S-EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
(5305W)
EPA530-R-99-021
September 7999
www.epa.gov/osw
Characterization of
Municipal Solid Waste in
The United States:
1998 Update
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CHARACTERIZATION OF
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
IN THE UNITED STATES:
1998 UPDATE
Prepared for
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Municipal and Industrial Solid Waste Division
Office of Solid Waste
Report No. EPA530-
by
Franklin Associates
A Service of McLaren/Hart
Prairie Village, KS
July 1999
Printed on recycled paper
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CHARACTERIZATION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
IN THE UNITED STATES: 1998 UPDATE
Table of Contents
Chapter
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
Features of this Report 1
Report Highlights 2
Trends in MSW Management 3
Waste Generation 3
Recycling Including Composting 4
Disposal 4
Municipal Solid Waste in 1997 8
Materials in MSW 8
Products in MSW 9
Residential and Commercial Sources of MSW 11
Management of MSW 13
Source Reduction 14
Recovery 14
Combustion 14
Landfilling •. 15
Projections of MSW Generation and Management 15
MSW Generation 15
MSW Management , 16
1 INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY 18
Background 18
How this Report can be Used 1 18
Municipal Solid Waste in Perspective 20
Municipal Solid Waste Defined 20
Other Subtitle D wastes 21
The Solid Waste Management Hierarchy 22
Methodologies for Characterizing Municipal Solid Waste 22
The Two Methodologies 22
Definition of Terms 23
Materials and Products not Included in These Estimates 24
Overview of this Report 24
References 26
2 CHARACTERIZATION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE BY WEIGHT 28
Introduction 28
Materials in Municipal Solid Waste 28
Paper and Paperboard 32
Glass 35
Ferrous Metals 37
Aluminum 39
Other Nonferrous Metals 40
Plastics 40
Other Materials 44
Food Wastes 46
Yard Trimmings 47
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes 48
Summary of Materials in Municipal Solid Waste 48
Products in Municipal Solid Waste '. 52
in
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Table of Contents (continued)
Chapter
Page
Durable Goods 52
Nondurable Goods 57
Containers and Packaging 66
Summary of Products in Municipal Solid Waste 75
Summary 79
MSW Generation 79
MSW Recovery 79
Long Term Trends ,..„ 80
References 81
3 MANAGEMENT OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 91
Introduction ,. 91
Source Reduction 91
Source Reduction Through Redesign '. 92
Modifying Practices to Reduce Materials Use 94
Reuse of Products and Packages 94
Management of Organic Materials 95
Recovery for Recycling (Including Composting) 96
Recyclables Collection 96
Recyclables Processing 99
Combustion 102
Residues From Waste Management Facilities 103
Landfill 104
Summary of Historical and Current MSW Management 104
References 108
4 PROJECTIONS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE GENERATION & MANAGEMENT 111
Introduction , m
Overview and Assumptions Ill
Materials Generation in Municipal Solid Waste Ill
Paper and Paperboard 112
Glass 113
Steel 113
Aluminum 114
Other Nonferrous Metals 114
Plastics 114
Wood Wastes 114
Other Materials 115
Food Wastes , 115
Yard Trimmings 115
Projected Growth Rates for Materials in MSW 115
Product Generation in Municipal Solid Waste 116
Durable Goods 118
Nondurable Goods 119
Containers and Packaging 121
Summary 123
Projections of MSW Recovery 125
Discussion of Assumptions 126
Scenarios for 2000 127
Scenarios for 2005 129
Projections of MSW Discards After Recovery 129
Projections of MSW Combustion 130
Summary of Projected MSW Management 132
IV
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Table of Contents (continued)
Chapter
References.
Page
..135
Appendix
A Material Flows Methodology 136
Domestic Production 136
Converting Scrap 136
Adjustments for Imports/Exports : 136
Diversion.... 136
Adjustments for Product Lifetime 139
Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Discards 139
B Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste 140
Generation and Discards by Individuals 140
Residential and Commercial Generation of MSW 142
Organic/Inorganic Fractions of MSW Discards 144
Ranking of Products in MSW by Weight 144
Characterization of MSW Discards by Volume 145
C Recovery Scenarios for 2000 and 2005 153
Discussion of Assumptions 153
D Estimates of Residential/Commercial Wastes 157
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List of Tables
Table
Page
ES-1 Generation, Materials Recovery, Composting, Combustion, and Discards of Municipal
Solid Waste, 1960 to 1997 : , 5
ES-2 Generation and Recovery of Materials in MSW, 1997 ...„ 10
ES-3 Generation and Recovery of Products in MSW by Material, 1997 12
ES-4 Projections of Materials Generated in the Municipal Waste Stream: 2000 and 2005 16
Materials in the Municipal Solid Waste Stream, 1960 to 1997
1 Generated , 29
2 Recovery [ 30
3 Discarded 31
Products in Municipal Solid Waste, 1997
4 Paper and Paperboard 32
5 Glass 35
6 Metal 38
7 Plastics 41
8 Rubber and Leather 45
Categories of Products in the Municipal Solid Waste Stream, 1960 to 1997
9 Generated 53
10 Recovery 54
11 Discarded , 55
Products in MSW with Detail on Durable Goods, 1960 to 1997
12 Generated 58
13 Recovery 59
14 Discarded 60
Products in MSW with Detail on Nondurable Goods, 1960 to 1997
15 Generated 61
16 Recovery 62
17 Discarded 63
Products in MSW with Detail on Containers and Packaging, 1960 to 1997
18 Generated (by weight) 67
19 Generated (by percent) 68
20 Recovery (by weight) 69
21 Recovery (by percent) 70
22 Discarded (by weight) 71
23 Discarded (by percent) 72
Management of Municipal Solid Waste
24 Selected Examples of Source Reduction Practices 93
25 Number and Population Served by Curbside Recyclables Collection Programs, 1997 97
26 Materials Recovery Facilities, 1997 99
27 Municipal Waste Combustors, 1997 103
VI
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List of Tables (continued)
Table
Page
Management of Municipal Solid Waste (continued)
28 Landfill Facilities, 1997 • 105
29 Generation, Materials Recovery, Composting, Combustion, and Discards
of Municipal Solid Waste, 1960 to 1997 106
Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
30 Projections of Materials Generated in the Municipal Waste Stream: 1997, 2000, and 2005 112
31 Average Annual Rates of Increase (or Decrease) of Generation of Materials in MSW 116
32 Projections of Categories of Products Generated in the Municipal Waste Stream:
1997, 2000, and 2005 117
33 Projections of Products Generated in the Municipal Waste Stream: 1997,2000, and 2005
(With Details on Durable Goods) 118
34 Projections of Products Generated in the Municipal Waste Stream: 1997, 2000, and 2005
(With Detail on Nondurable Goods) 120
35 Projections of Products Generated in the Municipal Waste Stream: 1997, 2000, and 2005
(With Detail on Containers and Packaging) 122
36 Projected Generation and Ranges of Recovery, 2000 128
37 Projected Generation and Ranges of Recovery, 2005 130
38 Projections of Materials Discarded in MSW: 1997, 2000, and 2005 131
39 Generation, Recovery, Combustion, and Disposal of Municipal Solid Waste:
1997, 2000, and 2005 132
Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
B-l Per Capita Generation, Materials Recovery, Combustion, and Discards of Municipal
Solid Waste, 1960 to 1997 141
B-2 Per Capita Generation of Material Solid Waste, by Material, 1960 to 1997 142
B-3 Classification of MSW Generation into Residential and Commercial Fractions, 1997 143
B-4 Composition of MSW Discards by Organic and Inorganic Fractions, 1960 to 1997 144
B-5 Generation of Municipal Solid Waste, 1997 Arranged in Descending Order by Weight 146
B-6 Recovery of Municipal Solid Waste, 1997 Arranged in Descending Order by Weight 147
B-7 Discards of Municipal Solid Waste, 1997 Arranged in Descending Order by Weight 148
B-8 Summary of Estimated Density Factors for Landfilled Materials 149
B-9 Estimated Volume of Products Discarded in MSW, 1997 150
B-10 Estimated Volume of Materials Discarded in MSW, 1997 152
Recovery Scenarios for 2000 and 2005
C-l Scenarios for Recovery of MSW, 2000 155
C-2 Scenarios for Recovery of MSW, 2005 156
Estimates of Residential/Commercial Wastes
D-l Worksheet for Estimates of Residential/Commercial Fractions of MSW, 1997 158
Vll
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List of Figures
Figure
Page
ES-1 Total municipal solid waste generation and management, 1960 to 1997 6
ES-2 MSW recovery tonnages and rates, 1960 to 1997 6
ES-3 Materials generated in MSW by weight, 1997 9
ES-4 Products generated in MSW by weight, 1997 11
ES-5 Management of MSW in the U.S., 1997 13
ES-6 Historical and projected MSW, by category 17
1 Municipal solid waste in the universe of Subtitle D wastes 21
Materials Generated and Recovered in Municipal Solid Waste
2 Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW, 1997 33
3 Paper generation and recovery, 1960 to 1997 34
4 Glass products generated in MSW, 1997 36
5 Glass generation and recovery, 1960 to 1997 36
6 Metal products generated in MSW, 1997 37
7 Metals generation and recovery, 1960 to 1997 39
8 Plastics products generated in MSW, 1997 43
9 Plastics generation and recovery, 1960 to 1997 44
10 Generation of materials in MSW, 1960 to 1997 , 49
11 Recovery and discards of MSW, 1960 to 1997 50
12 Materials recovery, 1997 50
13 Materials generated and discarded in MSW, 1997 51
Products Generated and Recovered in Municipal Solid Waste
14 Generation of products in MSW, 1960 to 1997 76
15 Nondurable goods generated and discarded in MSW, 1997 77
16 Containers and packaging generated and discarded in MSW, 1997 78
Management of Municipal Solid Waste
17 Diagram of solid waste management 92
18 Population served by curbside recycling, 1997 97
19 States with deposit/redemption legislation 98
20 MRF throughput, 1997 100
21 Mixed waste processing capacity, 1997 '. 101
22 MSW composting capacity, 1997 101
23 Yard trimmings composting programs, 1997 102
24 MSW combustion capacity, 1997 104
25 Number of landfills in the U.S., 1997 105
26 Municipal solid waste management, 1960 to 1997 107
Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
27 Materials generated in MSW, 1997, 2000, and 2005 113
28 Products generated in MSW, 1997, 2000, and 2005 117
29 Historical and projected generation of durable goods 119
30 Historical and projected generation of nondurable goods 121
31 Historical and projected generation of containers and packaging 123
32 Historical and projected generation of MSW 1-24
33 Historical and projected MSW, by category 124
34 Historical and projected recovery rates 125
35 Municipal solid waste management, 1960 to 2005 (weight) 133
36 Municipal solid waste management, 1960 to 2005 (percent) 134
via
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List of Figures (continued)
Figure
Page
Material Flows Methodology
A-l Material flows methodology for estimating generation of products and materials in MSW 137
A-2 Material flows methodology for estimating discards of products and materials in MSW 138
IX
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Executive Summary
CHARACTERIZATION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
IN THE UNITED STATES: 1998 UPDATE
Executive Summary
FEATURES OF THIS REPORT
This report is the latest in a series of reports published by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) describing the national municipal solid waste (MSW) stream. The
report characterizes the national solid waste stream for 1997. It also discusses trends and
highlights changes that have occurred over the years, both in the types of wastes generated
and in the ways they are managed. Although the report does not specifically address local and
regional variations in the waste stream, the data in the report can be used to develop
approximate estimates of MSW generation and composition in defined areas.
This report includes information on:
• Total MSW generation, recovery, and discards from 1960 to 1997.
• Per capita generation and discard rates.
• Materials (e.g., paper, glass, metals, plastic) that comprise MSW, as well
as products (e.g., durable and nondurable goods, containers, packaging)
found in the waste stream.
• Aggregate data on the infrastructure for MSW management, including
estimates of the number of curbside recycling programs, drop-off
centers, materials recovery facilities, and composting programs in the
United States.
• Trends in MSW management from 1960 to 1997, including source
reduction, recovery for recycling (including composting), and disposal
via combustion and landfilling.
• Projections of MSW generation to the year 2005.
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Executive Summary
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
In 1997,217 million tons of MSW were generated in the U.S., or 4.4 pounds per
person per day. Paper and yard trimmings account for over 51 percent of total generation. Of
the total of 217 million tons of MSW generated, 28 percent was recycled, up from 10 percent
in 1980 and 16 percent in 1990.
The 217 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in 1997 was nearly 8
million tons more than in 1996, when MSW generation was 209 million tons. Historically,
the increase in waste generation has been correlated with increased economic activity, and
moderated by decreases in waste generation caused by source reduction activities such as
backyard composting and leaving grass trimmings on the lawn. On a per capita basis, half of
the increase in total MSW generation was offset by increased recycling.
