other nondurables
PET 540
HDPE 520
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1160
PLA PLA 20 20
PP 1200
PS 200
Other resins 560
Subtotal All Other Nondurables 4430 130 29 4300
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods by resin
PET 540
HDPE 740
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1980
PLA 40
PP 1390
PS 1030
Other resins 560
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods 6510 130 20 6380
Plastic Containers amp Packaging
Bottles and Jars
PET 2790 860 308 1930
Natural Bottlesdagger
HDPE 780 220 282 560
Dagger Nondurable goods other than containers and packaging sect
Due to source data aggregation PET cups are included in Other Plastic Packaging
All other nondurables include plastics in disposable diapers clothing footwear etc
Injection stretch blow molded PET containers as identified in Report on Postconsumer PET Container Recycling Activity in 2012 National
Association for PET Container Resources Recovery includes caps lids and other material collected with PET bottles and jars
dagger White translucent homopolymer bottles as defined in the 2007 United States National Postconsumer Plastics Bottles Recycling Report
American Chemistry Council and the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers
Neg = negligible less than 5000 tons
PET 3630 880 242 2750
Table 7 (continued)
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Plastic Containers amp Packaging cont
Other plastic containers
HDPE 1410 290 206 1120
PVC 40 Neg 40
LDPELLDPE 40 Neg 40
PP 280 20 71 260
PS 80 Neg 80
Subtotal Other Containers 1850 310 168 1540
Bags sacks amp wraps
HDPE 700 50 71 650
PVC 50 50
LDPELLDPE 2280 390 171 1890
PP 640 640
PS 140 140
Subtotal Bags Sacks amp Wraps 3810 440 115 3370
Other Plastics PackagingDagger
PET 840 20 24 820
HDPE 670 10 15 660
PVC 330 Neg 330
LDPELLDPE 1070 Neg 1070
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 960 20 21 940
PS 300 20 67 280
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Subtotal Other Packaging 4550 70 15 4480
Total Plastics in Containers amp Packaging by resin
PET 3630 880 242 2750
HDPE 3560 570 160 2990
PVC 420 Neg 420
LDPELLDPE 3390 390 115 3000
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 1880 40 21 1840
PS 520 20 38 500
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Total Plastics in Cont amp Packaging 13780 1900 138 11880
Total Plastics in MSW by resin
PET 4520 880 195 3640
HDPE 5530 570 103 4960
PVC 870 Neg 870
LDPELLDPE 7350 390 53 6960
PLA 50 Neg 50
PP 7190 40 06 7150
PS 2240 20 09 2220
Other resins 4000 900 225 3100
Total Plastics in MSW 31750 2800 88 28950
HDPE = High density polyethylene PET = Polyethylene terephthalate PS = Polystyrene
LDPE = Low density polyethylene PP = Polypropylene PVC = Polyvinyl chloride
LLDPE = Linear low density polyethylene PLA = Polylactide
Dagger Other plastic packaging includes coatings closures lids PET cups caps clamshells egg cartons produce baskets trays shapes loose fill etc
PP caps and lids recovered with PET bottles and jars are included in the recovery estimate for PET bottles and jars
Other resins include commingledundefined plastic packaging recovery
Some detail of recovery by resin omitted due to lack of data
Table 8
RUBBER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Durable Goods
Rubber in Tires
Other Durables Total Rubber amp Leather
Durable Goods
3020
3500
6520
1350
Neg
1350
447
Neg
207
1670
3500
5170
Nondurable Goods
Clothing and Footwear
Other Nondurables Total Rubber amp Leather
Nondurable Goods
770
240
1010
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
770
240
1010
Total Rubber amp Leather 7530 1350 179 6180
Automobile and truck tires Does not include other materials in tires
Includes carpets and rugs and other miscellaneous durables
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Table 9
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
9920
17330
27370
14660
25060
43560
21800
34420
52670
29810
52170
64530
38870
64010
75840
45060
63650
76330
47060
58690
75750
48770
53200
75470
49560
51610
75320
50030
51340
75230
Total Product Wastes 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
113
197
311
121
207
360
144
227
347
143
250
310
160
263
312
178
251
301
186
232
300
195
212
301
198
206
301
199
205
300
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Table 10
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
350
2390
2870
940
3730
3350
1360
4670
8490
3460
8800
16780
6580
17560
28870
7970
19770
31500
8530
19310
34060
9120
19190
36680
9210
18830
38270
9270
17270
38750
Total Product Wastes 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Category
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
35
138
105
64
149
77
62
136
161
116
169
260
169
274
381
177
311
413
181
329
450
187
361
486
186
365
508
185
336
515
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Other than food products
^ Includes recovery of soiled paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 4
PAPER AND PAPERBOARD PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger 8380 5870 700 2510
Books 860
Magazines
Office-type Papers
Standard Mail
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Subtotal Nondurable Goods
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
excluding NewspaperMechanical Paperssect
Total Paper and Paperboard
Nondurable Goods
22170
30550
9570
15440
432
505
12600
15110
Containers and Packaging
Corrugated Boxes 29480 26810 909 2670
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger
Folding Cartons
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks
Other Paper Packaging
Subtotal Containers and Packaging
excluding Corrugated Boxessect
Total Paper and Paperboard
Containers and Packaging
550
5490
70
960
1460
8530
38010
2110
28920
247
761
6420
9090
Total Paper and Paperboard^ 68560 44360 647 24200
Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical dagger papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing
High-grade papers such as copy paper and printer paper both residential and commercial Formerly called Third Class Mail by the US Postal Service
Includes paper in games and novelties cards etc
sect Valid default values for separating out paper and paperboard sub-categories for recovery and discards were not
available Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
^ Table 4 does not include 10000 tons of paper used in durable goods and 50000 tons tissue in disposable
diapers (Table 1) Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 5
GLASS PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods 2190 Neg Neg 2190
Containers and Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 5530 2270 410 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1850 630 341 1220
Other Bottles and Jars 2000 300 150 1700
Total Glass Containers 9380 3200 341 6180
Total Glass 11570 3200 277 8370
Glass as a component of appliances furniture consumer electronics etc
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink
alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 6
METAL PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods
Ferrous Metals 14570 3940 270 10630
Aluminum 1520 NA 1520
Leaddagger 1420 1360 96 60
Other Nonferrous MetalsDagger 580 Neg Neg 580 Total Metals in Durable Goods 18090 5300 293 12790
Nondurable Goods
Aluminum 190 Neg Neg 190
Containers and Packaging
Steel
Cans 1850 1310 708 540
Other Steel Packaging 380 300 789 80 Total Steel Packaging 2230 1610 722 620
Aluminum
Beer and Soft Drink Canssect 1300 710 546 590
Other Cans 120 NA 120
Foil and Closures 450 NA 450 Total Aluminum Packaging 1870 710 380 1160
Total Metals in
Containers and Packaging 4100 2320 566 1780
Total Metals 22380 7620 340 14760
Ferrous 16800 5550 330 11250
Aluminum 3580 710 198 2870
Other nonferrous 2000 1360 680 640
Ferrous metals (iron and steel) in appliances furniture tires and miscellaneous durables
Aluminum in appliances furniture and miscellaneous durables
dagger Lead in lead-acid batteries
Dagger Other nonferrous metals in appliances and miscellaneous durables
sect Aluminum can recovery does not include used beverage cans imported to produce new beverage cans
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 7
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Durable Goods
PET 350
HDPE 1230
PVC 220
LDPELLDPE 1980
PP 3920
PS 690
Other resins 3070
Total Plastics in Durable Goods 11460 770 67 10690
Nondurable GoodsDagger
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
LDPELLDPE 20 20
PLA 20 20
PP 190 190
PS 830 830
Subtotal Plastic Plates and Cups 1060 Neg Neg 1060
Trash Bags
HDPE 220 220
LDPELLDPE 800 800
Subtotal Trash Bags 1020 1020
All other nondurables
PET 540
HDPE 520
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1160
PLA PLA 20 20
PP 1200
PS 200
Other resins 560
Subtotal All Other Nondurables 4430 130 29 4300
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods by resin
PET 540
HDPE 740
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1980
PLA 40
PP 1390
PS 1030
Other resins 560
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods 6510 130 20 6380
Plastic Containers amp Packaging
Bottles and Jars
PET 2790 860 308 1930
Natural Bottlesdagger
HDPE 780 220 282 560
Dagger Nondurable goods other than containers and packaging sect
Due to source data aggregation PET cups are included in Other Plastic Packaging
All other nondurables include plastics in disposable diapers clothing footwear etc
Injection stretch blow molded PET containers as identified in Report on Postconsumer PET Container Recycling Activity in 2012 National
Association for PET Container Resources Recovery includes caps lids and other material collected with PET bottles and jars
dagger White translucent homopolymer bottles as defined in the 2007 United States National Postconsumer Plastics Bottles Recycling Report
American Chemistry Council and the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers
Neg = negligible less than 5000 tons
PET 3630 880 242 2750
Table 7 (continued)
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Plastic Containers amp Packaging cont
Other plastic containers
HDPE 1410 290 206 1120
PVC 40 Neg 40
LDPELLDPE 40 Neg 40
PP 280 20 71 260
PS 80 Neg 80
Subtotal Other Containers 1850 310 168 1540
Bags sacks amp wraps
HDPE 700 50 71 650
PVC 50 50
LDPELLDPE 2280 390 171 1890
PP 640 640
PS 140 140
Subtotal Bags Sacks amp Wraps 3810 440 115 3370
Other Plastics PackagingDagger
PET 840 20 24 820
HDPE 670 10 15 660
PVC 330 Neg 330
LDPELLDPE 1070 Neg 1070
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 960 20 21 940
PS 300 20 67 280
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Subtotal Other Packaging 4550 70 15 4480
Total Plastics in Containers amp Packaging by resin
PET 3630 880 242 2750
HDPE 3560 570 160 2990
PVC 420 Neg 420
LDPELLDPE 3390 390 115 3000
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 1880 40 21 1840
PS 520 20 38 500
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Total Plastics in Cont amp Packaging 13780 1900 138 11880
Total Plastics in MSW by resin
PET 4520 880 195 3640
HDPE 5530 570 103 4960
PVC 870 Neg 870
LDPELLDPE 7350 390 53 6960
PLA 50 Neg 50
PP 7190 40 06 7150
PS 2240 20 09 2220
Other resins 4000 900 225 3100
Total Plastics in MSW 31750 2800 88 28950
HDPE = High density polyethylene PET = Polyethylene terephthalate PS = Polystyrene
LDPE = Low density polyethylene PP = Polypropylene PVC = Polyvinyl chloride
LLDPE = Linear low density polyethylene PLA = Polylactide
Dagger Other plastic packaging includes coatings closures lids PET cups caps clamshells egg cartons produce baskets trays shapes loose fill etc
PP caps and lids recovered with PET bottles and jars are included in the recovery estimate for PET bottles and jars
Other resins include commingledundefined plastic packaging recovery
Some detail of recovery by resin omitted due to lack of data
Table 8
RUBBER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Durable Goods
Rubber in Tires
Other Durables Total Rubber amp Leather
Durable Goods
3020
3500
6520
1350
Neg
1350
447
Neg
207
1670
3500
5170
Nondurable Goods
Clothing and Footwear
Other Nondurables Total Rubber amp Leather
Nondurable Goods
770
240
1010
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
770
240
1010
