A growing challenge for waste systems
The United States is the world’s largest generator of municipal solid waste (MSW), producing nearly 12% of global waste despite accounting for only 4% of the global population. Driven by high consumption and population growth, waste generation continues to rise, bringing major environmental and economic challenges.
Current state of waste generation in the USA
According to Global Waste Index 2025, average waste generation in the U.S. reached 951 kilograms per person annually, or about 2.6 kilograms per day. Most of this waste comes from households – packaging, food scraps, yard trimmings, as well as commercial and institutional sources. These figures underline the urgent need for more sustainable waste management practices.
Despite advancements in recycling and composting programs, landfilling remains the most common waste disposal method. Approximately 50% of the country’s MSW ends up in landfills, while 32 % is recycled or composted, and the rest is incinerated with energy recovery.
Why landfilling persists
The most comprehensive data suggests there are over 1 250 active municipal solid waste landfills in the U.S. Several factors contribute to the ongoing dependence on landfilling in the U.S.:
- Low tipping fees in many regions, especially the South and Midwest, make landfilling a cost-effective choice.
- Limited infrastructure for alternative methods like composting or anaerobic digestion.
- Inconsistent recycling programs, often hindered by contamination or market fluctuations.
- Lack of unified federal regulation, leaving waste policy primarily to the states.
Which U.S. states generate the most waste?
Solid waste generation in the USA varies significantly across states due to population density, consumption habits, and local regulations. Below is a comparison of per capita MSW generation:
Click on the table headers to sort by generated waste, state or year of the source.
New data on municipal solid waste (MSW) per capita reveals major differences in waste generation by state. California leads the ranking with 1 781 kg of MSW per person annually, followed by Florida with 1 511 kg. These numbers highlight the significant environmental impact of the country’s most populous states.
At the other end of the scale, Alaska (404 kg) and Rhode Island (410 kg) produce less than a quarter of that, making them among the least wasteful. Most of the lowest-waste states are in the Northeast and Midwest, where stronger recycling infrastructure and waste policies are in place. These differences can often be attributed to varying waste reduction policies, public awareness levels, and waste infrastructure.
Other high-waste states include Montana, Nebraska and New Hampshire, each generating over 1 300 kg per capita. In contrast, states like Minnesota, South Dakota and South Carolina generate less waste.
How U.S. states handle their waste?
Available data from selected U.S. states shows major differences in how municipal solid waste is managed. Some states release full statistical data, while others report only limited figures.
- Minnesota (2022) shows a balanced approach: 283 kg recycled, 5 kg incinerated, 226 kg landfilled.
- Connecticut (2022) reports 200 kg recycled and 143 kg landfilled, suggesting a fairly efficient system.
- In contrast, Indiana (2023) landfilled 938 kg, with only 181 kg recycled and 44 kg incinerated.
- Massachusetts (2023) focuses heavily on incineration (381 kg) with just 58 kg landfilled.
- States like Montana and Kansas have high landfill rates and minimal recycling efforts.
Waste management challanges
Landfills remain the primary disposal method. However, innovative recycling programs like Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) and Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) are gaining traction as effective tools to reduce landfill waste and boost recycling rates.
Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) are systems in which consumers pay a small deposit on beverage containers, refundable upon return. This system encourages the return and recycling of single-use containers, reducing litter and landfill input. In the U.S., states like Oregon and Michigan have implemented DRS with a minimum deposit of $0.10, achieving some of the highest return rates nationally – Oregon reaching over 90% return rates by 2023.
PAYT programs charge residents based on the amount of waste they discard, incentivizing waste reduction and better waste sorting. By linking disposal costs to the volume or weight of trash, PAYT encourages households to separate recyclables more effectively. This leads to cleaner waste streams and allows waste operators to divert more material from landfills. The approach complements DRS by targeting a broader scope of municipal solid waste beyond beverage containers.
Conclusion
Municipal solid waste in the USA is a growing environmental challenge that demands urgent, innovative solutions. While some states have advanced waste processing and lower landfill reliance, many still depend heavily on landfills. Programs like Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) and Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) offer effective, data-driven ways to reduce waste, boost recycling rates, and promote a circular economy. Expanding these smart waste management strategies nationwide is essential for transforming the future of waste management in America toward greater sustainability and environmental responsibility.
