Dive Brief:
- The EPA has released data and figures that show the overall recycling rate for municipal solid waste (MSW) in the United States has dropped from 34.7% in 2011 to 34.5% in 2012.
- In 2012, the U.S. produced 251 million tons of MSW, and recycled and composted around 87 million tons. Consumers recycled and composted 1.51 pounds out of every 4.38 pounds generated daily. 53.8%, or 145 million tons, of MSW was discarded at landfills.
- Growth in the recycling since 1990 rose quickly, but the pace has slowed down during the past five years, with the recycling rate backtracking starting in 2012.
Dive Insight:
The EPA compiled a list of items that yielded the highest recovery rates in 2012:
- Lead-acid Batteries -- 96%
- Corrugated Boxes -- 91%
- Steel Cans -- 71%
- Newspapers -- 70%
- Appliances -- 64%
- Yard Trimmings -- 58%
- Aluminum Cans -- 55%
- Tires -- 45%
- Mixed Paper -- 43%
Cities and states have been attempting to increase their recycling rates, as some have dropped or remained stagnant. It has also become increasingly difficult for recyclers to profit from recyclables, as current market conditions for these commodities are falling, causing many recycling sites to operate at a loss.