• Between 1996 and 1997, almost all product categories increased in
tonnage. This correlates with increased per capita consumer
expenditures. The exceptions were glass and yard trimmings.
• Paper and paperboard products made up the largest percentage of all
the materials in MSW, increasing by 4.2 million tons to 83.8 million
tons, or 38.6 percent of total generation, in 1997. This increase was
due to a rebound in newsprint production, and more production of
printing and writing papers, containerboard (corrugated boxes),
boxboard, and tissue paper.
i|
• Yard trimmings comprised the second largest material category,
estimated at 27.7 million tons, or 12.8 percent of total generation, in
1997. This compared to 35.0 million tons (17.1 percent of total
generation) in 1990. This decline is largely due to state legislation
affecting yard trimmings disposal in landfills, and due to source
reduction measures such as backyard composting and leaving grass
trimmings on the yard. From 1996 to 1997, the per capita generation
of yard trimmings decreased by only 0.2 million tons.
• Recycling (including composting) recovered 28 percent (61 million
tons) of MSW in 1997, up from 27 percent (57 million tons) in
1996.*
* Data shown for years prior to 1997 have been adjusted to reflect the latest revisions to the data and
methodology, and therefore may differ slightly from the same measure reported in previous updates.
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Executive Summary
• There were nearly 9,000 curbside recycling programs in the United
States in 1997, as well as more than 12,000 drop-off centers for
recyclables. About 380 materials recovery facilities helped process
the recyclables collected. About 3,500 yard trimmings composting
programs were reported, up from about 2,300 reported in 1996.
• Recovery of paper and paperboard reached 42 percent (35 million
tons) in 1997, accounting for more than half of the total MSW
recovered. With greater generation of paper, more was available for
recycling.
• In addition, 11.5 million tons of yard trimmings were recovered for
composting in 1997, accounting for the second largest fraction of
total recovery. The percentage of yard trimmings composted (41
percent) has more than doubled since 1992. This is due to increased
numbers of yard trimmings facilities, more material being handled at
facilities, and bans of yard trimmings from landfills by 22 states.
From 1996 to 1997, however, composting increased by just one
million tons, suggesting that much of the impact of the states' bans
of yard trimmings from landfills had already taken place.
• The per capita discard rate (after recovery for recycling, including
composting) was 3.2 pounds per person per day in 1997, up from 3.1
pounds per person per day in 1996.
• Landfills managed 55 percent of MSW generated (120 million tons),
about the same percentage as in 1996. Combustion facilities
managed 17 percent (37 million tons) of total MSW generated, about
the same as in 1996.
TRENDS IN MSW MANAGEMENT
Table ES-1 and Figure ES-1 show the trends in MSW generation, materials recovery,
and disposal over time.
Waste Generation
• The waste generation figure of 217 million tons per year in 1997 is an increase of
nearly 8 million tons from 1996, when MSW generation was 209 million tons.
Looking at the longer term trend, generation increased steadily from 88 million
tons in 1960 to 214 million tons in 1994. Generation decreased slightly in 1995
and 1996, then increased again in 1997. Increases in waste generation since 1960
have been correlated with increased economic activity as measured by gross
domestic product and personal consumption expenditures. The waste generation
has been limited by source reduction activities such as an increase in yard
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Executive Summary
trimmings being composted on-site, and more grass trimmings being left on
lawns.
• The decrease in waste generation in 1995 was due in large part to decreases in
yard trimmings. This continued in 1996, and was supported by paper and
paperboard generation decreases in 1996 as well. In 1997, generation of paper and
paperboard increased by 4.2 million tons, compared to 1996, accounting for about
half of the increase in waste generation over the last year.
• The per capita MSW generation rate for 1997 was 4.4 pounds per person per day,
compared to 4.3 pounds per person per day in 1996. The longer term trend shows
that the per capita waste generation rate increased from 2.7 pounds per person per
day in 1960 to 4.5 pounds per person per day in 1990—decreasing to 4.4 in 1995,
4.3 in 1996, then rising again to 4.4 in 1997. Again, these changes are correlated
with economic activity, but limited by source reduction. The per capita waste
generation increase from 1996 to 1997 would have been even higher had no
source reduction activities taken place.
Recycling, Including Composting
i
• From 1996 to 1997 the recycling rate increased from 27 percent to 28 percent.
This compares to a 10 percent recycling rate in 1980 and a 16 percent rate in 1990
(Figure ES-2).
• Although the rate of growth of recycling, including composting, is not as high as it
was in the early 1990s, the tonnage of material recycled and composted has
continued to grow, as has the per capita recycling rate.
i
• From 1996 to 1997 the per capita MSW generation rate, which is strongly
correlated with economic activity, increased by 0.12 pounds per person per day.
Half of this (0.06 pounds per person per day) went to increased recycling and half
of this (0.06 pounds per person per day) went to increased disposal.
Disposal
In the 1960s and early 1970s, a large percentage of MSW was burned. Through
the mid-1980s, incineration declined considerably and landfills became more
difficult to site. MSW generation continued to rise, however, while materials
recovery rates increased slowly. As a result, the burden on the nation's landfills
grew dramatically. Although there are now fewer municipal solid waste landfills,
their average size has increased and capacity at the national level does not appear
to be a problem. Regional dislocations do, however, sometimes occur. As
recovery rates have increased, while combustion remained relatively constant, the
percentage of MSW discarded to landfills has steadily decreased.
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Executive Summary
Table ES-1
GENERATION, MATERIALS RECOVERY, COMPOSTING, COMBUSTION,
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 1960 TO 1997
(In millions of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Generation
Recovery for recycling
Recovery for composting*
Total Materials Recovery
Discards after recovery
Combustion**
Discards to landfill,
other disposalf
1960
88.1
5.6
Neg.
5.6
82.5
27.0
55.5
1970
121.1
8.0
Neg.
8.0
113.0
25.1
87.9
1980
151.6
14.5
Neg.
14.5
137.1
13.7
123.4
Pounds per Person i
Generation
Recovery for recycling
Recovery for composting*
Total Materials Recovery
Discards after recovery
Combustion**
Discards to landfill,
other disposalf
Population (thousands)
1960
2.68
0.17
Neg.
0.17
2.51
0.82
1.69
179,979
1970
3.25
0.22
Neg.
0.22
3.04
0.67
2.36
203,984
1980
3.66
0.35
Neg.
0.35
3.31
0.33
2.98
227,255
1990
205.2
29.0
4.2
33.2
172.0
31.9
140.1
1994
214.2
42.2
8.5
50.6
163.6
32.5
131.1
1995
211 A
45.3
9.6
54.9
156.5
35.5
120.9
1996
209.2
46.4
10.9
57.3
151.9
36.1
115.8
1997
217.0
48.6
12.1
60.7
156.3
36.7
119.6
>er Day
1990
4.50
0.64
0.09
0.73
3.77
0.70
3.07
249,907
1994
4.50
0.89
0.18
1.06
3.44
0.68
2.75
260,682
1995
4.40
0.94
0.20
1.14
3.26
0.74
2.52
263,168
1996
4.32
0.96
0.23
1.18
3.14
0.75
2.39
265,253
1997
4.44
1.00
0.25
1.24
3.20
0.75
2.45
267,645
Percent of Total Generation
Generation
Recovery for recycling
Recovery for composting*
Total Materials Recovery
Discards after recovery
Combustion**
Discards to landfill,
other disposal!
1960
100.0%
6.4%
Neg.
6.4%
93.6%
30.6%
63.0%
1970
100.0%
6.6%
Neg.
6.6%
93.4%
20.7%
72.6%
1980
100.0%
9.6%
Neg.
9.6%
90.4%
9.0%
81.4%
1990
100.0%
14.2%
2.0%
16.2%
83.8%
15.5%
68.3%
1994
100.0%
19.7%
4.0%
23.6%
76.4%
15.2%
61.2%
1995
100.0%
21.5%
4.5%
26.0%
74.0%
16.8%
57.2%
1996
100.0%
22.2%
5.2%
27.4%
72.6%
17.3%
55.4%
1997
100.0%
22.4%
5.6%
28.0%
72.0%
16.9%
55.1%
* Composting of yard trimmings and food wastes. Does not include mixed MSW composting or backyard composting.
** Includes combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse-derived fuel form, incineration without energy recovery, and
combustion with energy recovery of source separated materials in MSW (e.g., wood pallets and tire-derived fuel).
t Discards after recovery minus combustion.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
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Executive Summary
Figure ES-1. Total municipal solid waste generation and management,
1960 to 1997
250
200
150
100
Recovery for the composting
component of recycling
... ,:r; I; Landfill, other disposal ,.i,' •
-. I'MJ'k'.fl ' r tffll , ,,,'
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
Figure ES-2. MSW recovery tonnages and rates, 1960 to 1997
70.0
60.0-
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
30%
1997 = 28%
25%
20%
15%
10%
•5%
-0%
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
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Executive Summary
DEFINITIONS AND METHODOLOGY
Municipal solid waste ( MSW) includes wastes such as durable goods, nondurable goods,
containers and packaging, food scraps, yard trimmings, and miscellaneous inorganic wastes from
residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial sources. Examples of waste from these
categories include appliances, automobile tires, newspapers, clothing, boxes, disposable tableware,
office and classroom paper, wood pallets, and cafeteria wastes. MSW does not include wastes from
other sources, such as construction and demolition debris, automobile bodies, municipal sludges,
combustion ash, and industrial process wastes that might also be disposed in municipal waste
landfills or incinerators.
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter the
municipal solid waste management system (see Generation). Reuse is a source reduction activity
involving the recovery or reapplication of a package, used product, or material in a manner that
retains its original form or identity. Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles, reusable
plastic food storage containers, or refurbished wood pallets are examples of source reduction.
Generation refers to the amount (weight or volume) of materials and products that enter the waste
stream before recycling (including composting), landfilling, or combustion takes place.
Recovery of materials means removing MSW from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling
(including composting). Recovery for recycling as defined for this report includes purchases of
postconsumer recovered materials plus net exports of the materials. Recovery of yard trimmings
includes diverting yard trimmings from disposal to a composting facility. For some materials,
recovery for uses such as highway construction or insulation is considered recovery along with
materials used in remanufacturing processes.
Combustion includes combustion of mixed MSW, fuel prepared from MSW, or a separated
component of MSW (such as rubber tires), with or without energy recovery.
Discards include the municipal solid waste remaining after recycling (including composting).
These discards are usually combusted or disposed of in landfills, although some MSW is littered,
stored, or disposed on site, particularly in rural areas.
Methodology. There are two primary methods for conducting a waste characterization study. The
first is a source-specific approach in which the individual components of the waste stream are
sampled, sorted, and weighed. Although this method is useful for defining a local waste stream,
extrapolating from a limited number of studies can produce a skewed or misleading picture if used
for a nationwide characterization of waste. Atypical circumstances encountered during sampling or
errors in the sample would be greatly magnified when expanded to represent the nation's entire
waste stream. The second method, which is used in this report, is called the "material flows
methodology." EPA's Office of Solid Waste and its predecessors in the Public Health Service
sponsored work in the 1960s and early 1970s to develop the material flows methodology. This
methodology is based on production data (by weight) for the materials and products in the waste
stream, with adjustments for imports, exports, and product lifetimes.
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Executive Summary
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE IN 1997
EPA has established a target recycling goal of 35 percent by the year 2005, while
maintaining the per capita generation of solid waste at 4.3 pounds per person per day. The
nation appears to be on-track to meet that goal, but it will take continued commitment from
business, industry, government and the public to do so. As economic growth results in more
products and materials being generated, there will be an increased need to utilize existing
recycling and composting facilities, further develop this infrastructure, buy recycled products,
and invest in source reduction activities such as grasscycling and composting.
EPA has two ways of analyzing the 217 million tons of MSW generated each year.
The first is by major material categories, such as paper, glass, metals, plastics, wood, food,
and yard trimmings. The second is by several major product categories. Each material
category (except for food wastes and yard trimmings) is made up of many different products.
Products in MSW are grouped into three main categories: (1) durable goods (e.g.,
appliances), (2) nondurable goods (e.g., newspapers), and (3) containers and packaging.
These product categories generally contain each type of MSW material, with some
exceptions. The durable goods category contains no paper and paperboard. The nondurable
goods category includes only small amounts of metals and essentially no glass or wood. The
containers and packaging category includes only very small amounts of rubber, leather, and
textiles.
Materials in MSW
j
In 1997, MSW generation totaled 217 million tons. Figure ES-3 provides a
breakdown, by weight, of the MSW materials generated in 1997. Paper and paperboard
products made up the largest component of MSW generated (39 percent), and yard trimmings
comprised the second largest material component (13 percent). Glass, metals, plastics, wood,
and food wastes each constituted between 5 and 10 percent of the total MSW generated.
