Waste Industry Facts and Statistics

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Simple green home renovations can reduce your carbon footprint. Explore these nine ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home and start planning upgrades.

Going zero waste at home? Follow these zero waste living tips to reduce kitchen waste and cut back on packaging.

One-third of the average landfill is made up of single-use packaging. Learn how to reduce packaging waste in 5 easy steps.

Learn how composting at home benefits the environment and your garden by reducing landfill waste, spreading nutrients to your soil and more.

Want to cut food waste? Find out how a curbside collection program in your city can help reduce methane emissions by keeping organic waste out of landfills.

Using the right type of mulch and keeping natural grass to a minimum are two keys to xeriscape design and important water saving landscape ideas.

Looking to cut landscaping costs? Want to reduce your lawn’s environmental footprint? Sustainable landscaping is the best of both worlds – learn how to landscape like a natural.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Illegal dumping impacts you in many ways—from your health to your property value and community well-being. Learn the facts and some solutions to the problem.

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.