Total Rubber amp Leather 7530 1350 179 6180
Automobile and truck tires Does not include other materials in tires
Includes carpets and rugs and other miscellaneous durables
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Table 9
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
9920
17330
27370
14660
25060
43560
21800
34420
52670
29810
52170
64530
38870
64010
75840
45060
63650
76330
47060
58690
75750
48770
53200
75470
49560
51610
75320
50030
51340
75230
Total Product Wastes 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
113
197
311
121
207
360
144
227
347
143
250
310
160
263
312
178
251
301
186
232
300
195
212
301
198
206
301
199
205
300
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Table 10
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
350
2390
2870
940
3730
3350
1360
4670
8490
3460
8800
16780
6580
17560
28870
7970
19770
31500
8530
19310
34060
9120
19190
36680
9210
18830
38270
9270
17270
38750
Total Product Wastes 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Category
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
35
138
105
64
149
77
62
136
161
116
169
260
169
274
381
177
311
413
181
329
450
187
361
486
186
365
508
185
336
515
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Other than food products
^ Includes recovery of soiled paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 5
GLASS PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods 2190 Neg Neg 2190
Containers and Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 5530 2270 410 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1850 630 341 1220
Other Bottles and Jars 2000 300 150 1700
Total Glass Containers 9380 3200 341 6180
Total Glass 11570 3200 277 8370
Glass as a component of appliances furniture consumer electronics etc
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink
alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 6
METAL PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods
Ferrous Metals 14570 3940 270 10630
Aluminum 1520 NA 1520
Leaddagger 1420 1360 96 60
Other Nonferrous MetalsDagger 580 Neg Neg 580 Total Metals in Durable Goods 18090 5300 293 12790
Nondurable Goods
Aluminum 190 Neg Neg 190
Containers and Packaging
Steel
Cans 1850 1310 708 540
Other Steel Packaging 380 300 789 80 Total Steel Packaging 2230 1610 722 620
Aluminum
Beer and Soft Drink Canssect 1300 710 546 590
Other Cans 120 NA 120
Foil and Closures 450 NA 450 Total Aluminum Packaging 1870 710 380 1160
Total Metals in
Containers and Packaging 4100 2320 566 1780
Total Metals 22380 7620 340 14760
Ferrous 16800 5550 330 11250
Aluminum 3580 710 198 2870
Other nonferrous 2000 1360 680 640
Ferrous metals (iron and steel) in appliances furniture tires and miscellaneous durables
Aluminum in appliances furniture and miscellaneous durables
dagger Lead in lead-acid batteries
Dagger Other nonferrous metals in appliances and miscellaneous durables
sect Aluminum can recovery does not include used beverage cans imported to produce new beverage cans
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 7
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Durable Goods
PET 350
HDPE 1230
PVC 220
LDPELLDPE 1980
PP 3920
PS 690
Other resins 3070
Total Plastics in Durable Goods 11460 770 67 10690
Nondurable GoodsDagger
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
LDPELLDPE 20 20
PLA 20 20
PP 190 190
PS 830 830
Subtotal Plastic Plates and Cups 1060 Neg Neg 1060
Trash Bags
HDPE 220 220
LDPELLDPE 800 800
Subtotal Trash Bags 1020 1020
All other nondurables
PET 540
HDPE 520
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1160
PLA PLA 20 20
PP 1200
PS 200
Other resins 560
Subtotal All Other Nondurables 4430 130 29 4300
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods by resin
PET 540
HDPE 740
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1980
PLA 40
PP 1390
PS 1030
Other resins 560
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods 6510 130 20 6380
Plastic Containers amp Packaging
Bottles and Jars
PET 2790 860 308 1930
Natural Bottlesdagger
HDPE 780 220 282 560
Dagger Nondurable goods other than containers and packaging sect
Due to source data aggregation PET cups are included in Other Plastic Packaging
All other nondurables include plastics in disposable diapers clothing footwear etc
Injection stretch blow molded PET containers as identified in Report on Postconsumer PET Container Recycling Activity in 2012 National
Association for PET Container Resources Recovery includes caps lids and other material collected with PET bottles and jars
dagger White translucent homopolymer bottles as defined in the 2007 United States National Postconsumer Plastics Bottles Recycling Report
American Chemistry Council and the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers
Neg = negligible less than 5000 tons
PET 3630 880 242 2750
Table 7 (continued)
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Plastic Containers amp Packaging cont
Other plastic containers
HDPE 1410 290 206 1120
PVC 40 Neg 40
LDPELLDPE 40 Neg 40
PP 280 20 71 260
PS 80 Neg 80
Subtotal Other Containers 1850 310 168 1540
Bags sacks amp wraps
HDPE 700 50 71 650
PVC 50 50
LDPELLDPE 2280 390 171 1890
PP 640 640
PS 140 140
Subtotal Bags Sacks amp Wraps 3810 440 115 3370
Other Plastics PackagingDagger
PET 840 20 24 820
HDPE 670 10 15 660
PVC 330 Neg 330
LDPELLDPE 1070 Neg 1070
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 960 20 21 940
PS 300 20 67 280
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Subtotal Other Packaging 4550 70 15 4480
Total Plastics in Containers amp Packaging by resin
PET 3630 880 242 2750
HDPE 3560 570 160 2990
PVC 420 Neg 420
LDPELLDPE 3390 390 115 3000
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 1880 40 21 1840
PS 520 20 38 500
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Total Plastics in Cont amp Packaging 13780 1900 138 11880
Total Plastics in MSW by resin
PET 4520 880 195 3640
HDPE 5530 570 103 4960
PVC 870 Neg 870
LDPELLDPE 7350 390 53 6960
PLA 50 Neg 50
PP 7190 40 06 7150
PS 2240 20 09 2220
Other resins 4000 900 225 3100
Total Plastics in MSW 31750 2800 88 28950
HDPE = High density polyethylene PET = Polyethylene terephthalate PS = Polystyrene
LDPE = Low density polyethylene PP = Polypropylene PVC = Polyvinyl chloride
LLDPE = Linear low density polyethylene PLA = Polylactide
Dagger Other plastic packaging includes coatings closures lids PET cups caps clamshells egg cartons produce baskets trays shapes loose fill etc
PP caps and lids recovered with PET bottles and jars are included in the recovery estimate for PET bottles and jars
Other resins include commingledundefined plastic packaging recovery
Some detail of recovery by resin omitted due to lack of data
Table 8
RUBBER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Durable Goods
Rubber in Tires
Other Durables Total Rubber amp Leather
Durable Goods
3020
3500
6520
1350
Neg
1350
447
Neg
207
1670
3500
5170
Nondurable Goods
Clothing and Footwear
Other Nondurables Total Rubber amp Leather
Nondurable Goods
770
240
1010
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
770
240
1010
Total Rubber amp Leather 7530 1350 179 6180
Automobile and truck tires Does not include other materials in tires
Includes carpets and rugs and other miscellaneous durables
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Table 9
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
9920
17330
27370
14660
25060
43560
21800
34420
52670
29810
52170
64530
38870
64010
75840
45060
63650
76330
47060
58690
75750
48770
53200
75470
49560
51610
75320
50030
51340
75230
Total Product Wastes 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
113
197
311
121
207
360
144
227
347
143
250
310
160
263
312
178
251
301
186
232
300
195
212
301
198
206
301
199
205
300
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Table 10
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
350
2390
2870
940
3730
3350
1360
4670
8490
3460
8800
16780
6580
17560
28870
7970
19770
31500
8530
19310
34060
9120
19190
36680
9210
18830
38270
9270
17270
38750
Total Product Wastes 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Category
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
35
138
105
64
149
77
62
136
161
116
169
260
169
274
381
177
311
413
181
329
450
187
361
486
186
365
508
185
336
515
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Other than food products
^ Includes recovery of soiled paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 6
METAL PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent of (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) generation) tons)
Durable Goods
Ferrous Metals 14570 3940 270 10630
Aluminum 1520 NA 1520
Leaddagger 1420 1360 96 60
Other Nonferrous MetalsDagger 580 Neg Neg 580 Total Metals in Durable Goods 18090 5300 293 12790
Nondurable Goods
Aluminum 190 Neg Neg 190
Containers and Packaging
Steel
Cans 1850 1310 708 540
Other Steel Packaging 380 300 789 80 Total Steel Packaging 2230 1610 722 620
Aluminum
Beer and Soft Drink Canssect 1300 710 546 590
Other Cans 120 NA 120
Foil and Closures 450 NA 450 Total Aluminum Packaging 1870 710 380 1160
Total Metals in
Containers and Packaging 4100 2320 566 1780
Total Metals 22380 7620 340 14760
Ferrous 16800 5550 330 11250
Aluminum 3580 710 198 2870
Other nonferrous 2000 1360 680 640
Ferrous metals (iron and steel) in appliances furniture tires and miscellaneous durables
Aluminum in appliances furniture and miscellaneous durables
dagger Lead in lead-acid batteries
Dagger Other nonferrous metals in appliances and miscellaneous durables
sect Aluminum can recovery does not include used beverage cans imported to produce new beverage cans
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 7
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Durable Goods
PET 350
HDPE 1230
PVC 220
LDPELLDPE 1980
PP 3920
PS 690
Other resins 3070
Total Plastics in Durable Goods 11460 770 67 10690
Nondurable GoodsDagger
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
LDPELLDPE 20 20
PLA 20 20
PP 190 190
PS 830 830
Subtotal Plastic Plates and Cups 1060 Neg Neg 1060
Trash Bags
HDPE 220 220
LDPELLDPE 800 800
Subtotal Trash Bags 1020 1020
All other nondurables
PET 540
HDPE 520
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1160
PLA PLA 20 20
PP 1200
PS 200
Other resins 560
Subtotal All Other Nondurables 4430 130 29 4300
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods by resin
PET 540
HDPE 740
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1980
PLA 40
PP 1390
PS 1030
Other resins 560
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods 6510 130 20 6380
Plastic Containers amp Packaging
Bottles and Jars
PET 2790 860 308 1930
Natural Bottlesdagger
HDPE 780 220 282 560
Dagger Nondurable goods other than containers and packaging sect
Due to source data aggregation PET cups are included in Other Plastic Packaging
All other nondurables include plastics in disposable diapers clothing footwear etc
Injection stretch blow molded PET containers as identified in Report on Postconsumer PET Container Recycling Activity in 2012 National
Association for PET Container Resources Recovery includes caps lids and other material collected with PET bottles and jars
dagger White translucent homopolymer bottles as defined in the 2007 United States National Postconsumer Plastics Bottles Recycling Report
American Chemistry Council and the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers
Neg = negligible less than 5000 tons
PET 3630 880 242 2750
Table 7 (continued)
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Plastic Containers amp Packaging cont
Other plastic containers
HDPE 1410 290 206 1120
PVC 40 Neg 40
LDPELLDPE 40 Neg 40
PP 280 20 71 260
PS 80 Neg 80
Subtotal Other Containers 1850 310 168 1540
Bags sacks amp wraps
HDPE 700 50 71 650
PVC 50 50
LDPELLDPE 2280 390 171 1890
PP 640 640
PS 140 140
Subtotal Bags Sacks amp Wraps 3810 440 115 3370
Other Plastics PackagingDagger
PET 840 20 24 820
HDPE 670 10 15 660
PVC 330 Neg 330
LDPELLDPE 1070 Neg 1070
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 960 20 21 940
PS 300 20 67 280
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Subtotal Other Packaging 4550 70 15 4480
Total Plastics in Containers amp Packaging by resin
PET 3630 880 242 2750