Rubber, leather, and textiles combined made up about 7 percent of MSW, while other
miscellaneous wastes made up approximately 3 percent of the MSW generated in 1997.
A portion of each material category in MSW was recycled or composted in 1997, as
illustrated in Table ES-2. It should be noted, however, that recovery rates for some products
within a material category are higher than the overall recovery rate for the material category,
because some products are not recovered at all. For example, aluminum cans were recovered
at a rate of 60 percent, but the overall recovery rate for aluminum was 31 percent. Likewise,
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Executive Summary
Figure ES-3. Materials generated in MSW by weight, 1997
(Total weight = 217 million tons)
Yard trimmings 12.8%
27.7 million tons
Other 3.3%
7.0 million tons
Rubber, leather, textiles 6.8%
14.8 million tons
Food 10.1%
21.9 million tons
Wood 5.3%
11.6 million tons
Plastics 9.9%
21.5 million tons
Paper & Paperboard 38.6%
83.8 million tons
Glass 5.5%
12.0 million tons
Metals 7.7%
16.6 million tons
even though corrugated containers were recovered at a rate of 67 percent, the overall recovery
rate for paper and paperboard was 42 percent.
Products in MSW
Figure ES-4 shows the breakdown, by weight, of MSW products generated in 1997.
Containers and packaging comprised the largest portion of products generated, at 33 percent
(72 million tons) of total MSW generation. Nondurable goods were the second largest
fraction, comprising about 27 percent (59 million tons). The third main category of products
is durable goods, which comprised 15 percent (33 million tons) of total MSW generation.
Table ES-3 shows the generation and recovery of the product categories in MSW.
Recovery of containers and packaging was the highest of the three product categories—39
percent of containers and packaging generated in 1997 were recovered for recycling. About
49 percent of aluminum packaging was recovered (mostly aluminum beverage cans), while
61 percent of steel packaging (mostly cans) was recovered. Paper and paperboard packaging
recovery was estimated at 54 percent; corrugated containers accounted for most of that figure.
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Executive Summary
Table ES-2
GENERATION AND RECOVERY OF MATERIALS IN MSW, 1997
(In millions of tons and percent of generation of each material)
Paper and paperboard
Glass
Metals
Steel
Aluminum
Other nonferrous metals*
Total metals
Plastics
Rubber and leather
Textiles
Wood
Other materials
Total Materials in Products
Other wastes
Food, other**
Yard trimmings
Miscellaneous inorganic wastes
Total Other Wastes
TOTAL MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Weight
Generated
83.8
12.0
12.3
3.0
1.3
16.6
21.5
6.6
8.2
11.6
3.8
164.1
21.9
27.7
3.3
52.9
217.0
Weight
Recovered
34.9
2.9
4.7
0.9
0.8
6.5
1.1
0.8
1.1
0.6
0:8
48.6
0.6
11.5
Neg.
12.1
60.7
Recovery
as a Percent
of Generation
41.7%
24.3%
38.4%
31.2%
65.4%
39.1%
5.2%
11.7%
12.9%
5.1%
20.2%
29.6%
2.6% .
41.4%
Neg.
22.8%
28.0%
Includes wastes from residential, commercial, and institutional sources.
* Includes lead from lead-acid batteries.
** Includes recovery of paper for composting.
Neg. = Less than 50,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Approximately 28 percent of glass containers were recovered overall, while about 8
percent of wood packaging (mostly pallets removed from service) was recovered for
recycling. About 9 percent of plastic containers and packaging was recovered in 1997, mostly
soft drink, milk, and water bottles.
Overall recovery of nondurable goods was 25 percent in 1997. Newspapers
constituted the largest portion of this recovery, with 55 percent of newspapers generated
10
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Executive Summary
Figure ES-4. Products generated in MSW by weight, 1997
(Total weight = 217 million tons)
Food, other 11.6%
25.2.million tons
Durable goods 15.3%
33.2 million tons
Yard trimmings 12.8%
27.7 million tons
Containers & packaging 33.1%
71.7 million tons
Nondurable goods 27.2%
59.1 million tons
being recovered for recycling. High-grade office papers and magazines were also recovered
in significant quantities in 1997, at an estimated 51 percent and 23 percent, respectively.
About 16 percent of clothing and other textile nondurable products also were
recovered for recycling.
Overall, durable goods were recovered at a rate of 17 percent in 1997. Nonferrous
metals had one of the highest recovery rates, at 65 percent, due to the high rate of lead
recovery from lead-acid batteries. Nearly 31 percent of ferrous metals were recovered from
appliances and miscellaneous durable goods. Excluding retreads and tire-derived fuel use,
over 22 percent of tires also were recovered for recycling.
Residential and Commercial Sources of MSW
Sources of MSW, as characterized in this report, include both residential and
commercial locations. Residential waste (including waste from multi-family dwellings) is
estimated to be 55 to 65 percent of total MSW generation. Commercial waste (including
waste from schools, some industrial sites where packaging is generated, and businesses)
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Executive Summary
Table ES-3
GENERATION AND RECOVERY OF PRODUCTS IN MSW
BY MATERIAL, 1997
(In millions of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Durable goods
Ferrous metals
Aluminum
Other non-ferrous metals
Total metals
Glass
Plastics
Rubber and leather
Wood
Textiles
Other materials
Total durable goods
Nondurable goods
Paper and paperboard
Plastics
Rubber and leather
Textiles
Other materials
Total nondurable goods
Containers and packaging
Steel
Aluminum
Total metals
Glass
Paper and paperboard
Plastics
Wood
Other materials
Total containers and packaging
Other wastes
Food wastes
Yard trimmings
Miscellaneous inorganic wastes
Total other wastes
TOTAL MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Weight
Generated
Weight
Recovered
Recovery
as a Percent
of Generation
9.2
0.9
1.3
11.4
1.4
6.7
5.8
4.5
2.5
1.0
33.2
2.8
Neg.
0.8
3.7
Neg.
0.3
0.8
Neg.
0.2
0.8
5.7
30.8%
Neg.
64.8%
32.2%
Neg.
4.4%
13.4%
Neg.
6.7%
76.4%
17.0%
44.4
5.4
0.8
5.6
2.9
59.1
13.8
Neg.
Neg.
0.9
Neg.
14.7
31.0%
<1%
Neg.
15.9%
Neg.
24.8%
3.1
1.9
5.0
10.6
39.5
9.4
7.1
0.1
71.7
1.9
0.9
2.8
2.9
21.1
0.8
0.6
Neg.
28.3
61.0%
48.5%
56.2%
27.6%
53.5%
8.7%
8.3%
Neg.
39.4%
21.9
27.7
3.3
52.9
217.0
0.6*
11.5
Neg.
12.1
60.7
2.6%
41.4%
Neg.
22.8%
28.0%
Includes wastes from residential, commercial, and institutional sources.
* Includes recovery of paper for composting.
Neg. = less than 50,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
12
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Executive Summary
constitutes between 35 and 45 percent. Local and regional factors, such as climate and level
of commercial activity, contribute to these variations.
MANAGEMENT OF MSW
EPA's integrated waste management hierarchy includes the following components:
• Source reduction (or waste prevention) (including reuse of products and
backyard composting of yard trimmings)
• Recycling (including composting)
• Waste combustion (preferably with energy recovery) and landfilling.
Figure ES-5 shows how much MSW was recovered for recycling (including
composting) and how much was disposed of by combustion and landfilling in 1997. Twenty-
eight percent (61 million tons) of MSW was recycled and composted; an estimated 17
percent (37 million tons) was combusted (nearly all with energy recovery); and the
remainder, 55 percent (119 million tons), was landfilled. (Relatively small amounts of this
total undoubtedly were littered or self-disposed rather than landfilled.)
Figure ES-5. Management of MSW in the U.S., 1997
(Total weight = 217 million tons)
Combustion 16.9%
36.7 million tons
Recovery for recycling
(including composting) 28%
60.7 million tons
Landfill, other 55.1%
119.6 million tons
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Executive Summary
Source Reduction
Source reduction includes the design, manufacture, purchase, or use of materials, such
as products and packaging, to reduce their amount or toxicity before they enter the MSW
management system. Some examples of source reduction activities are:
• Designing products or packaging to reduce the quantity or the toxicity of the
materials used, or to make them easy to reuse.
• Reusing existing products or packaging, for example, refillable bottles,
reusable pallets, and reconditioned barrels and drums.
• Lengthening the lives of products to postpone disposal.
• Using packaging that reduces the amount of damage or spoilage to the
product.
• Managing nonproduct organic wastes (e.g., food scraps and yard trimmings)
through on-site composting or other alternatives to disposal (e.g., leaving
grass clippings on the lawn).
Product source reduction activities are not quantified at the national level in this
report.
Recovery
Recovery for recycling (including composting) continues to be one of the most
effective waste management techniques. Approximately 51 percent of the U.S. population
(136 million people) had access to the nation's nearly 9,000 curbside recycling programs in
1997. Seventy-five percent of the programs were in the Northeast and Midwest. In addition,
over 12,000 drop-off centers for recyclables were reported in 1997. About 380 materials
recovery facilities helped process the recyclables collected in 1997. An estimated 3,500 yard
trimmings composting programs (not backyard composting) existed in 1997; the majority of
these programs were in the Northeast and Midwest.
Combustion
Most MSW combustion in the United States involves the recovery of an energy
product (generally steam or electricity). Total MSW combustion with energy recovery,
referred to as waste-to-energy combustion, had a design capacity of 101,000 tons per day in
1997. There were 112 waste-to-energy combustion facilities in the United States in 1997;
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Executive Summary
about 38 percent of these were located in the Northeast, accounting for about 48 percent of
total design capacity. There is a small amount of capacity (2,400 tons per day) for
incineration without energy recovery.
Landfilling
Although the number of landfills in the United States is decreasing, landfill capacity
has remained relatively constant. In 1997, approximately 2,200 municipal solid waste
landfills were reported in the contiguous United States, with the Southeast and West having
the greatest number of landfills. Forty-two states had landfills reporting more than 10 years of
capacity remaining. Only six states reported having less than 10 years of capacity left.
PROJECTIONS OF MSW GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT
MSW Generation
Projections of municipal solid waste generation were made for the years 2000 and
2005. The projections for most materials and products were based on linear trends, that is,
it was assumed that generation would continue to grow (or decline) based on past
experience. It was assumed that there will be no dramatic changes in the next eight years.
Projected generation by material is shown in Table ES-4. Generation of waste
from products made of paper and paperboard, metals, plastics, wood, and other materials
such as rubber and textiles is projected to continue to increase. Only glass is projected to
decline.
Food waste is projected to increase at the same rate as population. Generation of
yard trimmings has been decreasing due to state legislation regulating their disposal (e.g.,
landfill bans on disposal of yard trimmings). While no new legislation of this type was
identified, an increasing number of communities have been instituting variable rate
collection programs (pay-as-you-throw). Since these programs tend to decrease the
amount of yard trimmings disposed, it was assumed that generation of yard trimmings
will remain constant from 2000 to 2005.
The long term historical trend has been for generation of manufactured products
to increase (Figure ES-6). Diversion of yard trimmings from disposal has served to hold
down the overall growth of MSW; however, the overall trend is still up.
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Executive Summary
Table ES-4
PROJECTIONS OF MATERIALS GENERATED*
IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM: 2000 AND 2005
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Million tons
: Generation before materials recovery or combustion.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
% of total
Materials
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Wood
Others
Total Materials in Products
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated
2000
87.7
11.9
17.6
23.4
14.0
19.7
174.3
22.5
23.0
3.4
48.9
223.2
2005
94.8
11.2
18.7
26.7
15.8
22.2
189.4
23.5
23.0
3.6
50.1
239.5
2000
39.3%
5.3%
7.9%
10.5%
6.3%
8.8%
78.1%
10.1%
10.3%
1.5%
21.9%
100.0%
2005
39.6%
4.7%
7.8%
11.2%
6.6%
9.3%
79.1%
9.8%
9.6%
1.5%
20.9%
100.0%
MSW Management
I
Projections of recycling (including composting) were made in scenarios of 30
percent and 32 percent recovery in 2000 and 32 percent and 35 percent in 2005. These
projections were made in the context of an extensive recovery and processing
infrastructure already in place, on the one hand, and very poor markets for most recovered
materials for the past two years, on the other hand. The poor markets are not just
domestic in origin, but also reflect worldwide economic conditions.
The more conservative scenario—30 percent recovery in 2000 and 32 percent in
2005—assumes continued modest growth in recovery. The more optimistic scenario—32
percent recovery in 2000 and 35 percent in 2005—assumes that market difficulties will be
corrected in time to stimulate additional recovery.
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Executive Summary
Under the conservative scenario for recovery, discards of MSW to combustion or
landfill would be virtually the same in 2000 as in 1997, and would be 4 percent higher in
2005 than in 1997. If a modest increase in MSW combustion is projected, MSW
landfilled will decline slightly in 2000 and increase by 4 percent in 2000 compared to
1997. If recovery for recycling (including composting) could be increased to 35 percent of
generation in 2005, MSW landfilled would decrease to 117.6 million tons, compared to
119.5 million tons in 1997.
