In 1997, 217 million tons of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) were generated in the United States, or 4.4 pounds per person per day. Of the total of 217 million tons, 28 percent was recycled, up from 10 percent in 1980 and 16 percent in 1990. Paper and paperboard products made up the largest percentage of all the materials in MSW, with 38.6 percent of total generation or 83.8 million tons.

Landfills managed 55 percent of MSW generated (120 million tons), combustion facilities managed 17 percent (37 million tons), and the recycling rate was at 28 percent.

EPA (Environment Protection Agency) has established a target-recycling goal of 35 percent by the year 2005, while maintaining the per capita generation of solid waste at 4.3 pounds per person per day. It will take continued commitment from business, industry, government and the public to do so. As economic and population growth result in more products and materials being generated, there will be an increased need to utilize recycling facilities and set up recycling programs.

Home Page - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - www.tceq.state.tx.us