HDPE 3560 570 160 2990
PVC 420 Neg 420
LDPELLDPE 3390 390 115 3000
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 1880 40 21 1840
PS 520 20 38 500
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Total Plastics in Cont amp Packaging 13780 1900 138 11880
Total Plastics in MSW by resin
PET 4520 880 195 3640
HDPE 5530 570 103 4960
PVC 870 Neg 870
LDPELLDPE 7350 390 53 6960
PLA 50 Neg 50
PP 7190 40 06 7150
PS 2240 20 09 2220
Other resins 4000 900 225 3100
Total Plastics in MSW 31750 2800 88 28950
HDPE = High density polyethylene PET = Polyethylene terephthalate PS = Polystyrene
LDPE = Low density polyethylene PP = Polypropylene PVC = Polyvinyl chloride
LLDPE = Linear low density polyethylene PLA = Polylactide
Dagger Other plastic packaging includes coatings closures lids PET cups caps clamshells egg cartons produce baskets trays shapes loose fill etc
PP caps and lids recovered with PET bottles and jars are included in the recovery estimate for PET bottles and jars
Other resins include commingledundefined plastic packaging recovery
Some detail of recovery by resin omitted due to lack of data
Table 8
RUBBER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Durable Goods
Rubber in Tires
Other Durables Total Rubber amp Leather
Durable Goods
3020
3500
6520
1350
Neg
1350
447
Neg
207
1670
3500
5170
Nondurable Goods
Clothing and Footwear
Other Nondurables Total Rubber amp Leather
Nondurable Goods
770
240
1010
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
770
240
1010
Total Rubber amp Leather 7530 1350 179 6180
Automobile and truck tires Does not include other materials in tires
Includes carpets and rugs and other miscellaneous durables
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Table 9
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
9920
17330
27370
14660
25060
43560
21800
34420
52670
29810
52170
64530
38870
64010
75840
45060
63650
76330
47060
58690
75750
48770
53200
75470
49560
51610
75320
50030
51340
75230
Total Product Wastes 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
113
197
311
121
207
360
144
227
347
143
250
310
160
263
312
178
251
301
186
232
300
195
212
301
198
206
301
199
205
300
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Table 10
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
350
2390
2870
940
3730
3350
1360
4670
8490
3460
8800
16780
6580
17560
28870
7970
19770
31500
8530
19310
34060
9120
19190
36680
9210
18830
38270
9270
17270
38750
Total Product Wastes 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Category
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
35
138
105
64
149
77
62
136
161
116
169
260
169
274
381
177
311
413
181
329
450
187
361
486
186
365
508
185
336
515
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Other than food products
^ Includes recovery of soiled paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 7
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Durable Goods
PET 350
HDPE 1230
PVC 220
LDPELLDPE 1980
PP 3920
PS 690
Other resins 3070
Total Plastics in Durable Goods 11460 770 67 10690
Nondurable GoodsDagger
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
LDPELLDPE 20 20
PLA 20 20
PP 190 190
PS 830 830
Subtotal Plastic Plates and Cups 1060 Neg Neg 1060
Trash Bags
HDPE 220 220
LDPELLDPE 800 800
Subtotal Trash Bags 1020 1020
All other nondurables
PET 540
HDPE 520
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1160
PLA PLA 20 20
PP 1200
PS 200
Other resins 560
Subtotal All Other Nondurables 4430 130 29 4300
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods by resin
PET 540
HDPE 740
PVC 230
LDPELLDPE 1980
PLA 40
PP 1390
PS 1030
Other resins 560
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods 6510 130 20 6380
Plastic Containers amp Packaging
Bottles and Jars
PET 2790 860 308 1930
Natural Bottlesdagger
HDPE 780 220 282 560
Dagger Nondurable goods other than containers and packaging sect
Due to source data aggregation PET cups are included in Other Plastic Packaging
All other nondurables include plastics in disposable diapers clothing footwear etc
Injection stretch blow molded PET containers as identified in Report on Postconsumer PET Container Recycling Activity in 2012 National
Association for PET Container Resources Recovery includes caps lids and other material collected with PET bottles and jars
dagger White translucent homopolymer bottles as defined in the 2007 United States National Postconsumer Plastics Bottles Recycling Report
American Chemistry Council and the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers
Neg = negligible less than 5000 tons
PET 3630 880 242 2750
Table 7 (continued)
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Plastic Containers amp Packaging cont
Other plastic containers
HDPE 1410 290 206 1120
PVC 40 Neg 40
LDPELLDPE 40 Neg 40
PP 280 20 71 260
PS 80 Neg 80
Subtotal Other Containers 1850 310 168 1540
Bags sacks amp wraps
HDPE 700 50 71 650
PVC 50 50
LDPELLDPE 2280 390 171 1890
PP 640 640
PS 140 140
Subtotal Bags Sacks amp Wraps 3810 440 115 3370
Other Plastics PackagingDagger
PET 840 20 24 820
HDPE 670 10 15 660
PVC 330 Neg 330
LDPELLDPE 1070 Neg 1070
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 960 20 21 940
PS 300 20 67 280
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Subtotal Other Packaging 4550 70 15 4480
Total Plastics in Containers amp Packaging by resin
PET 3630 880 242 2750
HDPE 3560 570 160 2990
PVC 420 Neg 420
LDPELLDPE 3390 390 115 3000
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 1880 40 21 1840
PS 520 20 38 500
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Total Plastics in Cont amp Packaging 13780 1900 138 11880
Total Plastics in MSW by resin
PET 4520 880 195 3640
HDPE 5530 570 103 4960
PVC 870 Neg 870
LDPELLDPE 7350 390 53 6960
PLA 50 Neg 50
PP 7190 40 06 7150
PS 2240 20 09 2220
Other resins 4000 900 225 3100
Total Plastics in MSW 31750 2800 88 28950
HDPE = High density polyethylene PET = Polyethylene terephthalate PS = Polystyrene
LDPE = Low density polyethylene PP = Polypropylene PVC = Polyvinyl chloride
LLDPE = Linear low density polyethylene PLA = Polylactide
Dagger Other plastic packaging includes coatings closures lids PET cups caps clamshells egg cartons produce baskets trays shapes loose fill etc
PP caps and lids recovered with PET bottles and jars are included in the recovery estimate for PET bottles and jars
Other resins include commingledundefined plastic packaging recovery
Some detail of recovery by resin omitted due to lack of data
Table 8
RUBBER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Durable Goods
Rubber in Tires
Other Durables Total Rubber amp Leather
Durable Goods
3020
3500
6520
1350
Neg
1350
447
Neg
207
1670
3500
5170
Nondurable Goods
Clothing and Footwear
Other Nondurables Total Rubber amp Leather
Nondurable Goods
770
240
1010
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
770
240
1010
Total Rubber amp Leather 7530 1350 179 6180
Automobile and truck tires Does not include other materials in tires
Includes carpets and rugs and other miscellaneous durables
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Table 9
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
9920
17330
27370
14660
25060
43560
21800
34420
52670
29810
52170
64530
38870
64010
75840
45060
63650
76330
47060
58690
75750
48770
53200
75470
49560
51610
75320
50030
51340
75230
Total Product Wastes 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
113
197
311
121
207
360
144
227
347
143
250
310
160
263
312
178
251
301
186
232
300
195
212
301
198
206
301
199
205
300
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Table 10
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
350
2390
2870
940
3730
3350
1360
4670
8490
3460
8800
16780
6580
17560
28870
7970
19770
31500
8530
19310
34060
9120
19190
36680
9210
18830
38270
9270
17270
38750
Total Product Wastes 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Category
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
35
138
105
64
149
77
62
136
161
116
169
260
169
274
381
177
311
413
181
329
450
187
361
486
186
365
508
185
336
515
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Other than food products
^ Includes recovery of soiled paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
PET 3630 880 242 2750
Table 7 (continued)
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation by resin)
Generation Recovery Discards
(Thousand (Thousand (Percent (Thousand
Product Category tons) tons) of Gen) tons)
Plastic Containers amp Packaging cont
Other plastic containers
HDPE 1410 290 206 1120
PVC 40 Neg 40
LDPELLDPE 40 Neg 40
PP 280 20 71 260
PS 80 Neg 80
Subtotal Other Containers 1850 310 168 1540
Bags sacks amp wraps
HDPE 700 50 71 650
PVC 50 50
LDPELLDPE 2280 390 171 1890
PP 640 640
PS 140 140
Subtotal Bags Sacks amp Wraps 3810 440 115 3370
Other Plastics PackagingDagger
PET 840 20 24 820
HDPE 670 10 15 660
PVC 330 Neg 330
LDPELLDPE 1070 Neg 1070
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 960 20 21 940
PS 300 20 67 280
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Subtotal Other Packaging 4550 70 15 4480
Total Plastics in Containers amp Packaging by resin
PET 3630 880 242 2750
HDPE 3560 570 160 2990
PVC 420 Neg 420
LDPELLDPE 3390 390 115 3000
PLA 10 Neg 10
PP 1880 40 21 1840
PS 520 20 38 500
Other resins 370 Neg 370
Total Plastics in Cont amp Packaging 13780 1900 138 11880
Total Plastics in MSW by resin
PET 4520 880 195 3640
HDPE 5530 570 103 4960
PVC 870 Neg 870
LDPELLDPE 7350 390 53 6960
PLA 50 Neg 50
PP 7190 40 06 7150
PS 2240 20 09 2220
Other resins 4000 900 225 3100
Total Plastics in MSW 31750 2800 88 28950
HDPE = High density polyethylene PET = Polyethylene terephthalate PS = Polystyrene
LDPE = Low density polyethylene PP = Polypropylene PVC = Polyvinyl chloride
LLDPE = Linear low density polyethylene PLA = Polylactide
Dagger Other plastic packaging includes coatings closures lids PET cups caps clamshells egg cartons produce baskets trays shapes loose fill etc
PP caps and lids recovered with PET bottles and jars are included in the recovery estimate for PET bottles and jars
Other resins include commingledundefined plastic packaging recovery
Some detail of recovery by resin omitted due to lack of data
Table 8
RUBBER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Durable Goods
Rubber in Tires
Other Durables Total Rubber amp Leather
Durable Goods
3020
3500
6520
1350
Neg
1350
447
Neg
207
1670
3500
5170
Nondurable Goods
Clothing and Footwear
Other Nondurables Total Rubber amp Leather
Nondurable Goods
770
240
1010
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
770
240
1010
Total Rubber amp Leather 7530 1350 179 6180
Automobile and truck tires Does not include other materials in tires
Includes carpets and rugs and other miscellaneous durables
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Table 9
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
9920
17330
27370
14660
25060
43560
21800
34420
52670
29810
52170
64530
38870
64010
75840
45060
63650
76330
47060
58690
75750
48770
53200
75470
49560
51610
75320
50030
51340
75230
Total Product Wastes 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
113
197
311
121
207
360
144
227
347
143
250
310
160
263
312
178
251
301
186
232
300
195
212
301
198
206
301
199
205
300
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Table 10
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
350
2390
2870
940
3730
3350
1360
4670
8490
3460
8800
16780
6580
17560
28870
7970
19770
31500
8530
19310
34060
9120
19190
36680
9210
18830
38270
9270
17270
38750
Total Product Wastes 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Category
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
35
138
105
64
149
77
62
136
161
116
169
260
169
274
381
177
311
413
181
329
450
187
361
486
186
365
508
185
336
515
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Other than food products
^ Includes recovery of soiled paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 8
RUBBER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS IN MSW 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Durable Goods
Rubber in Tires
Other Durables Total Rubber amp Leather
Durable Goods
3020
3500
6520
1350
Neg
1350
447
Neg
207
1670
3500
5170
Nondurable Goods
Clothing and Footwear