Figure ES-6. Historical and projected MSW, by category
250
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
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Chapter 1: Introduction and Methodology
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY
BACKGROUND
This report is the most recent in a series of reports sponsored by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency to characterize municipal solid waste (MSW) in the United
States. Together with the previous reports, this report provides a historical database for a 37-
year characterization (by weight) of the materials and products in MSW.
Management of the nation's municipal solid waste (MSW) continues to be a high
priority issue for many communities as we near the turn of the century. Increasingly, the
concept of integrated solid waste management—source reduction of wastes before they enter
the waste stream, recovery of generated wastes for recycling (including composting), and
environmentally sound disposal through combustion facilities and landfills that meet current
standards—is being used by communities as they plan for the future.
\
There are many regional variations that require each community to examine its own
waste management needs. Such factors as local and regional availability of suitable landfill
space, proximity of markets for recovered materials, population density, commercial and
industrial activity, and climatic and groundwater variations all may motivate each community
to make its own plans.
Identifying the components of the waste stream is an important step toward
addressing the issues associated with the generation and management of municipal solid
wastes. MSW characterizations, which analyze the quantity and composition of the municipal
solid waste stream, involve estimating how much MSW is generated, recycled (including
composting), combusted, and disposed of in landfills. By determining the makeup of the
waste stream, waste characterizations also provide valuable data for setting waste
management goals, tracking progress toward those goals, and supporting planning at the
national, state, and local levels. For example, waste characterizations can be used to highlight
opportunities for source reduction and recycling and provide information on any special
management issues that should be considered.
• i
Readers should note that this report characterizes the municipal solid waste stream of
the nation as a whole. Local and regional variations are not addressed, but suggestions for
use of the information in this report by local planners are included in this chapter.
HOW THIS REPORT CAN BE USED
The data in this report provide a nationwide picture of municipal solid waste
generation and management. The historical perspective is particularly useful in establishing
trends and highlighting the changes that have occurred over the years, both in types of wastes
generated and in the ways they are managed. This perspective on MSW and its management
18
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Chapter 1: Introduction and Methodology
is useful in assessing national solid waste management needs and policy. The report is,
however, of equal or greater value as a solid waste management planning tool for state and
local governments and private firms.
A common error in using this report is to assume that all nonhazardous wastes are
included. As shown later in this chapter, municipal solid waste as defined here does not
include construction and demolition wastes,* industrial process wastes, or a number of other
wastes that may well go to a municipal waste landfill.
At the local or state level, the data in this report can be used to develop approximate
(but quick) estimates of MSW generation in a defined area. That is, the data on generation of
MSW per person nationally may be used to estimate generation in a city or other local area
based on the population in that area. This can be of value when a "ballpark" estimate of
MSW generation in an area is needed. For example, communities may use such an estimate
to determine the potential viability of regional versus single community solid waste
management facilities. This information can help define solid waste management planning
areas and the planning needed in those areas. However, for communities making decisions
where knowledge of the amount and composition of MSW is crucial, e.g., where a solid
waste management facility is being sited, local estimates of the waste stream should be made.
Another useful feature of this report for local planning is the information provided on
MSW trends. Changes over time in total MSW generation and the mix of MSW materials can
affect the need for and use of various waste management alternatives. Observing trends in
MSW generation can help in planning an integrated waste management system that includes
facilities sized and designed for years of service.
While the national average data are useful as a checkpoint against local MSW
characterization data, any differences between local and national data should be examined
carefully. There are many possible reasons for these differences, for example:
• Scope of waste streams may differ. That is, a local landfill may be receiving
construction and demolition wastes in addition to MSW, but this report addresses
MSW only.
• Per capita generation of some products, such as newspapers and telephone
directories, varies widely depending upon the average size of the publications.
Typically, rural areas will generate less of these products on a per person basis
than urban areas.
• The level of commercial activity in a community will influence the generation rate
of some products, such as office paper, corrugated boxes, wood pallets, and food
wastes from restaurants.
Information on construction and demolition debris can be found in Characterization of Building-
Related Construction and Demolition Debris in the United States. EPA530-R-98-010. May 1998.
19
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Chapter 1: Introduction and Methodology
• Variations in economic activity can affect waste generation in both the residential
and the commercial sectors.
• Variations in climate and local waste management practices will greatly influence
generation of yard trimmings. For instance, yard trimmings exhibit strong
seasonal variations in most regions of the country. Also, the level of backyard
composting in a region will affect generation of yard trimmings.
• Generation and discards of other products will be affected by local and state
regulations and practices. Deposit laws, bans on landfilling of specific products,
and variable rate pricing for waste collection are examples of practices that can
influence a local waste stream.
While caution should be used in applying the data in this report, for some areas, the
national breakdown of MSW by material may be the only such data available for use in
comparing and planning waste management alternatives. Planning a curbside recycling
program, for example, requires an estimate of household recyclables that may be recovered. If
resources are not available to adequately estimate these materials by other means, local
planners may turn to the national data. This is useful in areas that can reasonably be expected
to have typical/average MSW generation or in areas where appropriate adjustments in the
data can be made to account for local conditions.
In summary, the data in this report can be used in the following ways for local
planning:
i
• to develop approximate estimates of total MSW generation in an area
• to check locally developed MSW data for accuracy and consistency
• to help estimate quantities of recyclables and other MSW components in an area
• to account for trends in total MSW generation and the generation of individual
components.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE IN PERSPECTIVE
Municipal Solid Waste Defined
Municipal solid waste as defined for this report includes durable goods, nondurable
goods, containers and packaging, food wastes and yard trimmings, and miscellaneous
inorganic wastes (Figure 1). Municipal solid wastes characterized in this report come from
residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial sources. Some examples of the types of
MSW that come from each of the broad categories of sources are:
20
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Chapter 1: Introduction and Methodology
Sources and Examples
Residential (single- and
multi-family homes)
Commercial (office buildings,
retail and wholesale estab-
lishments, restaurants)
Institutional (schools,
libraries, hospitals, prisons)
Industrial (packaging and
administrative; not process
wastes)
Example Products
Newspapers, clothing, disposable
tableware, food packaging, cans and
bottles, food scraps, yard trimmings
Corrugated boxes, food wastes, office
papers, disposable tableware, paper
napkins, yard trimmings
Cafeteria and restroom trash can wastes,
office papers, classroom wastes, yard
trimmings
Corrugated boxes, plastic film, wood
pallets, lunchroom wastes, office papers.
The material flows methodology used in this report does not readily lend itself to the
quantification of wastes according to their source. For example, corrugated boxes may be
unpacked and discarded from residences, commercial establishments such as grocery stores,
institutions such as schools, or factories. The methodology estimates only the total quantity of
such boxes generated, not their places of disposal or recovery for recycling.
Figure 1. Municipal solid waste in the universe of Subtitle D wastes
Subtitle D wastes
Municipal solid waste
Municipal sludges
Industrial nonhazardous wastes
Construction & demolition debris
Agricultural wastes
Oil and gas wastes
Mining wastes
Municipal solid waste
Durable goods
Nondurable goods
Containers & packaging
Food wastes
Yard trimmings
Other Subtitle D Wastes
Some people assume that "municipal solid waste" must include everything that is
landfilled in Subtitle D landfills. (Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
deals with wastes other than the hazardous wastes covered under Subtitle C.) As shown in
21
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Chapter 1: Introduction and Methodology
Figure 1, however, RCRA Subtitle D includes many kinds of wastes. It has been common
practice to landfill wastes such as municipal sludge, nonhazardous industrial wastes, residue
from automobile salvage operations, and construction and demolition wastes along with
MSW, but these other kinds of wastes are not included in the estimates presented in this
report.
The Solid Waste Management Hierarchy
EPA's 1989 Agenda for Action endorsed the concept of integrated waste
management, by which municipal solid waste is reduced or managed through several
different practices, which can be tailored to fit a particular community's needs. The
components of the hierarchy are:
• source reduction (including reuse of products and backyard composting of yard
trimmings)
• recycling of materials (including composting)
• waste combustion (preferably with energy recovery) and landfilling.
With the exception of source reduction, this updated characterization report includes
estimates of the quantities of MSW managed by each practice in the hierarchy.
METHODOLOGIES FOR CHARACTERIZING MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
The Two Methodologies
There are two basic approaches to estimating quantities of municipal solid waste. The
first method, which is site-specific, involves sampling, sorting, and weighing the individual
components of the waste stream. This method is useful in defining a local waste stream,
especially if large numbers of samples are taken over several seasons. Results of sampling
also increase the body of knowledge about variations due to climatic and seasonal changes,
population density, regional differences, and the like. In addition, quantities of MSW
components such as food and yard trimmings can only be estimated through sampling and
weighing studies.
A disadvantage of sampling studies based on a limited number of samples is that they
may be skewed and misleading if, for example, atypical circumstances were experienced
during the sampling. These circumstances could include an unusually wet or dry season,
delivery of some unusual wastes during the sampling period, or errors in the sampling
methodology. Any errors of this kind will be greatly magnified when a limited number of
samples are taken to represent a community's entire waste stream for a year. Magnification of
errors could be even more serious if a limited number of samples was relied upon for making
the national estimates of MSW. Also, extensive sampling would be prohibitively expensive
for making the national estimates. An additional disadvantage of sampling studies is that they
do not provide information about trends unless performed in a consistent manner over a long
period of time.
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Chapter 1: Introduction and Methodology
The second approach to quantifying and characterizing the municipal solid waste
stream—the method used for this report—utilizes a material flows approach to estimate the
waste stream on a nationwide basis. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, EPA's Office of Solid
Waste and its predecessors at the Public Health Service sponsored work that began to
develop this methodology. This report represents the latest version of this database that has
been evolving for over 20 years.
The material flows methodology is based on production data (by weight) for the
materials and products in the waste stream. Generation data is the result of making specific
adjustments to the production data by each material and product category. Adjustments are
made for imports and exports and for diversions from MSW (e.g., for building materials
made of plastic and paperboard). Adjustments are also made for the lifetimes of products.
Finally, food wastes and yard trimmings and a small amount of miscellaneous inorganic
wastes are accounted for by compiling data from a variety of waste sampling studies.
One problem with the material flows methodology is that product residues associated
with other items in MSW (usually containers) are not accounted for. These residues would
include, for example, food left in a jar, detergent left in a box or bottle, dried paint in a can,
etc. Some household hazardous wastes, e.g., pesticide left in a can, are also included among
these product residues.
Definition of Terms
The material flows methodology produces an estimate of total municipal solid waste
generation in the United States, by material categories and by product categories.
The term generation as used in this report refers to the weight of materials and
products as they enter the waste management system from residential, commercial,
institutional, and industrial sources and before materials recovery or combustion takes place.
Preconsumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimates. Source reduction
activities (e.g., backyard composting of yard trimmings) take place ahead of generation.
Source reduction activities reduce the amount or toxicity of wastes before they enter
the municipal solid waste management system. Reuse is a source reduction activity involving
the recovery or reapplication of a package, used product, or material in a manner that retains
its original form or identity. Reuse of products such as refillable glass bottles, reusable plastic
food storage containers, or refurbished wood pallets is considered source reduction, not
recycling.
Recovery of materials as estimated in this report includes products and yard
trimmings removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling (including
composting). For recovered products, recovery equals reported purchases of postconsumer
recovered material (e.g., glass cullet, old newspapers) plus net exports (if any) of the
material. Thus, recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) is the sum of OCC purchases by
paper mills plus net exports of OCC. If recovery as reported by a data source includes
converting or fabrication (preconsumer) scrap, the preconsumer scrap is not counted towards
23
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Chapter 1: Introduction and Methodology
the recovery estimates in this report. Imported secondary materials are also not counted in
recovery estimates in this report. For some materials, additional uses, such as glass used for
highway construction or newspapers used to make insulation, are added into the recovery
totals.
Combustion of MSW was estimated with and without energy recovery. Combustion
with energy recovery is often called "waste-to-energy," while combustion without energy is
called incineration in this report. Combustion of separated materials—wood, rubber from
tires, paper, and plastics—is included in the estimates of combustion in this report.
Discards include the MSW remaining after recovery for recycling (including
composting). These discards would presumably be combusted or landfilled, although some
MSW is Uttered, stored or disposed on-site, or burned on-site, particularly in rural areas. No
good estimates for these other disposal practices are available, but the total amounts of MSW
involved are presumed to be small.
MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS NOT INCLUDED IN THESE ESTIMATES
As noted earlier, other Subtitle D wastes (illustrated in Figure 1) are not included in
these estimates, even though some may be managed along with MSW (e.g., by combustion or
landfilling). Household hazardous wastes, while generated as MSW with other residential
wastes, are not identified separately in this report. Transportation equipment (including
automobiles and trucks) is not included in the wastes characterized in this report.
