In 2017, 34 million tons of MSW were combusted with energy recovery. Food made up the largest component of MSW combusted at approximately 22 percent. Rubber, leather and textiles accounted for over 16 percent of MSW combustion. Plastics comprised about 16 percent, and paper and paperboard made up about 13 percent. The other materials accounted for less than 10 percent each.

In 2017, about 139.6 million tons of MSW were landfilled. Food was the largest component at about 22 percent. Plastics accounted for about 19 percent, paper and paperboard made up about 13 percent, and rubber, leather and textiles comprised over 11 percent. Other materials accounted for less than 10 percent each.

Recycling

The total MSW recycled was 67.2 million tons, with paper and paperboard accounting for approximately 66 percent of that amount. Metals comprised about 12 percent, while glass, plastic and wood made up between 4 and 5 percent.

Composting

The total MSW composted was 27 million tons. This included approximately 24.4 million tons of yard trimmings (more than a five-fold increase since 1990) and 2.6 million tons of food waste.

In percentage of total MSW generation, recycling (including composting) did not exceed 15 percent until 1990. Growth in the recycling rate was significant over the next 15 years, spanning until 2005. The recycling rate grew more slowly over the last few years. The 2017 recycling rate was 35.2 percent.