Other Nondurables Total Rubber amp Leather
Nondurable Goods
770
240
1010
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
770
240
1010
Total Rubber amp Leather 7530 1350 179 6180
Automobile and truck tires Does not include other materials in tires
Includes carpets and rugs and other miscellaneous durables
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Table 9
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
9920
17330
27370
14660
25060
43560
21800
34420
52670
29810
52170
64530
38870
64010
75840
45060
63650
76330
47060
58690
75750
48770
53200
75470
49560
51610
75320
50030
51340
75230
Total Product Wastes 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
113
197
311
121
207
360
144
227
347
143
250
310
160
263
312
178
251
301
186
232
300
195
212
301
198
206
301
199
205
300
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Table 10
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
350
2390
2870
940
3730
3350
1360
4670
8490
3460
8800
16780
6580
17560
28870
7970
19770
31500
8530
19310
34060
9120
19190
36680
9210
18830
38270
9270
17270
38750
Total Product Wastes 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Category
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
35
138
105
64
149
77
62
136
161
116
169
260
169
274
381
177
311
413
181
329
450
187
361
486
186
365
508
185
336
515
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Other than food products
^ Includes recovery of soiled paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Table 9
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
9920
17330
27370
14660
25060
43560
21800
34420
52670
29810
52170
64530
38870
64010
75840
45060
63650
76330
47060
58690
75750
48770
53200
75470
49560
51610
75320
50030
51340
75230
Total Product Wastes 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
35000
2900
30700
30530
3500
32930
32070
3690
34300
32900
3780
35740
33400
3840
36310
33710
3870
36430
33960
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
113
197
311
121
207
360
144
227
347
143
250
310
160
263
312
178
251
301
186
232
300
195
212
301
198
206
301
199
205
300
Total Product Wastes 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
138
227
15
106
192
15
86
181
15
115
168
14
126
125
14
130
126
15
136
130
15
143
133
15
145
135
15
145
135
16
Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial
process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Table 10
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
350
2390
2870
940
3730
3350
1360
4670
8490
3460
8800
16780
6580
17560
28870
7970
19770
31500
8530
19310
34060
9120
19190
36680
9210
18830
38270
9270
17270
38750
Total Product Wastes 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Category
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
35
138
105
64
149
77
62
136
161
116
169
260
169
274
381
177
311
413
181
329
450
187
361
486
186
365
508
185
336
515
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Other than food products
^ Includes recovery of soiled paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Table 10
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
350
2390
2870
940
3730
3350
1360
4670
8490
3460
8800
16780
6580
17560
28870
7970
19770
31500
8530
19310
34060
9120
19190
36680
9210
18830
38270
9270
17270
38750
Total Product Wastes 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4200
Neg
680
15770
Neg
690
19860
Neg
800
21300
Neg
970
19200
Neg
1270
19300
Neg
1740
19590
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Category
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
35
138
105
64
149
77
62
136
161
116
169
260
169
274
381
177
311
413
181
329
450
187
361
486
186
365
508
185
336
515
Total Product Wastes 103 96 133 198 297 320 341 366 376 370
Other Wastes
Food Other^
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
120
Neg
22
517
Neg
21
619
Neg
23
647
Neg
27
575
Neg
35
573
Neg
48
577
Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311 276 278 287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap
Other than food products
^ Includes recovery of soiled paper and mixed MSW for composting
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
9570
14940
24500
13720
21330
40210
20440
29750
44180
26350
43370
47750
32290
46450
46970
37090
43880
44830
38530
39380
41690
39650
34010
38790
40350
32780
37050
40760
34070
36480
Total Product Wastes 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
12200
20000
1300
12800
23200
1780
13000
27500
2250
23860
30800
2900
30020
14760
3500
32240
12210
3690
33500
11600
3780
34770
14200
3840
35040
14410
3870
34690
14370
3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
116
181
297
121
189
356
149
217
322
151
248
273
186
267
270
213
252
258
229
234
247
240
206
235
247
200
227
248
207
222
Total Product Wastes 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
148
242
16
113
205
16
95
201
16
136
176
17
173
85
20
185
70
21
199
69
22
210
86
23
214
88
24
211
87
24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes
Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 12
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1630
2150
1120
Neg
5020
2170
2830
1890
820
6950
2950
4760
2720
1490
9880
3310
460
6790
1660
3610
1510
12470
3640
1040
8120
2460
4930
2280
1900
14500
16400
3610
1180
9340
2960
4910
2750
2630
17680
20310
3690
1530
10230
3340
4970
2900
3160
17240
20400
4020
1720
10820
3720
4660
3020
3320
17490
20810
4080
1770
11130
3830
4740
2970
3410
17630
21040
4190
1860
11500
3860
4710
2950
3420
17540
20960
Total Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
17330
27370
54620
12200
20000
1300
33500
25060
43560
83280
12800
23200
1780
37780
34420
52670
108890
13000
27500
2250
42750
52170
64530
146510
23860
35000
2900
61760
64010
75840
178720
30700
30530
3500
64730
63650
76330
185040
32930
32070
3690
68690
58690
75750
181500
34300
32900
3780
70980
53200
75470
177440
35740
33400
3840
72980
51610
75320
176490
36310
33710
3870
73890
51340
75230
176600
36430
33960
3900
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
18
24
13
Neg
57
18
23
16
07
57
19
31
18
10
65
16
02
33
08
17
07
60
15
04
33
10
20
09
08
60
67
14
05
37
12
19
11
10
70
80
15
06
41
13
20
11
13
68
81
16
07
43
15
19
12
13
70
83
16
07
44
15
19
12
14
70
84
17
07
46
15
19
12
14
70
84
Total Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
197
311
620
138
227
15
380
207
360
688
106
192
15
312
227
347
718
86
181
15
282
250
310
703
115
168
14
297
263
312
734
126
125
14
266
251
301
729
130
126
15
271
232
300
719
136
130
15
281
212
301
709
143
133
15
291
206
301
705
145
135
15
295
205
300
704
145
135
16
296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process
wastes or certain other wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
dagger Other than food products report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent a smaller selection of types of electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 13
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
10
Neg
330
Neg
10
50
Neg
250
620
20
130
Neg
150
1040
40
1070
10
Neg
Neg
440
1470
470
2000
20
Neg
190
1290
2130
190
760
950
2420
20
Neg
250
1640
2640
360
640
1000
2470
110
10
270
1980
2780
560
350
910
2610
120
10
270
2080
2900
650
480
1130
2620
120
10
270
2120
2850
850
370
1220
2680
120
10
290
2100
2830
1000
240
1240
Total Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
2390
2870
5610
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3730
3350
8020
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
4670
8490
14520
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
8800
16780
29040
Neg
4200
Neg
4200
17560
28870
53010
680
15770
Neg
16450
19770
31500
59240
690
19860
Neg
20550
19310
34060
61900
800
21300
Neg
22100
19190
36680
64990
970
19200
Neg
20170
18830
38270
66310
1270
19300
Neg
20570
17270
38750
65290
1740
19590
Neg
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
06
Neg
295
Neg
02
23
Neg
132
756
03
44
Neg
55
698
04
323
22
Neg
Neg
122
974
38
549
19
Neg
77
262
934
100
52
58
670
17
Neg
84
334
960
137
36
49
669
72
01
81
398
959
177
20
45
649
70
01
73
446
960
196
27
54
642
68
01
70
447
960
249
21
58
640
65
01
75
446
959
292
14
59
Total Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
138
105
103
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
149
77
96
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
136
161
133
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
169
260
198
Neg
120
Neg
68
274
381
297
22
517
Neg
254
311
413
320
21
619
Neg
299
329
450
341
23
647
Neg
311
361
486
366
27
575
Neg
276
365
508
376
35
573
Neg
278
336
515
370
48
577
Neg
287
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
does not include convertingfabrication scrap website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 the report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report
dagger Other than food products examines a smaller selection of types of electronics
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
1620
2150
790
Neg
5010
2120
2830
1640
200
6930
2820
4760
2570
450
9840
2240
450
6790
1660
3170
40
12000
1640
1020
8120
2270
3640
150
1710
13740
15450
1190
1160
9340
2710
3270
110
2270
17040
19310
1220
1420
10220
3070
2990
120
2600
16890
19490
1410
1600
10810
3450
2580
120
2670
17010
19680
1460
1650
11120
3560
2620
120
2560
17260
19820
1510
1740
11490
3570
2610
120
2420
17300
19720
Total Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
14940
24500
49010
12200
20000
1300
33500
21330
40210
75260
12800
23200
1780
37780
29750
44180
94370
13000
27500
2250
42750
43370
47750
117470
23860
30800
2900
57560
46450
46970
125710
30020
14760
3500
48280
43880
44830
125800
32240
12210
3690
48140
39380
41690
119600
33500
11600
3780
48880
34010
38790
112450
34770
14200
3840
52810
32780
37050
110180
35040
14410
3870
53320
34070
36480
111310
34690
14370
3900
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Selected Consumer Electronics
Other Miscellaneous Durables
Total Miscellaneous Durables
20
26
10
Neg
61
19
25
15
02
61
21
35
19
03
72
13
03
39
09
18
00
69
09
06
47
13
21
01
10
79
89
07
07
54
16
19
01
13
98
111
07
08
61
18
18
01
15
100
116
09
10
65
21
16
01
16
103
119
09
10
68
22
16
01
16
106
121
09
11
70
22
16
01
15
105
120
Total Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Wastesdagger
Other Wastes
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
181
297
594
148
242
16
406
189
356
666
113
205
16
334
217
322
688
95
201
16
312
248
273
671
136
176
17
329
267
270
723
173
85
20
277
252
258
723
185
70
21
277
234
247
710
199
69
22
290
206
235
680
210
86
23
320
200
227
674
214
88
24
326
207
222
678
211
87
24
322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery
Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Not estimated separately prior to 1999 For more information on consumer electronics see the
dagger Other than food products website httpwwwepagovwasteconservematerialsecyclingmanagehtm which references the
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent report Electronics Management in the US Through 2009 This 2009 electronics report examines
a smaller selection of types of electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Magazines 14 09 10 08 06 06 06
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
7110
1920
1520
1260
1090
270
2700
Neg
1360
100
9510
2470
2650
2130
2080
420
3630
350
1620
200
11050
3390
4000
3120
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2170
1410
13430
610
970
2830
6410
3820
4460
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
4010
710
3340
14790
680
1240
2230
7420
5570
7380
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
6470
820
4030
12790
660
1100
2580
6620
5830
6440
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
7890
980
4250
8800
840
1340
2050
6050
5510
5130
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
8820
1160
4170
9880
-
990
1590
5260
4340
2480
3490
1350
4190
23690
3700
890
980
9050
1290
3720
9150
-
930
1510
5100
3750
2710
3510
1340
3940
22790
3630
1030
1010
9020
1310
3670
8380
860
1470
4750
3620
2660
3510
1290
4010
22170
3590
1060
1020
10220
1290
3610
Total Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
27370
54620
33500
43560
83280
37780
52670
108890
42750
64530
146510
61760
75840
178720
64730
76330
185040
68690
75750
181500
70980
75470
177440
72980
75320
176490
73890
75230
176600