Certain other materials associated with products in MSW are often not accounted for
because the appropriate data series have not yet been developed. These include, for example,
inks and other pigments and some additives associated with packaging materials.
Considerable additional research would be required to estimate these materials, which
constitute a relatively small percentage of the waste stream.
Some adjustments are made in this report to account for packaging of imported goods,
but there is little available documentation of these amounts.
OVERVIEW OF THIS REPORT
Following this introductory chapter, Chapter 2 presents the results of the municipal
solid waste characterization (by weight). Estimates of MSW generation, recovery, and
discards are presented in a series of tables, with discussion. Detailed tables and figures
summarizing 1996 MSW generation, recovery, and discards of products in each material
category are included.
In Chapter 3 of the report, estimates of 1997 MSW management by the various
alternatives are summarized. These include recovery for recycling (including composting),
combustion, and landfilling. Also presented is a discussion of source reduction practices.
Summaries of the infrastructure currently available for each waste management alternative
are also included in Chapter 3.
24
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Chapter 1: Introduction and Methodology
Chapter 4 features projections of municipal solid waste generation and management,
by material and by product, to the year 2005.
A brief discussion of the material flows methodology is presented in Appendix A. In
Appendix B, the MSW characterization data summarized in previous chapters of the report
are presented again from different perspectives. These perspectives include: estimates of
residential versus commercial sources, organic/inorganic fractions of MSW, generation and
discards by individual, ranking of products by weight, and MSW volume estimates.
25
-------
Chapter 1: Introduction and Methodology
Chapter 1
REFERENCES
Darnay, A., and W.E. Franklin, The Role of Packaging in Solid Waste Management, 1966
to 1976. Public Health Service Publication No. 1855. U.S. Government Printing Office.
1969.
Franklin, W.E., and A. Darnay. The Role of Nonpackaging Paper in Solid Waste
Management, 1966 to 1976. Public Health Service Publication No. 2040. U.S. Government
Printing Office. 1971.
Darnay, A., and W.E. Franklin. Salvage Markets for Materials in Solid Wastes.
Environmental Protection Publication SW-29c. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1972.
Franklin, W.E., et al. Base Line Forecasts of Resource Recovery 1972 to 1990. Midwest
Research Institute for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. March 1975.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste Management Programs.
Second Report to Congress: Resource Recovery and Source Reduction (SW-122). 1974.
Smith, F.L., Jr. A Solid Waste Estimation Procedure: Material Flows Approach. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (SW-147). May 1975.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste Management Programs. Third
Report to Congress: Resource Recovery and Source Reduction (SW-l6l). 1975.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste Management Programs.
Fourth Report to Congress: Resource Recovery and Waste Reduction (SW-600). 1977.
Franklin Associates, Ltd. Post-consumer Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Baseline.
Prepared for the Resource Conservation Committee. May 16, 1979.
Franklin Associates, Ltd. Post-consumer Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Baseline:
Working Papers. Prepared for the Resource Conservation Committee. May 16, 1979.
Resource Conservation Committee. Choices for Conservation: Final Report to the
President and Congress (SW-779). July 1979.
Franklin Associates, Ltd. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States,
1960 to 2000. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. July 11, 1986.
Franklin Associates, Ltd. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States,
1960 to 2000 (Update 1988). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. March 30, 1988.
26
-------
Chapter 1: Introduction and Methodology
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the
United States: 1990 Update. (EPA/SW-90-042). June 1990.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Sottd Waste in the
United States: 1992 Update. (EPA/530-R-92-019). July 1992.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the
United States: 1994 Update. EPA/530-R-94-042. November 1994.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the
United States: 1995 Update. EPA/530-R-945-001. March 1996.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the
United States'. 1996 Update. EPA/530-R-97-015. June 1997.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the
United States: 1997 Update. EPA/530-R-98-007. May 1998.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Municipal Solid Waste Task Force, Office of Solid
Waste. The Solid Waste Dilemma: An Agenda for Action. February 1989.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste. Subtitle D Study Phase I
Report (EPA/530-SW-054). October 1986.
27
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Chapter 2
CHARACTERIZATION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE BY WEIGHT
INTRODUCTION
The tables and figures in this chapter present the results of the update of EPA's
municipal solid waste characterization report through 1997. The data presented also
incorporate some revisions to previously reported data for 1996 and, in some instances, to
data for earlier years. The revisions are generally due to revisions in the various source data
series used to prepare this report.
The findings are presented in two ways: a breakdown of municipal solid waste
(MSW) by material, and a breakdown by product (both by weight and by percentage of
generation or discards). While some products, for example, paper towels, are made up of a
single material—paper—other products, for example, rubber tires, contain more than one
material, such as rubber, ferrous metals, and textiles. Thus the materials summary tables
represent an aggregation of the materials that go into all the products in MSW. (Note that the
totals for the materials tables and the products tables are the same.)
The summary tables and figures provide information on generation of each material
and product, and recovery for recycling (including composting, if any). Tables and figures
displaying discards of materials and products after recovery for recycling (including
composting) follow.
Recovery means that the materials have been removed from the municipal solid waste
stream. Recovery of materials in products means that the materials are reported to have been
purchased by an end-user or exported. For yard trimmings, recovery includes estimates of the
trimmings delivered to a composting facility (not backyard composting). Under these
definitions, residues from a materials recovery facility (MRF) or other waste processing
facility are counted as generation (and, of course, discards), since they are not purchased by
an end-user. Residues from an end-user facility (e.g., sludges from a paper deinking mill) are
considered to be industrial process wastes that are no longer part of the municipal solid waste
stream.
i
Additional detail is provided for some of the materials and products in MSW that are
of the most interest to planners: paper, glass, metals, plastics, and rubber and leather.
MATERIALS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
ij
Generation, recovery, and discards of materials in MSW, by weight and by percentage
of generation or discards, are summarized in Tables 1 through 3. Following these tables, each
material is discussed in detail.
28
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 1
MATERIALS GENERATED* IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM, 1960 T01997
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Materials
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other **
Total Materials In Products
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated - Weight
Materials
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other**
Total Materials In Products
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated - %
Thousands of Tons
1960
29,990
6,720
10,300
340
180
10,820
390
1,840
1,760
3,030
70
54,620
12,200
20,000
1,300
33,500
88,120
1970
44,310
12,740
12,360
800
670
13,830
2,900
2,970
2,040
3,720
770
83,280
12,800
23,200
1,780
37,780
121,060
1980
55,160
15,130
12,620
1,730
1,160
15,510
6,830
4,200
2,530
7,010
2,520
108,890
13,000
27,500
2,250
42,750
151,640
1990
72,730
13,100
12,640
2,810
1,100
16,550
17,130
5,790
5,810
12,210
3,190
146,510
20,800
35,000
2,900
58,700
205,210
1994
80,840
13,350
11,780
3,050
1,350
16,180
19,260
6,210
7,260
11,280
3,700
158,080
21,500
31,500
3,100
56,100
214,180
1995
81,670
12,830
11,640
2,960
1,260
15,860
18,900
6,030
7,400
10,440
3,650
156,780
21,740
29,690
3,150
54,580
211,360
1996
79,680
12,290
11,830
2,950
1,260
16,040
19,760
6,200
7,720
10,840
3,690
156,220
21,850
27,920
3,200
52,970
209,190
1997
83,840
12,010
12,330
3,010
1,270
16,610
21,460
6,590
8,240
11,570
3,760
164,080
21,910
27,730
3,250
52,890
216,970
Percent of Total Generation
1960
34.0%
7.6%
11.7%
0.4%
0.2%
12.3%
0.4%
2.1%
2.0%
3.4%
0.1%
62.0%
13.8%
22.7%
1.5%
38.0%
100.0%
1970
36.6%
10.5%
10.2%
0.7%
0.6%
11.4%
2.4%
2.5%
1.7%
3.1%
0.6%
68.8%
10.6%
19.2%
1.5%
31.2%
100.0%
1980
36.4%
10.0%
8.3%
1.1%
0.8%
10.2%
4.5%
2.8%
1.7%
4.6%
1.7%
71.8%
8.6%
18.1%
1.5%
28.2%
100.0%
1990
35.4%
6.4%
6.2%
1.4%
0.5%
8.1%
8.3%
2.8%
2.8%
6.0%
1.6%
71.4%
10.1%
17.1%
1.4%
28.6%
100.0%
1994
37.7%
6.2%
5.5%
1.4%
0.6%
7.6%
9.0%
2.9%
3.4%
5.3%
1.7%
73.8%
10.0%
14.7%
1.4%
26.2%
100.0%
1995
38.6%
6.1%
5.5%
1.4%
0.6%
7.5%
8.9%
2.9%
3.5%
4.9%
1.7%
74.2%
10.3%
14.0%
1.5%
25.8%
100.0%
1996
38.1%
5.9%
5.7%
1.4%
0.6%
7.7%
9.4%
3.0%
3.7%
5.2%
1.8%
74.7%
10.4%
13.3%
1.5%
25.3%
100.0%
1997
38.6%
5.5%
5.7%
1.4%
0.6%
7.7%
9.9%
3.0%
3.8%
5.3%
1.7%
75.6%
10.1%
12.8%
1.5%
24.4%
100.0%
* Generation before materials recovery or combustion. Does not include construction & demolition debris, industrial
process wastes, or certain other wastes.
** Includes electrolytes in batteries and fluff pulp, feces, and urine in disposable diapers.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
29
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 2
RECOVERY* OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 1960 TO 1997
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each material)
Materials
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other**
Total Materials In Products
Other Wastes
Food, Other*
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Recovered - Weight
Materials
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other**
Total Materials In Products
Other Wastes
Food, Other*
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Recovered - %
Thousands of Tons
1960
5,080
100
50
Neg.
Neg.
SO
Neg.
330
50
Neg.
Neg.
5,610
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
5,610
1970
6,770
160
150
10
320
480
Neg.
250
60
Neg.
300
8,020
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
8,020
1980
11,740
750
370
310
540
1,220
20
130
160
Neg.
500
14,520
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neq.
14,520
1990
20,230
2,630
2,230
1,010
730
3,970
370
370
660
130
680
29,040
Neg.
4,200
Neg.
4,200
33,240
1994
29,470
3,110
3,990
1,020
980
5,990
940
500
870
360
910
42,150
480
8,000
Neg.
8,480
50,630
1995
32,700
3,140
4,130
930
810
5,870
990
540
900
450
750
45,340
570
9,000
Neq.
9,570
54,910
1996
33,180
3,170
4,400
930
840
6,170
1,060
590
950
490
780
46,390
520
10,390
Neg.
10,910
57,300
Percent of Generation of Each Material
1960
16.9%
1.5%
0.5%
Neg.
Neg.
0.5%
Neg.
17.9%
2.8%
Neg.
Neg.
10.3%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
6.4%
1970
15.3%
1.3%
1.2%
1.3%
47.8%
3.5%
Neg.
8.4%
2.9%
Neg.
39.0%
9.6%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
6.6%
1980
21.3%
5.0%
2.9%
17.9%
46.6%
7.9%
0.3%
3.1%
6.3%
Neg.
19.8%
13.3%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
9.6%
1990
27.8%
20.1%
17.6%
35.9%
66.4%
24.0%
2.2%
6.4%
11.4%
1.1%
21.3%
19.8%
Neg.
12.0%
Neg.
7.2%
16.2%
1994
36.5%
23.3%
33.9%
33.4%
72.6%
37.0%
4.9%
8.1%
12.0%
3.2%
24.6%
26.7%
2.2%
25.4%
Neg.
15.1%
23.6%
1995
40.0%
24.5%
35.5%
31.4%
64.3%
37.0%
5.2%
9.0%
12.2%
4.3%
20.5%
28.9%
2.6%
30.3%
Neg.
17.5%
26.0%
1996
41.6%
25.8%
37.2%
31.5%
66.7%
38.5%
5.4%
9.5%
12.3%
4.5%
21.1%
29.7%
2.4%
37.2%
Neg.
20.6%
27.4%
1997
34,920
2,920
4,730
940
830
6,500
1,110
770
1,060
590
760
48,630
580
11,490
Neg.
12,070
60,700
1997
41.7%
24.3%
38.4%
31.2%
65.4%
39.?%
5.2%
11.7%
12.9%
5.1%
20.2%
29.6%
2.6%
41.4%
Neg.
22.8%
280%
* Recovery of postconsumer wastes; does not include converting/fabrication scrap.
