Waste Industry Facts and Statistics

Downtown Streets Team is combatting litter and homelessness in San Jose. Learn more about their unique litter cleanup program and more prevention tips.

See how you can take part in Campus Sustainability Month using these event and program ideas from colleges dedicated to promoting green initiatives.

After garbage is tossed, the majority of it is sent to a landfill to decompose, while recyclables are sorted and repurposed in a recycling center.

After you throw your garbage away, it's usually sorted at a transfer station then sent to another facility. Start here to learn where your trash goes next.

The average American throws out 4.4 pounds of trash every day. Here are a few simple ways to reduce waste at home.

While the recycling rate in the U.S. has dropped, the total tonnage is at an all-time high. Learn all about the current American recycling landscape.

Tiny houses are sweeping the nation, but is it the right lifestyle for you? Find out the costs, benefits and what to consider before taking the plunge.

Illegal dumping can do more than just harm the environment. It can also cause property values to fall and cost taxpayers money to clean up the mess.

A recent trend in the U.S. is the emergence of green waste landfills. We’ve got the info you need, from why compost landfills are important to how they’ll benefit the environment.

Ever wonder what happens at a waste transfer station? Find out exactly how they work, and the important role they play in managing our trash.

Is single-stream recycling as simple as it sounds? Learn how single-stream recycling works, and if tossing everything in the same container affects the sorting and recycling process.

Check out our list of the 3 alternative fuels most likely to replace gasoline in our vehicles. Learn how each works and the advantages of using renewable energies for cars.

Curious what happens after a landfill is capped? Many are transformed into useful community spaces like parks, wildlife habitats or green energy projects.

Learn about the four main landfill types — MSW, industrial, hazardous and green — and how each works to ensure your trash is properly taken care of.

Sanitary landfills operate by layering waste and tightly sealing it. Experts monitor the drainage and gas collection systems beneath the waste for leaks.

The U.S. produces 268 million tons of waste — 140 million going into landfills — each year, with the average American tossing 4.5 pounds of trash per day. Learn more about America's trash production.

Plastic bags can contaminate food sources when improperly disposed, but will your food be exposed to bacteria without them?

Find out how hazardous waste disposal sites properly handle harmful materials like household cleaners and paint so you can safely get rid of them.

Are these grocery store waste statistics true where you shop? Learn how much food your supermarket throws away, why so many don’t donate and how they could benefit by cutting waste.

Learn how one waste-to-energy plant is surpassing expectations to prove that this process can positively impact both a city’s sustainability and economy.

Alliance for Chesapeake Bay pushes companies to see their effect on the watershed and implement green practices into their business model.

Learn the ropes of composting at home with our simple guide for beginners. Whether you’ve got sprawling acres or a tiny backyard, you’ll soon be turning kitchen waste into garden fuel.

Make your move green. Use our tips to reduce waste during your move and to ensure an easy day so you can spend time enjoying your new home.

Check out these easy home energy saving tips to increase home energy efficiency.

From eco-friendly moving supplies to green moving tips, here's how to make the journey to your dream home with nature in mind.

After garbage is tossed, the majority of it is sent to a landfill to decompose, while recyclables are sorted and repurposed in a recycling center.

After you throw your garbage away, it's usually sorted at a transfer station then sent to another facility. Start here to learn where your trash goes next.

While the recycling rate in the U.S. has dropped, the total tonnage is at an all-time high. Learn all about the current American recycling landscape.

A recent trend in the U.S. is the emergence of green waste landfills. We’ve got the info you need, from why compost landfills are important to how they’ll benefit the environment.

Ever wonder what happens at a waste transfer station? Find out exactly how they work, and the important role they play in managing our trash.

Curious what happens after a landfill is capped? Many are transformed into useful community spaces like parks, wildlife habitats or green energy projects.

Learn about the four main landfill types — MSW, industrial, hazardous and green — and how each works to ensure your trash is properly taken care of.

Sanitary landfills operate by layering waste and tightly sealing it. Experts monitor the drainage and gas collection systems beneath the waste for leaks.

Find out how hazardous waste disposal sites properly handle harmful materials like household cleaners and paint so you can safely get rid of them.

Learn how one waste-to-energy plant is surpassing expectations to prove that this process can positively impact both a city’s sustainability and economy.

Zero landfill means sending nothing to the landfill via recycling, but zero waste supports eliminating trash altogether by redesigning product life cycles.

What is anaerobic digestion? It’s a process that aims to turn waste into renewable energy. We talked to the experts to learn how anaerobic digestion works and the potential benefits.

Many businesses encounter biohazard risks every day. Learn helpful biohazardous waste storage and disposal methods to keep your workplace safe.

Capturing landfill gas and converting waste to energy is a simple process. According to the EPA there are over 600 facilities operating across the country, so you may have trash to thank for your electricity.

After garbage is tossed, the majority of it is sent to a landfill to decompose, while recyclables are sorted and repurposed in a recycling center.

After you throw your garbage away, it's usually sorted at a transfer station then sent to another facility. Start here to learn where your trash goes next.

While the recycling rate in the U.S. has dropped, the total tonnage is at an all-time high. Learn all about the current American recycling landscape.

Illegal dumping can do more than just harm the environment. It can also cause property values to fall and cost taxpayers money to clean up the mess.

The U.S. produces 268 million tons of waste — 140 million going into landfills — each year, with the average American tossing 4.5 pounds of trash per day. Learn more about America's trash production.

Plastic bags can contaminate food sources when improperly disposed, but will your food be exposed to bacteria without them?

Are these grocery store waste statistics true where you shop? Learn how much food your supermarket throws away, why so many don’t donate and how they could benefit by cutting waste.

Learn the facts about restaurant food waste and how you can start your own food donation program with help from groups like the Food Donation Connection.