74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
81
22
17
14
12
03
31
Neg
15
01
79
20
22
18
17
03
30
03
13
02
73
22
26
21
15
04
28
13
01
14
09
64
03
05
14
31
18
21
14
03
18
13
03
04
19
03
16
61
03
05
09
30
23
30
13
04
17
13
04
03
27
03
17
50
03
04
10
26
23
25
14
05
18
13
04
04
31
04
17
35
03
05
08
24
22
20
14
05
18
15
03
04
35
05
17
39
-
04
06
21
17
10
14
05
17
95
15
04
04
36
05
15
37
-
04
06
20
15
11
14
05
16
91
14
04
04
36
05
15
33
-
03
06
19
14
11
14
05
16
88
14
04
04
41
05
14
Total Nondurables 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
311
620
380
360
688
312
347
718
282
310
703
297
312
734
266
301
729
271
300
719
281
301
709
291
301
705
295
300
704
296 Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Magazines 106 318 372 400 - - -
Table 16
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
1820
100
250
130
Neg
Neg
40
50
Neg
2250
260
710
340
Neg
Neg
110
60
Neg
3020
280
870
350
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
150
Neg
5110
50
100
300
1700
200
700
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
520
120
Neg
8720
120
240
710
4090
1830
810
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
900
140
Neg
9360
120
270
960
4110
2090
1440
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
170
Neg
7740
180
390
820
4290
2240
2200
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
200
Neg
7070
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10650
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
220
Neg
6630
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10610
Neg
Neg
Neg
1250
230
110
5870
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9570
Neg
Neg
Neg
1470
230
130
Total Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
2870
5610
Neg
3350
8020
Neg
8490
14520
Neg
16780
29040
4200
28870
53010
16450
31500
59240
20550
34060
61900
22100
36680
64990
20170
38270
66310
20570
38750
65290
21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
35 64 62 116 169 177 181 187 186 185
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
256
52
164
103
Neg
Neg
15
Neg
Neg
237
105
268
160
Neg
Neg
30
Neg
Neg
273
83
218
112
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
380
82
103
106
265
52
157
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
130
169
Neg
590
176
194
318
551
329
110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
171
Neg
732
182
245
372
621
358
224
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
158
173
Neg
880
214
291
400
709
407
429
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
142
172
Neg
716
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
Neg
Neg
Neg
138
171
Neg
725
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
466
Neg
Neg
Neg
139
176
Neg
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
Neg
Neg
Neg
144
178
Neg
Total Nondurables 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
105
103
Neg
77
96
Neg
161
133
Neg
260
198
68
381
297
254
413
320
299
450
341
311
486
366
276
508
376
278
515
370
287 Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Magazines 14 09 09 07 - - -
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
5290
1820
1270
1130
1090
270
2660
Neg
1310
100
7260
2210
1940
1790
2080
420
3520
350
1560
200
8030
3110
3130
2770
2300
630
4230
1930
190
2020
1410
8320
560
870
2530
4710
3620
3760
2960
650
3840
2700
650
780
3490
590
3340
6070
560
1000
1520
3330
3740
6570
3220
960
4250
3230
870
850
5570
680
4030
3430
540
830
1620
2510
3740
5000
3460
1160
4490
3410
930
1060
6640
810
4250
1060
660
950
1230
1760
3270
2930
3460
1250
4630
3770
780
930
7570
960
4170
2810
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13040
3700
890
980
7800
1070
3720
2520
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12180
3630
1030
1010
7770
1080
3560
2510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12600
3590
1060
1020
8750
1060
3480
Total Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
24500
49010
33500
40210
75260
37780
44180
94370
42750
47750
117470
57560
46970
125710
48280
44830
125800
48140
41690
119600
48880
38790
112450
52810
37050
110180
53320
36480
111310
52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
Nondurable Goods
NewspapersMechanical Papersdagger
Directoriesdagger
Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Books and Magazines
Books
Magazines
Office-Type Papers
Standard Mailsect
Other Commercial Printingdagger
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Total Other Paper Nondurable Goods
Disposable Diapers
Plastic Plates and Cupssect
Trash Bags
Clothing and Footwear
Towels Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
64
22
15
14
13
03
32
Neg
16
01
64
20
17
16
18
04
31
03
14
02
59
23
23
20
17
05
31
14
01
15
17
48
03
05
14
27
21
21
17
04
22
15
04
04
20
03
19
35
03
06
09
19
21
38
19
06
24
19
05
05
32
04
23
20
03
05
09
14
22
29
20
07
26
20
05
06
38
05
24
06
04
06
07
10
19
17
21
07
27
22
05
06
45
06
25
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
79
22
05
06
47
06
23
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
22
06
06
48
07
22
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
77
22
06
06
53
06
21
Total Nondurables 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product WastesDagger
Other Wastes
297
594
406
356
666
334
322
688
312
273
671
329
270
723
277
258
723
277
247
710
290
235
680
320
227
674
326
222
678
322 Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
dagger Starting in 2010 newsprint and groundwood inserts expanded to include directories and other mechanical papers previously counted as Other Commercial Printing Not estimated separately prior to 1990
High-grade paper such as printer paper generated in both commercial and residential sources sect Standard Mail Not estimated separately prior to 1990 Formerly called Third Class Mail and Standard (A) Mail by the US Postal Service sect Plastic Plates and Cups Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Dagger Other than food products - Detailed data not available Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Plastics Packaging
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 9920 14660 21800 29810 38870 45060 47060 48770 49560 50030 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 17330 25060 34420 52170 64010 63650 58690 53200 51610 51340 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1400 5580 6740 5640 5710 6540 6350 5670 5520 5530
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1080 1900 2450 2030 1910 1630 1610 1700 1770 1850
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 4160 3420 2290 2090 1990 1990 2000
Total Glass Packaging 6190 11920 13970 11830 11040 10460 10050 9360 9280 9380
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 640 1570 520 150 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3760 3540 2850 2540 2630 2130 2240 2300 1800 1850
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 200 240 240 240 440 380 380
Total Steel Packaging 4660 5380 3610 2890 2870 2370 2480 2740 2180 2230
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 850 1550 1520 1450 1390 1370 1320 1300
Other Cans gt Neg 60 40 20 50 80 70 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 330 380 400 420 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Packaging 170 570 1270 1900 1950 1930 1880 1900 1890 1870
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 7330 12760 17080 24010 30210 30930 29710 29050 29440 29480
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 540 540 550
Folding Cartons 3820 4300 5820 5530 5340 5470 5540 5490
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 90 80 70
Bags and Sacks 3380 2440 1490 1120 1170 1040 750 960
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 2940 3810 850 1020 1670 1400 1460 1490 1670 1460
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 8630 8580 8530
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 14110 21400 26350 32680 39940 39640 38290 37680 38020 38010
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 260 430 1720 2540 2680 2670 2740 2790
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 530 690 800 750 800 770 780
Other Containers 60 910 890 1430 1740 1420 1900 1830 1870 1850
Bags and Sacks 390 940 1650 1640 940 770
Wraps 840 1530 2550 2810 3020 3160
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2470 4200 4450 3960 3930 3880 3810
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2040 2840 3210 3720 4450 4640 4550
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3400 6900 11190 12420 13010 13680 13900 13780
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8180 8610 9230 9730 9770 9700 9610
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 27370 43560 52670 64530 75840 76330 75750 75470 75320 75230 Total Product Wastesdagger 54620 83280 108890 146510 178720 185040 181500 177440 176490 176600
Other Wastes Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30700 32930 34300 35740 36310 36430 Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 35000 30530 32070 32900 33400 33710 33960 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900 Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 61760 64730 68690 70980 72980 73890 74290
Total MSW Generated - Weight 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails gt
Other Cans rose from 70 thousand tons generated in 2011 in the 2011 report to 120 thousand tons generated in 2011 in this 2012 report because 2011
generation data were estimated based on previous years These estimated data were replaced with actual data The 2012 data for other cans is estimated
based on the 2011 actual data Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons dagger Other than food products
Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Plastics Packaging
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Percent of Total Generation
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 Durable Goods 113 121 144 143 160 178 186 195 198 199 (Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods 197 207 227 250 263 251 232 212 206 205 (Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 46 44 27 23 26 25 23 22 22
Wine and Liquor Bottles 12 16 16 10 08 06 06 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 42 37 32 20 14 09 08 08 08 08
Total Glass Packaging 70 98 92 57 45 41 40 37 37 37
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 07 13 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 43 29 19 12 11 08 09 09 07 07
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 01 01 01 02 02 02
Total Steel Packaging 53 44 24 14 12 09 10 11 09 09
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 06 07 06 06 06 05 05 05
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 003 003 005 005
Foil and Closures 02 03 03 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Total Aluminum Packaging 02 05 08 09 08 08 07 08 08 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 83 105 113 115 124 122 122 116 118 118
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 05 02 02 02 02 02 02 02
Folding Cartons 25 21 24 22 21 22 22 22
Other Paperboard Packaging 44 40 02 01 01 01 00 00 00 00
Bags and Sacks 22 12 06 04 05 04 03 04
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 06 05 07 06 06 06 07 06
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 34 34 34
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 160 177 174 157 164 156 152 150 152 152
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 07 10 11 11 11 11
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 07 07 06 08 07 07 07
Bags and Sacks 03 05 07 06 04 03 00 00
Wraps 06 07 10 11 12 13 00 00
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 08 12 17 18 16 16 15 15
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 05 10 12 13 15 18 19 18
Total Plastics Packaging 01 17 22 33 46 49 52 55 56 55
Wood Packaging 23 17 26 39 35 36 39 39 39 38
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
Total Containers amp Pkg 311 360 347 310 312 301 300 301 301 300 Total Product Wastesdagger 620 688 718 703 734 729 719 709 705 704
Other Wastes Food Waste 138 106 86 115 126 130 136 143 145 145 Yard Trimmings 227 192 181 168 125 126 130 133 135 135 Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 Total Other Wastes 380 312 282 297 266 271 281 291 295 296