** Recovery of electrolytes in batteries; probably not recycled.
Neg. s Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
A Includes recovery of paper for composting.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
30
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Chapter!: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 3
MATERIALS DISCARDED* IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM, 1960 TO 1997
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Materials
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other **
Total Materials in Products
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Discarded - Weight
Materials
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other **
Total Materials in Products
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Discarded - %
Thousands of Tons
1960
24,910
6,620
10,250
340
180
10,770
390
1,510
1,710
3,030
70
49,010
12,200
20,000
1,300
33,500
82,510
1970
37,540
12,580
12,210
790
350
13,350
2,900
2,720
1,980
3,720
470
75,260
12,800
23,200
1,780
37,780
113,040
1980
43,420
14,380
12,250
1,420
620
14,290
6,810
4,070
2,370
7,010
2,020
94,370
13,000
27,500
2,250
42,750
137,120
1990
52,500
10,470
10,410
1,800
370
12,580
16,760
5,420
5,150
12,080
2,510
117,470
20,800
30,800
2,900
54,500
171,970
1994
51,370
10,240
7,790
2,030
370
10,190
18,320
5,710
6,390
10,920
2,790
115,930
21,020
23,500
3,100
47,620
163,550
1995
48,970
9,690
7,510
2,030
450
9,990
17,910
5,490
6,500
9,990
2,900
111,440
21,170
20,690
3,150
45,010
156,450
1996
46,500
9,120
7,430
2,020
420
9,870
18,700
5,610
6,770
10,350
2,910
109,830
21,330
17,530
3,200
42,060
151,890
1997
48,920
9,090
7,600
2,070
440
10,110
20,350
5,820
7,180
10,980
3,000
115,450
21,330
16,240
3,250
40,820
156,270
Percent of Total Discards
1960
30.2%
8.0%
12.4%
0.4%
0.2%
13.1%
0.5%
1.8%
2.1%
3.7%
0.1%
59.4%
14.8%
24.2%
1.6%
40.6%
100.0%
1970
33.2%
11.1%
10.8%
0.7%
0.3%
11.8%
2.6%
2.4%
1.8%
3.3%
0.4%
66.6%
11.3%
20.5%
1.6%
33.4%
100.0%
1980
31.7%
10.5%
8.9%
1.0%
0.5%
70.4%
5.0%
3.0%
1.7%
5.1%
1.5%
68.8%
9.5%
20.1%
1.6%
31.2%
100.0%
1990
30.5%
6.1%
6.1%
1.0%
0.2%
7.3%
9.7%
3.2%
3.0%
7.0%
1.5%
68.3%
12.1%
17.9%
1.7%
31.7%
100.0%
1994
31.4%
6.3%
4.8%
1.2%
0.2%
6.2%
11.2%
3.5%
3.9%
6.7%
1.7%
70.9%
12.9%
14.4%
1.9%
29.1%
100.0%
1995
31.3%
6.2%
4.8%
1.3%
0.3%
6.4%
11.4%
3.5%
4.2%
6.4%
1.9%
71.2%
13.5%
13.2%
2.0%
28.8%
100.0%
1996
30.6%
6.0%
4.9%
1.3%
0.3%
6.5%
12.3%
3.7%
4.5%
6.8%
1.9%
72.3%
14.0%
11.5%
2.1%
27.7%
100.0%
1997
31.3%
5.8%
4.9%
1.3%
0.3%
6.5%
13.0%
3.7%
4.6%
7.0%
1.9%
73.9%
13.6%
10.4%
2.1%
26.1%
100.0%
' Discards after materials and compost recovery. Does not include construction & demolition debris, industrial
process wastes, or certain other wastes.
' Includes electrolytes in batteries and fluff pulp, feces, and urine in disposable diapers.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
31
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Paper and Paperboard
The many products made of paper and paperboard, taken collectively, are the largest
component of MSW. The wide variety of products that comprise the paper and paperboard
materials total is illustrated in Table 4 and Figures 2 and 3. In this report, these products are
classified as either nondurable goods or as containers and packaging, with nondurable goods
being the larger category.
Table 4
PAPER AND PAPERBOARD PRODUCTS IN MSW, 1997
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Nondurable Goods
Newspapers
Newsprint
Groundwood inserts
Total Newspapers
Books
Magazines
Office Papers
Directories
Standard (A) Mail*
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Other Nonpackaging Paper**
Total Paper and Paperboard
Nondurable Goods
Containers and Packaging
Corrugated Boxes
Milk Cartons
Folding Cartons
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks
Wrapping Papers
Other Paper Packaging
Total Paper and Paperboard
Containers and Packaging
Total Paper and Paperboard
Generation
(Thousands
tons)
10,960
2,530
13,490
1,110
2,170
7,040
470
4,850
6,860
3,100
970
4,330
44,390
30,160
460
5,420
220
1,870
50
1,270
39,450
83,840
Recovery
(Thousands
tons)
6,170
1,200
7,370
190
500
3,570
70
950
1,130
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
13,780
20,290
10
560
Neg.
280
Neg.
Neg.
21,140
34,920
(Percent of
generation)
56.3%
47.4%
54.6%
17.1%
23.0%
50.7%
14.9%
19.6%
16.5%
Neg. .
Neg.
Neg.
31.0%
67.3%
2.2%
10.3%
Neg.
15.0%
Neg.
Neg.
53.6%
41.7%
Discards
(Thousands
tons)
4,790
1,330
6,120
920
1,670
3,470
400
3,900
5,730
3,100
970
4,330
30,610
9,870
460
4,860
220
1,590
50
1,270
18,310
48,920
' Formerly called Third Class Mail by the U.S. Postal Service.
Includes tissue in disposable diapers, paper in games and novelties, cards, etc.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
32
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Figure 2. Paper and paperboard products generated in MSW, 1997
Corrugated boxes
Newspapers
Office papers
Commercial printing
Folding and milk cartons
Standard (A) mall
Other papers
Tissue paper and towels
Bags and sacks
Magazines
Other packaging
Paper plates and cups
Books
Directories
10
15 20
million tons
25
30
35
Total generation of paper and paperboard in MSW has grown from 30 million tons in
1960 to 83.8 million tons in 1997 (Table 1). As a percentage of total MSW generation, paper
represented 34 percent in 1960 (Table 1). The percentage has varied over time, but increased
to 38.6 percent of total MSW generation in 1997. As Figure 3 illustrates, paper generation
declined in 1996, but came back strongly in 1997.
(The sensitivity of paper products to economic conditions can be observed in Figure
3. The tonnage of paper generated in 1975—a severe recession year—was actually less than
the tonnage in 1970, and the percentage of total generation was also less in 1975. Similar but
less pronounced declines in paper generation can be seen in other recession years.)
Generation. Estimates of paper and paperboard generation are based on statistics
published by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). These statistics include
data on new supply (production plus net imports) of the various paper and paperboard grades
that go into the products found in MSW. The AF&PA new supply statistics are adjusted to
deduct converting scrap, which is generated when sheets of paper or paperboard are cut to
make products such as envelopes or boxes. Converting scrap rates vary from product to
product; the rates used in this report were developed as part of a 1992 report for the
Recycling Advisory Council with a few more recent revisions as new data became available.
Various deductions are also made to account for products diverted out of municipal solid
waste, such as gypsum wallboard facings or toilet tissue.
33
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Figure 3. Paper generation and recovery, 1960 to 1997
I960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
Recovery. Estimates of recovery of paper and paperboard products for recycling are
based on annual reports of recovery published by AF&PA. The AF&PA reports include
recovery of paper and paperboard purchased by U.S. paper mills, plus exports of recovered
paper, plus a small amount estimated to have been used in other products such as animal
bedding. Recovery as reported by AF&PA includes both preconsumer and postcohsumer
paper.
To estimate recovery of postconsumer paper products for this EPA report, estimates
of recovery of converting scrap and returned overissue newspapers are deducted from the
total recovery amounts reported by AF&PA. In earlier versions of this EPA report, a
simplifying assumption that all converting scrap is recovered was made. For recent updates,
various converting scrap recovery rates ranging from 70 percent to 98 percent were applied to
the estimates for 1990 through 1997. The converting scrap recovery rates were developed for
a 1992 report for the Recycling Advisory Council. Because converting scrap and overissue
are deducted, the paper recovery rates presented in this report are always lower than the total
recovery rates published by AF&PA.
When recovered paper is repulped, and often deinked, at a recycling paper mill,
considerable amounts of sludge are generated in amounts varying from 5 percent to 35
percent of the paper feedstock. Since these sludges are generated at an industrial site, they are
considered to be industrial process waste, not municipal solid waste; therefore they have been
removed from the municipal waste stream.
34
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Recovery of paper and paperboard for recycling is at the highest rate overall
compared to most other materials in MSW. As Table 4 shows, 67.3 percent of all corrugated
boxes were recovered for recycling in 1997. Newspapers were recovered at a rate of 54.6
percent, and high grade office papers at 50.7 percent, with lesser percentages of other papers
being recovered also. Approximately 34.9 million tons of postconsumer paper were
recovered in 1997—41.7 percent of total paper and paperboard generation.
Discards After Recovery. After recovery of paper and paperboard for recycling,
discards were 48.9 million tons in 1997, or 31.2 percent of total MSW discards.
Glass
Glass is found in MSW primarily in the form of containers (Table 5 and Figures 4 and
5), but also in durable goods like furniture, appliances, and consumer electronics. In the
container category, glass is found in beer and soft drink bottles, wine and liquor bottles, and
bottles and jars for food, cosmetics, and other products. More detail on these products is
included in the later section on products in MSW.
Generation. Glass accounted for 6.7 million tons of MSW in 1960, or 7.6 percent of
total generation. Generation of glass continued to grow over the next two decades, but then
glass containers were widely displaced by other materials, principally aluminum and plastics.
Thus the tonnage of glass in MSW declined in the 1980s, from approximately 15.1 million
tons in 1980 to 13.2 million tons in 1985. Beginning about 1987, however, the decline in
Table 5
GLASS PRODUCTS IN MSW, 1997
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Durable Goods*
Containers and Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles
Wine and Liquor Bottles
Food and Other Bottles and Jars
Total Glass Containers
Total Glass
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
1,400
4,960
1,820
3,830
10,610
12,010
Recovery
(Thousand
tons)
Neg.
1,550
440
930
2,920
2,920
(Percent of
generation)
Neg.
31.3%
24.2%
24.3%
27.5%
24.3%
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
1,400
3,410
1,380
2,900
7,690
9,090
* Glass as a component of appliances, furniture, consumer electronics, etc.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates.
35
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Figure 4. Glass products generated in MSW, 1997
B«r & soft drink bottles*
Food, other bottles & I are
Wlno&Hquor bottles
Durable goods
Includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated water, teas, and flavored drinks.
generation of glass containers slowed (Figure 5), and glass generation in 1997 was 12.0
million tons, about the same as 1987. During the 1990s glass generation has varied from 12.4
to 13.6 million tons per year. Glass was 10 percent of MSW generation in 1980, declining to
5.5 percent in 1997.
Figure 5. Glass generation and recovery, 1960 to 1997
18
16
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
36
-------
Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Recovery. Published estimates indicate that 2.9 million tons of glass containers were
recovered for recycling in 1997. Based on 1997 glass generation, an estimated 27.6 percent of
glass containers was recovered for recycling, with a 24.4 percent recovery rate for all glass in
MSW. Most of the recovered glass went into new glass containers, but a portion went to
other uses such as fiberglass and glasphalt for highway construction. The Glass Packaging
Institute reported a recovery rate of 35.2 percent for glass containers in 1997; this recovery
rate includes an allowance for refilling of bottles. Since this EPA report classifies refilling as
reuse (source reduction) rather than recovery for recycling, the recovery rate estimated for
this report is 27.6 percent of glass containers.
Discards After Recovery. Recovery for recycling lowered discards of glass to 9.1
million tons in 1997 (5.8 percent of total MSW discards).
Ferrous Metals
By weight, ferrous metals (iron and steel) are the largest category of metals in MSW
(Figure 6 and Table 6). The largest quantities of ferrous metals in MSW are found in durable
goods such as appliances, furniture, tires, and other miscellaneous durable goods. Containers
and packaging are the other source of ferrous metals in MSW. Large quantities of ferrous
metals are found in construction materials and in transportation products such as
automobiles, locomotives, and ships, but these are not counted as MSW in this report.
Total generation and recovery of all metals in MSW from 1960 to 1997 are shown in
Figure 7.
Figure 6. Metal products generated in MSW, 1997
JO Durables • Packaging D Monocracies
Ferrous metals
Aluminum
Other nonferrous
6 8
million tons
37
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 6
METAL PRODUCTS IN MSW, 1997
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Product Category
Durable Goods
Ferrous metals*
Aluminum**
Leadf
Other nonferrous metals^
Total Metals in Durable Goods
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent of
tons) generation)
30.8%
Neg.
94.3%
Neg.
32.2%
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
Nondurable Goods
Aluminum
180
Neg.
Neg.
