The total generation of waste in 2015 was 262.4 million tons, approximately 3.5 million tons more than the amount generated in 2014. Waste generated in 2015 increased to 4.48 pounds per person per day. This is an increase from the 259 million tons generated in 2014 and the 208.3 million tons in 1990.

In 2015, about 137.7 million tons of waste 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 about 11 percent. Other materials accounted for less than 10 percent each.

The disposal of waste to landfills has decreased from 94 percent of the amount generated in 1960 to under 53 percent of the amount generated in 2015.

We ask for more concrete action from the government to educate the public, make waste management and recycling accessible to all states, and instill more programming for conservation across the country.