Total MSW Generated - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Generation before materials recovery or combustion
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
dagger Other than food products
Not estimated separately prior to 1980 Paper wraps not reported separately after 1996 Details may not add to totals due to rounding Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 20
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 350 940 1360 3460 6580 7970 8530 9120 9210 9270
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 2390 3730 4670 8800 17560 19770 19310 19190 18830 17270
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 90 140 730 1890 1530 2000 2260 2350 2270 2270
Wine and Liquor Bottles 10 10 20 210 430 250 320 540 600 630
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 520 920 340 230 240 300 300
Total Glass Packaging 100 150 750 2620 2880 2590 2810 3130 3170 3200
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 10 20 50 40 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 20 60 150 590 1530 1340 1410 1540 1270 1310
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 60 160 160 190 350 300 300
Total Steel Packaging 30 80 200 690 1690 1500 1600 1890 1570 1610
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 10 320 990 830 650 670 680 720 710
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 10 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 20 30 40 40 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 10 320 1010 860 690 720 680 720 710
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 2520 2760 6390 11530 20330 22100 22760 24690 26800 26810
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons 520 340 410 1190 1880 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg 200 300 320 440 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 220 350 300 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 2160 1860 2110
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 2 740 3 110 7 210 12 070 21 040 23 610 25 080 26 850 28 660 28 920 Total Paper amp Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars
HDPE Natural Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc Packaging
2740
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
3110
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
7210
10
Neg
Neg
Neg
Neg
10
Neg
Neg
12070
140
20
20
60
20
260
130
Neg
21040
380
210
170
180
90
1030
1370
Neg
23610
590
230
140
230
90
1280
1830
Neg
25080
730
220
280
390
110
1730
2120
Neg
26850
780
220
300
450
100
1850
2280
Neg
28660
800
220
290
430
60
1800
2350
Neg
28920
860
220
310
440
70
1900
2410
Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 2870 3350 8490 16780 28870 31500 34060 36680 38270 38750
Total Product Wastesdagger 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 680 690 800 970 1270 1740
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 4200 15770 19860 21300 19200 19300 19590
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total MSW Recovered - Weight 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 21
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008
Durable Goods 35 64 62 116 169 177 181
2010
187
2011
186
2012
185
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods 138 149 136 169 274 311 329 361 365 336
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 64 25 108 335 268 306 356 414 411 410
Wine and Liquor Bottles Neg Neg Neg 103 225 153 199 318 339 341
Other Bottles amp Jars Neg Neg Neg 125 269 148 110 121 151 150
Total Glass Packaging 16 13 54 221 261 248 280 334 342 341
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 16 13 96 267 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans Neg 17 53 232 582 629 629 670 706 708
Other Steel Packaging Neg Neg Neg 300 667 667 792 795 789 789
Total Steel Packaging Neg 15 55 239 589 633 645 690 720 722
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 100 376 639 546 448 482 496 545 546
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 143 NA NA NA
Foil and Closures Neg Neg Neg 61 79 100 95 NA NA NA
Total Aluminum Pkg Neg 18 252 532 441 358 383 358 381 380
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 344 216 374 480 673 715 766 850 910 909
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Folding Cartons Neg Neg 70 215 352 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Bags and Sacks Neg Neg 201 286 376 - - -
Wrapping Papers Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 75 92 353 Neg Neg Neg Neg - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 250 217 247
Total Paper amp Board Pkg Total Paper amp Board Pkg 19 4 194 14 5 145 27 4 274 36 9 369 52 7 527 59 6 596 65 5 655 71 3 713 75 4 754 76 1 761
Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 38 326 221 232 272 292 292 308
HDPE Natural Bottles Neg 38 304 288 293 275 286 282
Other Containers Neg Neg Neg 14 98 99 147 164 155 168
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps Neg 24 43 52 98 115 111 115
Other Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 10 32 28 30 22 13 15
Total Plastics Packaging Neg Neg Neg 38 92 103 133 135 129 138
Wood Packaging Neg Neg Neg 16 159 198 218 233 242 251
Other Misc Packaging Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Containers amp Pkg 105 77 161 260 381 413 450
Total Product Wastesdagger 103 96 133 198 297 320 341
Neg
486
366
Neg
508
376
Neg
515
370
Other Wastes
Food Waste Neg Neg Neg Neg 22 21 23 27 35 48
Yard Trimmings Neg Neg Neg 120 517 619 647 575 573 577
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Total Other Wastes Neg Neg Neg 68 254 299 311
Total MSW Recovered - 64 66 96 160 285 314 333
Recovery of postconsumer wastes does not include convertingfabrication scrap Details may not add to totals due to rounding
276
340
278
347
287
345
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons
Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent NA = Not Available
- Detailed data not available
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Thousands of Tons
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 9570 13720 20440 26350 32290 37090 38530 39650 40350 40760
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 14940 21330 29750 43370 46450 43880 39380 34010 32780 34070
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 1310 5440 6010 3750 4180 4540 4090 3320 3250 3260
Wine and Liquor Bottles 1070 1890 2430 1820 1480 1380 1290 1160 1170 1220
Other Bottles amp Jars 3710 4440 4780 3640 2500 1950 1860 1750 1690 1700
Total Glass Packaging 6090 11770 13220 9210 8160 7870 7240 6230 6110 6180
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 630 1550 470 110 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 3740 3480 2700 1950 1100 790 830 760 530 540
Other Steel Packaging 260 270 240 140 80 80 50 90 80 80
Total Steel Packaging 4630 5300 3410 2200 1180 870 880 850 610 620
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 90 530 560 690 800 720 690 600 590
Other Cans Neg 60 40 20 50 80 60 70 120 120
Foil and Closures 170 410 380 310 350 360 380 460 450 450
Total Aluminum Pkg 170 560 950 890 1090 1240 1160 1220 1170 1160
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 4810 10000 10690 12480 9880 8830 6950 4360 2640 2670
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 790 510 550 500 490 - - -
Folding Cartons 3300 3960 5410 4340 3460 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 3840 4830 230 290 200 160 120 - - -
Bags and Sacks 3380 2240 1190 800 730 - - -
Wrapping Papers 200 110 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 2720 3460 550 1020 1670 1400 1460 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 6470 6720 6420
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 11370 18290 19140 20610 18900 16030 13210 10830 9360 9090
Plastics Packaging Plastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 250 290 1340 1950 1950 1890 1940 1930
HDPE Natural Bottles 230 510 480 570 530 580 550 560
Other Containers 60 910 890 1410 1570 1280 1620 1530 1580 1540
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 1230 2410 4020 4220 3570 3480 3450 3370
Other Plastics Packaging 60 1180 790 2020 2750 3120 3610 4350 4580 4480
Total Plastics Packaging 120 2090 3390 6640 10160 11140 11280 11830 12100 11880
Wood Packaging 2000 2070 3940 8050 7240 7400 7610 7490 7350 7200
Other Misc Packaging 120 130 130 150 240 280 310 340 350 350
Total Containers amp Pkg 24500 40210 44180 47750 46970 44830 41690 38790 37050 36480
Total Product Wastesdagger 49010 75260 94370 117470 125710 125800 119600 112450 110180 111310
Other Wastes
Food Waste 12200 12800 13000 23860 30020 32240 33500 34770 35040 34690
Yard Trimmings 20000 23200 27500 30800 14760 12210 11600 14200 14410 14370
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 1300 1780 2250 2900 3500 3690 3780 3840 3870 3900
Total Other Wastes 33500 37780 42750 57560 48280 48140 48880 52810 53320 52960
Total MSW Discarded - Weight 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent
- Detailed data not available
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM 1960 TO 2012 (WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Percent of Total Discards
Products 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Durable Goods 116 121 149 151 186 213 229 240 247 248
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods 181 189 217 248 267 252 234 206 200 207
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles 16 48 44 21 24 26 24 20 20 20
Wine and Liquor Bottles 13 17 18 10 09 08 08 07 07 07
Other Bottles amp Jars 45 39 35 21 14 11 11 11 10 10
Total Glass Packaging 74 104 96 53 47 45 43 38 37 38
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans 08 14 03 01 Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg
Cans 45 31 20 11 06 05 05 05 03 03
Other Steel Packaging 03 02 02 01 00 00 00 01 00 00
Total Steel Packaging 56 47 25 13 07 05 05 05 04 04
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans Neg 01 04 03 04 05 04 04 04 04
Other Cans Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg Neg 01 01
Foil and Closures 02 04 03 02 02 02 02 03 03 03
Total Aluminum Pkg 02 05 07 05 06 07 07 07 07 07
Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes 58 88 78 71 57 51 41 26 16 16
Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg
Gable TopAseptic CartonsDagger 06 03 03 03 03 - - -
Folding Cartons 24 23 31 25 21 - - -
Other Paperboard Packaging 47 43 02 02 01 01 01 - - -
Bags and Sacks 25 13 07 05 04 - - -
Wrapping Papers 01 01 Neg Neg Neg - - -
Other Paper Packaging 33 31 04 06 10 08 09 - - -
Subtotal Other Paper amp Paperboard Pkg 39 41 39
Total Paper amp Board Pkg 138 162 140 118 109 92 78 66 57 55
Plastics PackagingPlastics Packaging
PET Bottles and Jars 02 02 08 11 12 11 12 12
HDPE Natural Bottles 02 03 03 03 03 04 03 03
Other Containers 01 08 06 08 09 07 10 09 10 09
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Subtotal Bags Sacks and Wraps 09 14 23 24 21 21 21 21
Other Plastics Packaging 01 10 06 12 16 18 21 26 28 27
Total Plastics Packaging 01 18 25 38 58 64 67 72 74 72
Wood Packaging 24 18 29 46 42 43 45 45 45 44
Other Misc Packaging 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02
Total Containers amp Pkg 297 356 322 273 270 258 247 235 227 222
Total Product Wastesdagger 594 666 688 671 723 723 710 680 674 678
Other Wastes
Food Waste 148 113 95 136 173 185 199 210 214 211
Yard Trimmings 242 205 201 176 85 70 69 86 88 87
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 16 16 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 24
Total Other Wastes 406 334 312 329 277 277 290 320 326 322
Total MSW Discarded - 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Discards after materials and compost recovery In this table discards include combustion with energy recovery Does not include construction amp demolition debris industrial process wastes or certain other wastes Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails dagger Other than food products
Dagger Includes milk juice and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons Neg = Less than 5000 tons or 005 percent Details may not add to totals due to rounding
- Detailed data not available
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
Nondurable
Goods
Containers amp
Packaging Organics