180
Containers and Packaging
*
**
t
*
Steel
Food and other cans
Other steel packaging
Total Steel Packaging
Aluminum
Beer and soft drink cans
Food and other cans
Foil and closures
Total Aluminum Packaging
Total Metals in
Containers and Packaging
Total Metals
Ferrous
Aluminum
Other nonferrous
2,860
240
3,100
1,530
50
360
1,940
5,040
16,610
12,330
3,010
1,270
1,730
160
1,890
910
Neg.
30
940
2,830
6,500
4,730
940
830
60.5%
66.7%
61.0%
i
59.5% "
7.0% '
8.3%
48.5%
56.2%
39.1%
38.4%
31.2%
65.4%
1,130
80
1,210
620
50
330
1,000
2,210
10,110
7,600
2,070
440
Ferrous metals in appliances, furniture, tires, and miscellaneous durables.
Aluminum in appliances, furniture, and miscellaneous durables.
Lead in lead-acid batteries.
Other nonferrous metals in appliances and miscellaneous durables.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
Generation. Approximately 10.3 million tons of ferrous metals were generated in
1960. Like glass, the tonnages grew during the 1960s and 1970s, but began to drop as lighter
materials like aluminum and plastics replaced steel in many applications. Generation of
ferrous metals did, however, increase to 12.7 million tons in 1991, then dropped to 12.3
million tons in 1997. The percentage of ferrous metals generation in MJ>W has declined from
11.7 percent in 1960 to 5.7 percent in 1997.
38
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Chapter 2: Characterization df Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Figure 7. Metals generation and recovery, 1960 to 1997
18
g 10
1
1 8
Recovery
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
Recovery. The renewed emphasis on recovery and recycling in recent years has
included ferrous metals. Based on data from the Steel Recycling Institute, recovery of ferrous
metals from appliances ("white goods") was estimated to be 2.3 million tons of the total
ferrous in appliances in 1997. Overall recovery of ferrous metals from durable goods (large
and small appliances, furniture, and tires) was estimated to be 30.8 percent (2.8million tons)
in 1997 (Table 6).
Steel food cans and other cans were estimated to be recovered at a rate of 60.5 percent
(1.7 million tons) in 1997. Approximately 160,000 tons of other steel packaging, mostly steel
barrels and drums, was estimated to have been recovered for recycling in 1997.
Discards After Recovery. Discards of ferrous metals after recovery were 7.6 million
tons in 1997, or 4.9 percent of total discards.
Aluminum
The largest source of aluminum in MSW is aluminum cans and other packaging
(Table 6 and Figure 6). Other sources of aluminum are found in durable and nondurable
goods.
Generation. In 1997, nearly 2.0 million tons of aluminum were generated as
containers and packaging, while approximately 1.0 million tons were found in durable and
nondurable goods. The total—3.0 million tons—represented 1.4 percent of total MSW
39
-------
Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
generation in 1997. Aluminum generation was only 340,000 tons (0.4 percent of MSW
generation) in 1960.
Recovery. Aluminum beverage containers were recovered at a rate of 59.5 percent of
generation (0.9 million tons) in 1997, and 48.5 percent of all aluminum in containers and
packaging was recovered for recycling in 1997.
Discards After Recovery. In 1997, about 2.1 million tons of aluminum were
discarded in MSW after recovery, which was 1.3 percent of total MSW discards.
Other Nonferrous Metals
Other nonferrous metals (e.g., lead, copper, zinc) are found in durable products such
as appliances, consumer electronics, etc. Lead in lead-acid batteries is the most prevalent
nonferrous metal (other than aluminum) in MSW. (Note that only lead-acid batteries from
passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles are included. Lead-acid batteries used in large
equipment or industrial applications are not included.)
Generation. Generation of other nonferrous metals in MSW totaled 1.3 million tons
in 1997. Lead in batteries accounted for 880,000 tons of this amount. Generation of these
metals has increased slowly, up from 180,000 tons in 1960. As a percentage of total
generation, nonferrous metals have never exceeded one percent.
Recovery. Recovery of the other nonferrous metals was 830,000 tons in 1997, with
most of this being lead recovered from batteries. It was estimated that 94.3 percent of battery
lead was recovered in 1997.
Discards After Recovery. In 1997,440,000 tons of nonferrous metals were discarded
in MSW. Percentages of total discards remained less than one percent over the entire period.
Plastics
,|
Plastics are a rapidly growing segment of MSW. Plastics are found in durable and
nondurable goods and in containers and packaging, with the latter being the largest category
of plastics in MSW (Table 7 and Figure 8).
In durable goods, plastics are found in appliances, furniture, casings of lead-acid
batteries, and other products. (Note that plastics in transportation products generally are not
included in this report.) As shown in Table 7, a wide range of resin types is found in durable
goods. While some detail is provided in Table 7 for resins in durable goods, there are
hundreds of different resin formulations used in appliances, carpets, and other durable goods;
a complete listing is beyond the scope of this report.
Plastics are found in such nondurable products as disposable diapers, trash bags, cups,
eating utensils, sporting and recreational equipment, medical devices, household items such
as shower curtains, etc. The plastic foodservice items are generally made of clear or foamed
40
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table?
PLASTICS ESf PRODUCTS IN MSW, 1997
(In thousands of tons, and percent of generation by resin)
Generation
(Thousand
Product Category tons)
Durable Goods
PET
HOPE
PVC
LDPE/LLDPE
PP
PS
Other resins
Total Plastics in Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Plastic Plates and Cups
LDPE/LLDPE
PS
Subtotal Plastic Plates and Cups
Trash Bags
HOPE 220
LDPE/LLDPE 600
Subtotal Trash Bags 820
All other nondurables*
PET
HOPE
PVC
LDPE/LLDPE
PP
PS
Other resins
Subtotal All Other Nondurables
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods, by resin
PET
HOPE
PVC
LDPE/LLDPE
PP
PS
Other resins
Total Plastics in Nondurable Goods
Plastic Containers & Packaging
Soft drink botfles
PET
HOPE
Subtotal Soft Drink Bottles
Milk and water bottles
HOPE 670
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent
tons) of Gen.)
30
60
Neg.
Neg.
100
Neg.
100
290
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
4.4%
Neg.
280
Neg.
280 37.3%
210 31.3%
220
600
820
180
350
510
1,340
740
490
90.
3,700
460
HDPE=High density polyethylene
LDPE=Low density polyethylene
LLDPE=Linear Low density polyethylene
Source: Franklin Associates.
PET=Polyethylene terephthalate PS=Polystyrene
PP=Polypropylene PVC=Polyvinyl chloride
41
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table? (continued)
PLASTICS IN PRODUCTS IN MSW, 1997
(In thousands of tons, and percent of generation by resin)
Product Category
Plastic Containers & Packaging, cont.
Other plastic containers
PET
HOPE
PVC
LDPE/LLDPE
PP
PS
Other resins
Subtotal Other Containers
Bags, sacks, & wraps
HDPE
PVC
LDPE/LLDPE
PP
PS
Subtotal Bags, Sacks, & Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging**
PET
HDPE
PVC
LDPE/LLDPE
PP
PS
Other resins
Subtotal Other Packaging
Generation
(Thousand
tons)
480
810
80
30
SO
50
10
1,540
590
60
2,440
500
60
3,650
130
1,500
280
370
380
100
50
2,810
Recovery
(Thousand (Percent
tons) of Gen.)
50
150
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
200 13.0%
0
100
100 2.7%
Neg.
Neg. '
Neg.
Neg.
20
10
20
50 1.8%
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
430
660
80
30
80
50
10
1,340
590
60
2,340
500
60
3,550
130
1,500
280
370
360
90
50
2,760
Total Plastics in Containers & Packaging, by resin
PET
HDPE
PVC
LDPE/LLDPE
PP
PS
Other resins
Total Plastics in Containers & Pkg
Total Plastics In MSW, by resin
PET
HDPE
PVC
LDPE/LLDPE
PP
PS
Other resins
Total Plastics in MSW
1,360
3,570
420
2,840
960
210
60
9,420
1,900
4,630
1,320
5,380
2,790
2,100
3,340
21,460
330
360
Neg.
100
20
10
Neg.
820 8.7%
1
360
420
Neg.
100 !
120
10
100
1,110 5.2%
1,030
3,210
420
2,740
940
200
60
8,600
1,540
4,210
1,320
5,280
2,670
2,090
3,240
20,350
HDPE=High density polyethylene PET=Polyethylene terephthalate PS=Polystyrene
LDPE=Low density polyethylene PP=Polypropylene PVC=Polyvinyl chloride
LLDPE=Linear Low density polyethylene
* All other nondurables include plastics in disposable diapers, clothing, footwear, etc.
** Other plastic packaging includes coatings, closures, caps, trays, shapes, etc.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent. Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates.
42
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
polystyrene, while trash bags are made of high-density polyethylene or low-density
polyethylene. A wide variety of other resins are used in other nondurable goods.
Plastic resins are also used in a variety of container and packaging products such as
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) soft drink bottles, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles
for milk and water, and a wide variety of other resin types used in other plastic containers,
bags, sacks, wraps, lids, etc.
Generation. Production data on plastics resin use in products is taken from the
Modern Plastics annual statistical issue and the American Plastics Council annual plastic
recovery survey. The basic data are adjusted for product service life, fabrication losses, and
net imports of plastic products to derive generation of plastics in the various products in
MSW.
Plastics made up an estimated 390,000 tons of MSW generation in 1960. The quantity
has increased relatively steadily to 21.5 million tons in 1997 (Figure 9). As a percentage of
MSW generation, plastics were less than one percent in 1960, increasing to 9.9 percent in
1997.
Figure 8. Plastics products generated in MSW, 1997
Durable goods
Nondurable goods
Bags, sacks and wraps
Other packaging
Other containers
Soft drink, milk, and water
containers
million tons
43
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
Figure 9. Plastics generation and recovery, 1960 to 1997
Generation
7
i
. Recovery
1960
1965
1970
1975
198Q
1985
1990
1995
Recovery for Recycling. While overall recovery of plastics for recycling is relatively
small—1.1 million tons, or 5.2 percent of plastics generation in 1997 (Table 9)—recovery of
some plastic containers has generally increased. Plastic (PET) soft drink bottles were
recovered at a rate of 37.3 percent in 1997. Recovery of high-density polyethylene milk and
water bottles was estimated at about 31.3 percent in 1997. Significant recovery of plastics
from lead-acid battery casings and from some other containers was also reported. The
primary source of data on plastics recovery is an annual survey conducted for the American
Plastics Council (APC).
Discards After Recovery. Discards of plastics in MSW after recovery were 20.3
million tons, or 13 percent of total MSW discards.
Other Materials
Rubber and Leather. The predominant source of rubber in MSW is rubber tires
from automobiles and trucks (Table 8). Other sources of rubber and leather include clothing
and footwear and other miscellaneous durable and nondurable products. These other sources
are quite diverse, including such items as gaskets on appliances, furniture, and hot water
bottles, for example.
44
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Generation. Generation of rubber and leather in MSW has shown slow
growth over the years, increasing from 1.8 million tons in 1960 to 6.6 million tons in 1997.
One reason for the relatively, slow rate of growth is that tires have been made smaller and
longer-wearing than in earlier years.
As a percentage of total MSW generation, rubber and leather has been about 3 percent
for many years.
Recovery for Recycling. The only recovery for recycling identified in this
category is rubber from tires, and that was estimated to be 770,000 tons (22.3 percent of
rubber in tires in 1997) (Table 8). (This recovery estimate does not include tires retreaded or
energy recovery from tires.) Overall, 11.7 percent of rubber and leather in MSW was
recovered in 1997.
Discards After Recovery. Discards of rubber and leather after recovery were 5.8
million tons in 1997 (3.7 percent of total discards).
Textiles. Textiles in MSW are found mainly in discarded clothing, although other
sources were identified to be furniture, carpets, tires, footwear, and other nondurable goods
such as sheets and towels.
Table 8
RUBBER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS IN MSW, 1997
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Generation
(Thousand
Product Category
Durable Goods
Rubber in Tires*
Other Durables**
Total Rubber & Leather
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Clothing and Footwear
Other Nondurables
Total Rubber & Leather
Nondurable Goods
Containers and Packaging
Total Rubber & Leather
tons)
3,450
2,320
5,770
570
230
800
20
6,590
Recovery
(Thousand
tons)
770
Neg.
770
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
"770"
(Percent of
generation)
22.3%
Neg.
13.3%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
11.7%
Discards
(Thousand
tons)
2,680
2.320
5,000
570
230
800
20
3^820"
* Automobile and truck tires. Does not include other materials in tires.
** Includes carpets and rugs and other miscellaneous durables.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates.
45
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Generation. An estimated 8.2 million tons of textiles were generated in 1997
(3.8 percent of total MSW generation).
