About 250 million tons of waste is generated and roughly 30% is being recycled. So, around 175 million tons is thrown in to landfills
If you collected all of the US landfill waste for the next 50 years with growth included, then spread it across the entire lower 48 states, it would be a layer of dust, less than 1/16 of an inch thick.
We do not have a landfill problem. It is environmentally sound to bury solid waste in modern landfill cells. Only large cities have a problem because they need to ship the landfill waste to distant landfills because their populations have a serious NIMBY problem. Not In My Back Yard means they do not want their solid waste buried near their homes.
People buy homes near landfills and sue to shut the landfills down.
Americans throw away enough plastic bottles to circle the Earth four times every year.
Americans throw away more aluminum cans each year due to a combination of factors such as convenience, lack of recycling awareness, and the wide availability of canned beverages. Additionally, single-use items like aluminum cans contribute to a throwaway culture in the United States.
Approximately 48 million Americans suffer from heart disease each year.
The average American buys 12 pairs of shoes each year.
About 2% of Americans visit Alaska each year, making it one of the least-visited states in the country due to its remote location.
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About 1,000,000 lbs per person
over 2 million tons of garbage each year
Americans throw away enough plastic bottles to circle the Earth four times every year.
Americans "throw away" more than half a trillion dollars each year on things such as lottery tickets.
Americans throw away more aluminum cans each year due to a combination of factors such as convenience, lack of recycling awareness, and the wide availability of canned beverages. Additionally, single-use items like aluminum cans contribute to a throwaway culture in the United States.
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On average, Americans throw away about 4.9 pounds of trash per person per day, which adds up to approximately 1,790 pounds per person each year. This translates to over 260 million tons of trash generated annually in the United States alone.
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Trash that is not properly disposed of can end up in landfills where it can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water. Plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife. Burning trash can release toxic chemicals into the air, worsening air quality and contributing to climate change.
Recycling will help our world become cleaner. You throw away about 29 pounds of trash each week. I know of some places that will pay you for bringing in cans or plastic. That way you can help make the world become a cleaner place and make money at the same time. :)