Redesign
Materials reduction
bull Downgauge metals in
appliances
bull Paperless purchase
orders
bull Concentrates
bull Container lightweighting bull Xeriscaping
Materials substitution
bull Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
bull Cereal in bags
bull Coffee brick
Lengthen life
bull High mileage tires
bull Electronic components
reduce moving parts
bull Regular servicing
bull
bull
Look at warranties
Extend warranties
bull Design for secondary use
bull Reusable packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing packaging
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing storage and
transportation
bull Avoid spoilage by
changing supply chain
management
Consumer Practices
bull Purchase long lived
products
bull Repair
bull Duplexing
bull Sharing
bull Reduce unwanted
bull Purchasing
concentrated products
bull Purchasing
products in bulk
bull Reusable bags
bull Food donation
bull Avoid spoilage by
monitoring and tracking
food purchases and use
Reuse
By design
bull Modular design bull Envelopes bull Reusable pallets
bull Returnable secondary
packaging
Secondary
bull Borrow or rent for
temporary use
bull Give to charity
bull Buy or sell at
garage sales
bull Clothing
bull Waste paper
scratch pads
bull Loosefill
bull Grocery sacks
bull Dairy containers
bull Glass and plastic jars
ReduceEliminate Toxins
bull Eliminate PCBs bull Soy ink waterbased
bull Waterbased solvents
bull Reduce mercury
bull Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
Reduce Organics
Food scraps bull Backyard composting
bull Vermi-composting
Yard trimmings bull Backyard composting
bull Grasscycling
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 25 Residential food waste collection and composting programs
in the US 2012
Households
State Served
California 1269724
Colorado 19014
Iowa 39400
Massachusetts 3600
Michigan 43500
Minnesota 38665
Ohio 73813
Oregon 213728
Pennsylvania 3400
Vermont 2700
W ashington 770458
Total US Households Served 2478002
Total US Households 114991725
Households served percent of total households 2
BioCycle March 2013 Residential Food Waste Collection In The US mdash BioCycle Nationwide Survey
Supplemental tables Additional web search to supplement BioCycle survey
In addition New York City initiated a pilot program in 2012 In 2013 over 30000 households were served
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 26
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF) 2012
Estimated
Throughput
Region Number (tpd)
NORTHEAST 153 27186
SOUTH 195 24754
MIDWEST 153 23118
WEST 132 23391
US Total 633 98449
Source Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS 2012
Design
Number Capacity
Region Operational (tpd)
NORTHEAST 40 46704
SOUTH 22 31896
MIDWEST 16 11393
WEST 8 6171
US Total 86 96164
Projects on hold or inactive were not included
W TE includes mass burn modular and refuse-derived
fuel combustion facilities
Source The 2010 ERC Directory of W aste-to-Energy Plants Energy Recovery Council (ERC)
December 2010
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES 2012
Number of
Landfills
Region
NORTHEAST 128
SOUTH 668
MIDWEST 394
WEST 718
US Total 1908
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Table 29
Jobs Created through Reuse Recycling and Disposal
(jobs per 10000 tons per year managed)
Jobs per
Type of Operation 10000 TPY
Product Reuse Computer Reuse 296
Textile Reclamation 85
Misc Durables Reuse 62
W ooden Pallet Repair 28
Recycling-based Manufacturers 25 Paper Mills 18
Glass Product Manufacturers 26
Plastic Product Manufacturers 93
Conventional Materials Recovery 10
Facilities Composting 4
Landfill and Incineration 1
Source Institute for Local Self-Reliance Washington DC 1997
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Table 30
GENERATION MATERIALS RECOVERY COMPOSTING COMBUSTION
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 1960 TO 2012
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 88120 121060 151640 208270 243450 253730 252480 250420 250380 250890
Recovery for recycling 5610 8020 14520 29040 53010 59240 61900 64990 66310 65290
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 4200 16450 20550 22100 20170 20570 21330
Total Materials Recovery 5610 8020 14520 33240 69460 79790 84000 85160 86880 86620
Discards after recovery 82510 113040 137120 175030 173990 173940 168480 165260 163500 164270
Combustion with
energy recovery 0 400 2700 29700 33730 31620 31550 29260 29260 29260
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 82510 112640 134420 145330 140260 142320 136930 136000 134240 135010
Pounds per Person per Day
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 268 325 366 457 474 469 455 444 440 438
Recovery for recycling 017 022 035 064 103 110 112 115 117 114
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 009 032 038 040 036 036 037
Total Materials Recovery 017 022 035 073 135 148 152 151 153 151
Discards after recovery 251 303 331 384 339 321 303 293 287 287
Combustion with
energy recovery 000 001 007 065 066 058 057 052 051 051
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 251 302 324 319 273 263 246 241 236 236
Population (thousands) 179979 203984 227255 249907 281422 296410 304060 309051 311592 313914
Percent of Total Generation
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010 2011 2012
Generation 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Recovery for recycling 64 66 96 140 218 233 245 259 265 260
Recovery for composting Neg Neg Neg 20 67 81 88 81 82 85
Total Materials Recovery 64 66 96 160 285 314 333 340 347 345
Discards after recovery 936 934 904 840 715 686 667 660 653 655
Combustion with
energy recovery 00 03 18 142 139 125 125 117 117 117
Discards to landfill
other disposaldagger 936 931 886 698 576 561 542 543 536 538
Composting of yard trimmings food waste and other MSW organic material Does not include backyard composting
Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form and combustion with energy recovery of source separated
materials in MSW (eg wood pallets and tire-derived fuel) 2012 includes 26850 MSW 510 wood and 1900 tires (1000 tons)
dagger Discards after recovery minus combustion with energy recovery Discards include combustion without energy recovery
Details may not add to totals due to rounding
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Figure 1 - A Municipal solid waste in the universe Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D Wastes
The Subtitle D Waste included in this report is Municipal Solid Waste which includes
Containers and packaging such as sft drink bottles and corrugated boxes
Durable goods such as furniture and appliances
Nondurable goods such as newspapers trash bags and clothing
Other wastes such as food waste and yard trimmings
Subtitle D Wastes not included in this report are
Municipal sludges Agricultural wastes
Industrial nonhazardous process wastes Oil and gas wastes
Construction and demolition debris Mining wastes
Land clearing debris Auto bodies
Transportation parts and equipment Fats grease and oils
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Figure 1- B Definition of terms
The materials flow methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste generation in the United States by material categories and by product categories
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential commercial institutional and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates Source reduction activities (eg backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the municipal solid waste management system Reuse is a source reduction activity involving the recovery or reapplication of a package used product or material in a manner that retains its original form or identity Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles reusable plastic food storage containers or refurbished wood pallets is considered to be source reduction not recycling
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including composting) For recovered products recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer recovered material (eg glass cullet old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the material Thus recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by paper mills plus net exports of OCC If recovery as reported by a data source includes converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards the recovery estimates in this report Imported secondary materials are also not counted in recovery estimates in this report For some materials additional uses such as glass used for highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation are added into the recovery totals
Combustion of MSW with energy recovery often called ldquowaste-to-energyrdquo is estimated in Chapter 3 of this report Combustion of separated materialsndashwood and rubber from tiresndashis included in the estimates of combustion with energy recovery in this report
Discards include MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including composting) These discards presumably would be combusted without energy recovery or landfilled although some MSW is littered stored or disposed onsite or burned onsite particularly in rural areas No good estimates for these other disposal practices are available but the total amounts of MSW involved are presumed to be small
For the analysis of municipal solid waste products are divided into three basic categories durable goods nondurable goods and containers and packaging The durable goods and nondurable goods categories generally follow the definitions of the US Department of Commerce
Durable goods are those products that last 3 years or more Products in this category include major and small appliances furniture and furnishings carpets and rugs tires lead-acid batteries consumer electronics and other miscellaneous durables
Nondurable goods are those products that last less than 3 years Products in this category include newspapers books magazines office papers directories mail other commercial printing tissue paper and towels paper and plastic plates and cups trash bags disposable diapers clothing and footwear towels sheets and pillowcases other nonpackaging paper and other miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and packaging are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased Products in this category include bottles containers corrugated boxes milk cartons folding cartons bags sacks and wraps wood packaging and other miscellaneous packaging
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
000 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Books
Bags and sacks
Paper plates and cups
Other packaging
Magazines
Commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Other papers
Standard mail
Office-type papers
Gable topaseptic and folding cartons
NewspapersMechanical Papers
Corrugated boxes
million tons
Figure 2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW 2012
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
mill
ion tons
Figure 3 Paper and paperboard generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 40
30
20
10
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Figure 4 Glass products generated in MSW 2012
Durable goods
Beer amp soft drink bottles
Wine amp liquor bottles
Other bottles amp jars
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water teas flavored drinksand ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails
000 100 200 300 400 500
million tons
600
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
8
mill
ion
tons
Figure 5 Glass generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
10
12
14
16
18
lion tons
Generation
0
2
4
6
8
mil
Recovery
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Nondurables
Packaging
Durables
million tons
Figure 6 Metal products generated in MSW 2012
Ferrous metals Aluminum Other nonferrous
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
m
illio
nto
ns
mil l
ion tons
Figure 7 Metals generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Generation
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Other containers
PET bottles amp jars andHDPE natural bottles
Bags sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Nondurable goods
Durable goods
million tons
