America’s Status as the Leading Producer of Household Waste Among Developed Nations

The United States is the largest producer of household waste in developed countries. American residents and business owners are by far those who produce the most trash per person among the richest countries: on average 773 kilos per year, more than three times more than the world average.

The United States is the country producing the most household waste per capita in the world among developed countries, without having the sorting capacity necessary to absorb it, which represents a threat to the environment, according to a report by Verisk Maplecroft.

The world produces on average 2.1 billion tons of waste per year, taking into account solid waste managed by municipalities, i.e. thrown away food, plastics and various rubbish, enough to fill more of 820,000 Olympic swimming pools. Only 16% of the total is recycled, according to this report.

American residents and business owners are by far those who produce the most trash per person among the richest countries: on average 773 kilos per year, more than three times more than the world average and seven times more than Ethiopians. Ethiopia being the country that produces the least waste.

In contrast, recycling capacity in the United States is one of the worst among developed countries, at only 35%, far behind Germany which recycles 68% of its waste.

The report’s authors warn that China’s sudden decision in 2018 to no longer accept plastic waste from around the world, followed by other Southeast Asian countries, risks further complicating the situation for countries that are large producers of waste.

Some countries have decided to ban plastic products, whether bags or disposable items. However, global production of plastics grew further in 2018 on a global scale, driven by Asia and the United States, according to the PlasticsEurope federation.

Federal regulations for waste management in the USA

Federal regulations for waste management in the USA are primarily overseen by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). The EPA regulates hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which sets standards for the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste to protect human health and the environment. Additionally, the EPA manages non-hazardous solid waste under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, aiming to minimize the generation of waste and promote recycling and resource recovery.

The DOT oversees regulations related to the transportation of hazardous materials, ensuring safe handling and transport to prevent accidents and environmental contamination. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund, empowers the EPA to respond to hazardous waste sites, enforce clean-up actions, and hold responsible parties accountable for remediation costs.

Overall, these federal regulations provide a framework for managing various types of waste, promoting sustainable practices, protecting public health, and safeguarding the environment across the United States.

The usage of dumpster rentals in the USA

One solution to the waste management problem in America is dumpster rental services.

Dumpster rentals play a crucial role in waste management practices across the USA, serving a wide range of industries and applications. Construction sites rely on dumpsters to efficiently collect and dispose of construction debris, including materials like concrete, wood, and drywall.

Home renovation projects often utilize dumpsters to streamline cleanup efforts and remove bulky items. Additionally, businesses utilize dumpster rentals for routine waste disposal, maintaining cleanliness and compliance with regulations. Dumpster rentals also support community events, festivals, and large gatherings by providing convenient waste collection solutions.

By offering flexible sizes and rental durations, dumpster rental services cater to the diverse needs of individuals, businesses, and organizations, contributing to effective waste management strategies and environmental sustainability efforts throughout the country.