Figure 8 Plastics products generated in MSW 2012
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Figure 9 Plastics generation and recovery 1960 to 2012
16
20
24
28
32
mill
ion tons Generation
0
4
8
12
Recovery
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Figure 10 Generation of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food
Yard Trimmings
All other
Paper
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Food
All other includes primarily wood rubber and leather and textiles
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Figure 11 Recovery and discards of materials in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Discards including
Recovery
Generation
Discards including combustion with energy recovery
Generation minus recovery = discards
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Food waste Other Wood 57 20
Plastics 32
28
Glass 37
Paper amp paperboard Metals 512 88
Yard trimmings 226
In percent by weight of total recovery
Figure 12 Materials recovery in MSW 2012 8662 Million tons
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Glass
Figure 13 Materials generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 34
Food waste 145
Paper amp paperboard
274
Yard trimmings 135
Glass 46
Wood 63 Metals
89
Rubber leather amp Plastics textiles 127 87
Generation (25089 Million tons)
Paper amp
43 Other
paperboard 148 Food waste
211
Glass 51
Metals 90
Yard trimmings 87
Plastics Wood 176 82
Rubber leather amp textiles 112
Discards (16427 Million tons) Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Figure 14 Generation of products in MSW 1960 to 2012
mill
ion tons
250
200
150
100
50
0
Food Waste
Yard Trimmings
Other Wastes
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Containers amp Packaging
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Textiles 198
Paper amp Rubber amp leather paperboard
20 596
Plastics 127
Generation (5134 Million tons)
90
Textiles
90
248 Paper amp paperboard
445
Rubber amp leather 30
Plastics 187
Discards (3407 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Other 59
Other
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
paper oar
Wood other 132
Paper amp Plastics paperboard 183
505
Metals
Glass
Generation (7523 Million tons)
Wood other Plastics 62
49
Metals 55
55
125
Glass 83
Paper amp b dpaperboard
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Wood other 207
Paper amp paperboard
746
249
Glass 169
Plastics 326 Metals
49 Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
Figure 16 Containers and packaging materials generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Packaging W ood Packaging 1
Plastic Bags Sacks 13 W raps
5 HDPE Bottles shy
Corrugated Natural
Cardboard 1
39 Aluminum Packaging 3
Steel Packaging 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 3 Glass W ine ampLiquor
Bottles 2
PET Bottles ampJars 4
Other Plastic Packaging
Glass Beer amp Soft Non-Corrugated 6 Other Plastic Paper Packaging Drink Bottles Containers 11 7 2
Generation (7523 Million tons)
HDPE Bottles shyPlastic Bags Sacks W ood Packaging Natural
6 Steel Packaging 4
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars 1
Glass W ine ampLiquor
Aluminum Packaging 2
1 W raps
1
Bottles PET Bottles
2 amp Jars
2
Other Plastic Containers
1 Glass Beer amp Soft
Drink Bottles Corrugated 6 Cardboard
69
Corrugated Cardboard
7
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
18
Glass Beer amp Soft Drink Bottles
9
Other Plastic Containers
4
Other Plastic Packaging
12 PET Bottles amp Jars
5 Glass W ine amp Liquor
Bottles 3
Other Glass Bottles amp Jars
5
Steel Packaging 2
Aluminum Packaging 3
HDPE Bottles shyNatural
2
Plastic Bags Sacks W raps
9
W ood Packaging 20
Miscellaneous Packaging
1
Discards (3648 Million tons)
Discards in this figure include combustion with energy recovery
69
Non-Corrugated Paper Packaging
5
Recovery (3875 Million tons)
Figure 17 Containers and packaging generated recovered and discarded in municipal solid waste 2012
(In percent of total generation recovery and discards)
Miscellaneous
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Backyard Increased Other Combustion composting reuse changes in with energy grasscycling use patterns recovery
Changes in Changes in Changes in Recovery for package purchasing industrial recycling (including design habits practices composting)
LandfillOther disposal
SOURCE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Figure 18 Diagram of solid waste management
Generation of waste for
management
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Figure 19 States With Bottle Deposit Rules
Source Container Recycling Institute 2011
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Figure 20 Estimated MRF throughput 2012 (Tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ayt
hro
ug
hput
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Figure 21 Mixed waste processing estimated throughput 2012 (tons per day per million persons)
100
200
300
400
500
600
tonsd
ay t
hro
ughput
per
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau Governmental Advisory Associates Inc Data provided July 2011
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Figure 22 MSW composting capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per day per million persons)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
Northeast South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau BioCycle November 2011 Medina County Ohio and West Wendover Nevada websites
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
num
ber
of fa
cili
ties
Figure 23 Yard trimmings composting facilities 2012 (In number of facilities)
Northeast South Midwest West
Source Internet search includes data for 47 states and the District of Columbia
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Figure 24 Municipal waste-to-energy capacity 2012 (Capacity in tons per million persons)
Northeast Northeast South Midwest West South Midwest West
Source US Census Bureau December 2012 Energy Recovery Council (ERC) December 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
tonsd
ay c
apacity p
er
mill
ion p
ers
ons
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
0
200
400
600
800
num
ber
of la
ndfills
Figure 25 Number of landfills in the US 2012
Northeast South Midwest West
Source BioCycle October 2010 Latest report available
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
mill
ion tons
Figure 26 Municipal solid waste management 1960 to 2012
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Recovery of the composting component of recycling
Recovery for recycling
Combustion with energy recovery
Landfill other disposal
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
Appendix A
Municipal Solid WasteGeneration Recycling and Disposal in the
United States Facts and Figures
Consumer Electronics Methodology
February 2014
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Summary
Consumer electronic products include electronic products used in residences and
commercial establishments such as businesses and institutions Consumer electronics include
video and audio equipment and information products Video products include standard
televisions (TV) projection TV high density TV liquid crystal display TV VCR decks
camcorders laserdisc players and digital versatile disc players (DVD) Audio products include
rack audio systems compact audio systems portable compact discs (CD) portable headset
audio total CD players and home radios Information products include cordlesscorded
telephones mobile telephones telephone answering machines facsimile (fax) machines
personal computers computer printers computer monitors modems and fax modems Certain
other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded because of data
limitations
Consumer electronic generation is estimated by calculating the annual apparent
consumption Apparent consumption equals US manufacturer shipments plus US imports
minus US exports Consumer electronics are categorized as durables with an estimated average
useful life of 3 to 23 years depending on the product (see the table below) Therefore current
year generation is based on a rolling average of previous yearrsquos shipments The year in which a
particular electronic item enters the municipal solid waste stream is determined from the
estimated life span of the item Average weights for consumer electronics were estimated after
collecting information from retail websites consumer electronic magazines and weighing
available items
The generation methodology combines data from two sources for domestic shipments
(1) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and (2) the US Department of Commerce
trade data CEA data reflect shipments of consumer electronics to retail outlets The US Census
Bureaursquos Current Industrial Reports include trade data (shipments imports and exports) from
the US Department of Commerce
The methodology for estimating electronics recovery follows the methodology used in
the EPA report ldquoElectronics Waste Management in the United States Through 2009rdquo May 2011
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
State level data collected from 31 state agency websites represented about 68 percent of the US
population in 2011 To fill in the two data gaps (1) states without data and (2) commercial
recovery missed from the statesrsquo reporting mechanism similar assumptions used in the May 2011
report were applied
Per capita factors developed from available data applied to population in states without
data were used to estimate recovery in states where data were not identified
The assumption to estimate the commercial recovery missed by the statesrsquo data collection
efforts is that commercial recovery accounts for 67 percent of total recovery This assumption is
applied to the statesrsquo residential data to estimate commercial recovery (ie residential
recovery33 ndash residential recovery = commercial recovery)
Figure is a flow chart illustrating estimates of consumer electronics discards Each block
of the diagram contains a reference number corresponding to the following remarks
1 Domestic shipments of consumer electronics
2 Net imports of consumer electronics
3 Apparent consumption of consumer electronics = domestic shipments of
consumer electronics (1) + net imports of consumer electronics (2)
4 Temporary diversion based on estimated useful life for consumer electronics
Estimated Life of Selected Consumer Electronics (in years)
Temporary Diversion
Primary and Secondary Use
Video Products
Direct View Color T V 7 - 23
Projection T V 7 - 15
HDTV 7 - 23
LCD Color T V 9 - 15
Plasma 7 - 15
TVVCR Combination 10 - 12
Videocassette Players 7 - 10
VCR Decks DVD Players Camcorders 7 - 10
Audio Products
Home and Portable Audio Products 3 - 15
Home Information Products
Mobile Telephones 3 - 7
CordlessCorded T elephones 3 - 8
Telephone Answering Machines 3 - 8
Fax Machines 3 - 8
Personal Computers 3 - 18
Personal Computers Laptop 2 - 8
Computer Printers 4 - 14
Aftermarket Computer Monitors 5 - 13
Personal Computers Monitors - Flat panel 3 - 14
Keyboards 3 - 6
Mouse Devices 3 - 6
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics
5 Generation of consumer electronics = apparent consumption of consumer
electronics adjusted for temporary diversion based useful life
6 Recovery of consumer electronics
7 Discards of consumer electronics = generation of consumer electronics (5) ndash
recovery of consumer electronics (6)
Data Gaps
bull Certain other electronic products such as separate audio components are excluded
because of data limitations
bull Some newer electronic products such as GPS units and tablets have not been
added to the product list Data availability is unknown
bull Recovery data are not available for all states
bull Most state agency accounting of recovery does not include recovery through the
commercial sector
Apparent Consumption of
Consumer Electronics
(3)
Temporary Diversion for
Consumer Electronics
(4)
Generation of Consumer
Electronics
(5)
Recovery of Consumer
Electronics
(6)
Discards of Consumer
Electronics
(7)
Domestic Shipments of
Consumer Electronics
(1)
Net Imports of Consumer
Electronics
(2)
Figure 1 Material Flow Methodology Consumer Electronics