I
Recovery for Recycling and Discards. Significant amounts of textiles are
recovered for reuse. However, the reused garments and wiper rags re-enter the waste stream
eventually, so this is considered a diversion rather than recovery for recycling and, therefore,
not included in the recovery for recycling estimates. Since data on elapsed time from
recovery of textiles for reuse to final discard is limited, it was assumed that reused textiles re-
enter the waste stream the same year that they are first discarded. It was estimated that 12.9
percent of textiles in clothing and items such as sheets and pillowcases was recovered for
export or reprocessing in 1997 (1.1 million tons) leaving discards of 7.2 million tons of
textiles in 1997.
j
j
Wood. The sources of wood in MSW include furniture, miscellaneous durable goods
(e.g., cabinets for electronic equipment), wood packaging (crates, pallets), and some other
miscellaneous products.
Generation. Generation of wood in MSW was 11.6 million tons in 1997 (5.3
percent of total MSW generation).
Recovery for Recycling and Discards. Wood pallet recovery for recycling
(usually by chipping for uses such as mulch or bedding material, but excluding wood
combusted as fuel) was estimated at 590,000 tons in 1997.
About 200 million pallets—representing over 5 million tons of wood packaging—
were estimated to be refurbished and returned to service in 1997. This EPA report classifies
pallets refurbished and returned to service as reuse (source reduction) rather than recovery for
recycling. Therefore, the 5 million tons represents a reduction in the amount of wood
packaging discarded to the waste stream (i.e., a reduction in waste generation) rather than an
increase in recycling.
|
Accounting for pallet reuse and recovery for recycling, wood discards were 11.0
million tons in 1997, or 7 percent of total MSW discards.
Other Products. Generation of "other products" waste is mainly associated with
disposable diapers, which are discussed under the section on Products in Municipal Solid
Waste. The only other significant source of materials in this category is the electrolytes and
other materials associated with lead-acid batteries that are not classified as plastics or
nonferrous metal.
ii
Food Wastes
i
Food wastes included here consist of uneaten food and food preparation wastes from
residences, commercial establishments (restaurants, fast food establishments), institutional
sources such as school cafeterias, and industrial sources such as factory lunchrooms. Food
waste generated during the preparation and packaging of food products is considered
industrial waste and therefore not included in MSW food waste estimates.
46
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Generation. No production data are available for food wastes. Food wastes from
residential and commercial sources were estimated using data from sampling studies in
various parts of the country in combination with demographic data on population, grocery
store sales, restaurant sales, numbers of employees, and numbers of prisoners and students in
institutions. Generation of food wastes was estimated to be nearly 22 million tons in 1997.
Recovery for Composting and Discards. Beginning in 1994 for this series of
reports, a significant amount of food waste composting from commercial sources was
identified. As the data source (a survey published by BioCycle magazine) has improved,
it has become apparent that some other composted materials (e.g., paper and industrial
food processing wastes) have been included with food wastes classified as MSW in the
past. For the 1997 estimate, a more careful separation of MSW food composted resulted
in an estimate of approximately 285,000 tons.
Another very recent survey of paper composting conducted by the American
Forest & Paper Association yielded an estimate of approximately 160,000 tons of paper
composted in 1997. Finally, another BioCycle survey yielded an estimate of
approximately 135,000 tons of MSW composted (after an adjustment to avoid double
counting the AF&PA survey). The total—580,000 tons of food wastes and other organic
materials composted—is shown in the recovery tables on the line where only food waste
recovery was shown in previous reports.
Yard Trimmings
Yard trimmings* include grass, leaves, and tree and brush trimmings from residential,
institutional, and commercial sources.
Generation. In earlier versions of this report, generation of yard trimmings was
estimated using sampling studies and population data. While in past years generation of yard
trimmings had been increasing steadily as population and residential housing grew (i.e.,
constant generation on a per capita basis), in recent years there has been a new trend, local
and state legislation on yard trimmings disposal in landfills.
Legislation affecting yard trimmings disposal in landfills was tabulated, using
published sources. In 1992,11 states and the District of Columbia—accounting for over 28
percent of the nation's population—had in effect legislation banning or discouraging yard
trimmings disposal in landfills. The tabulation of existing legislation also shows that by 1998,
22 states and the District of Columbia, representing more than 50 percent of the nation's
population, had legislation affecting disposal of yard trimmings. This has led to an increase in
backyard composting and the use of mulching mowers to allow grass trimmings to remain in
place.
Although there are limited data available on the composition of yard trimmings, it is estimated that the
average composition by weight is about 50 percent grass, 25 percent brush, and 25 percent leaves. These
are "ballpark" numbers that will vary widely according to climate and region of the country.
47
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Using these facts, it was estimated that the effect of this legislation was no increase in
yard trimmings generation (i.e., entering the waste management system) between 1990 and
1992 (i.e., the increase in yard trimmings due to natural population increases was offset by
source reduction efforts). Furthermore, with 50 percent of the population having yard
trimmings legislation in 1997, it was also estimated that yard trimmings declined
approximately 6 percent annually between 1992 and 1997. An estimated 27.7 million tons of
yard trimmings were generated in MSW in 1997 (this compares to an estimated 35 million
tons of yard trimmings generated in 1992).
Recovery for Composting and Discards. Recovery for composting of yard
trimmings was estimated using a previous survey which estimated tonnages composted by
facilities along with updated 1997 data on numbers of yard waste composting facilities. Also,
data compiled by BioCycle magazine indicates that there were about 3,000 composting
facilities for yard trimmings in 1992, increasing to almost 3,500 facilities in 1997.
Removal of yard trimmings for composting was estimated to be 41.4 percent of
generation in 1997 (11.5 million tons), leaving 16.2 million tons of yard trimmings to be
discarded. (It should be noted that the estimated 11.5 million tons recovered for composting
does not include yard trimmings recovered for landspreading disposal.)
It should also be noted that these recovery estimates do not account for backyard
composting by individuals or practices such as less bagging of grass clippings; since the yard
trimming estimates are based on sampling studies at the landfill or transfer station, they are
based on the quantities received there. These source reduction practices are further discussed
in Chapter 3.
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
This relatively small category of MSW is also derived from sampling studies. It is not
well defined and often shows up in sampling reports as "fines" or "other." It includes soil,
bits of concrete, stones, and the like.
j
Generation, Recovery, and Discards. This category contributed an estimated 3.3
million tons of MSW in 1997. No recovery of these products was identified; discards are the
same as generation.
Summary of Materials in Municipal Solid Waste
Generation. Changing quantities and composition of municipal solid waste
generation are illustrated in Figure 10. Generation of MSW has grown relatively steadily,
from 88.1 million tons in 1960 to 217 million tons in 1997.
Over the years paper and paperboard has been the dominant material generated in
MSW, accounting for 38.6 percent of generation in 1997. Yard trimmings, the second largest
material component of MSW (12.8 percent of MSW generation) have been declining as a
percentage of MSW in recent years due to state and local legislated landfill bans and
increased emphasis on backyard composting and other source reduction measures such as the
48
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
use of mulching mowers. Metals account for 7.7 percent of MSW generation and have
remained fairly constant as a source of MSW, while glass increased until the 1980s and has
since declined or shown a slower rate of increase. In 1997 glass represented 5.5 percent of
MSW generation. Food wastes have remained fairly constant in terms of MSW tonnage (10.1
percent of generation). Plastics have increasingly been used in a variety of products and thus
have been a rapidly growing component of MSW. In terms of tonnage contributed they
ranked fourth in 1997 (behind paper, yard trimmings, and food waste), and account for 9.9
percent of MSW generation.
Figure 10. Generation of materials in MSW, 1960 to 1997
250
* All other Includes primarily wood, rubber and leather, and textiles
SAII Other*
Yard
DFood
E Plastics
m Metals
SGIass
D Paper
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995
Recovery and Discards. The effect of recovery on MSW discards is illustrated in
Figure 11. Recovery of materials for recycling and composting grew at a rather slow pace
during most of the historical period covered by this data series, increasing only from 6.4
percent of generation in 1960 to 10.9 percent in 1985. Renewed interest in recycling
(including composting) as waste management alternatives came about in the late 1980s, and
the recovery rate in 1990 was estimated to be 16.2 percent of generation, increasing to 28
percent in 1997.
Estimated recovery of materials (including composting) is shown in Figure 12. In
1997, recovery of paper and paperboard dominated materials recovery at 58 percent of total
tonnage recovered. Recovery of other materials, while generally increasing, contributes much
less tonnage, reflecting in part the relatively smaller amounts of materials generated in those
categories.
49
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Figure 11. Recovery and discards of MSW,* 1960 to 1997
250
200
150
* Generation - recovery + discards.
100
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995
Figure 12. Materials recovery,* 1997
All other
Plastics 6%
Glass2%
5%
Yard trimmings
19%
Paper & papertoard
57%
* In percent by weight of total recover/
50
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Figure 13. Materials generated and discarded
in municipal solid waste, 1997
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Yard trimmings
13%
Food waste
10%
Paper & paperboard
38%
Other wastes
19%
Yard trimmings
10%
Paper & paperboard
32%
Glass
Figure 13 illustrates the effect of recovery of materials for recycling, including
composting, on the composition of MSW discards. For example, paper and paperboard were
38.7 percent of MSW generated in 1997, but after recovery, paper and paperboard were 31.3
percent of discards. Materials that have little or no recovery exhibit a larger percentage of
MSW discards compared to generation.
51
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Generation, recovery, and discards of products in municipal solid waste are shown in
a series of tables in this section. (Note that the totals for these tables are the same as the
previous series of tables for materials in MSW.) The products in MSW are categorized as
durable goods, nondurable goods, and containers and packaging. Generation, recovery, and
discards of these products are summarized in Tables 9 through 11. Each product category is
discussed in more detail below, with detailed tables highlighting the products in each.
Durable Goods
Durable goods generally are defined as products having a lifetime of three years or
more, although mere are some exceptions. In this report, durable goods include large and
small appliances, furniture and furnishings, carpets and rugs, rubber tires, lead-acid
automotive batteries, and miscellaneous durable goods (e.g., luggage, consumer electronics)
(see Tables 12 through 14).* These products are often called "oversize and bulky" in
municipal solid waste management practice, and they are generally handled in a somewhat
different manner than other components of MSW. That is, they are often picked up
separately, and may not be mixed with other MSW at the landfill, combustor, or other waste
management facility. Durable goods are made up of a wide variety of materials. In order of
tonnage in MSW in 1997, these include: ferrous metals, plastics, rubber and leather, wood,
textiles, glass, other nonferrous metals (e.g., lead, copper), and aluminum.
Generation of durable goods in MSW totaled 33.2 million tons in 1997 (15.3 percent
of total MSW generation). After recovery for recycling, 27.6 million tons of durable goods
remained as discards in 1997.
Major Appliances. Major appliances in MSW include refrigerators, washing
machines, water heaters, etc. They are often called "white goods" in the trade. Data on unit
production of appliances are taken from Appliance Manufacturer Market Profile. The unit
data are converted to weight using various conversion factors developed over the years, plus
data on the materials composition of the appliances. Adjustments are also made for the
estimated lifetimes of the appliances, which range up to 20 years.
Generation of these waste products in MSW has increased very slowly; it was
estimated to be 3.6 million tons in 1997 (1.7 percent of total MSW). In general, appliances
have increased in quantity but not in average weight over the years. Ferrous metals are the
predominant materials in major appliances, but other metals, plastics, glass, and other
materials are also present.
Data on recovery of ferrous metals from major appliances are taken from a survey
conducted by the Steel Recycling Institute. Recovery of ferrous metals from shredded
appliances was estimated to be 2.3 million tons in 1997, leaving 1.3 million tons of
appliances to be discarded.
* Automobiles and other transportation equipment are not included in this report.
52
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Tables
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED* IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM, 1960 TO 1997
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product1* Wastes
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated - Weight
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product" Wastes
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated - %
Thousands of Tons
1960
9,920
17,330
27,370
54,620
12,200
20,000
1,300
33,500
88,120
1970
14,660
25,060
43,560
83,280
12,800
23,200
1,780
37,780
121,060
1980
21,800
34,420
52,670
108,890
13,000
27,500
2,250
42,750
151,640
1990
29,810
52,170
64,530
146,510
20,800
35,000
2,900
58,700
205,210
1994
31,120
56,850
70,110
158,080
21,500
31,500
3,100
56,100
214,180
1995
31,140
57,250
68,390
156,780
21,740
29,690
3,150
54,580
211,360
1996
31,660
55,510
69,050
156,220
21,850
27,920
3,200
52,970
209,190
1997
33,230
59,100
71,750
164,080
21,910
27,730
3,250
52,890
216,970
Percent of Total Generation
1960
11.3%
19.7%
31.1%
62.0%
13.8%
22.7%
1.5%
38.0%
100.0%
1970
12.1%
20.7%
36.0%
68.8%
10.6%
19.2%
1.5%
31.2%
100.0%
1980
14.4%
22.7%
34.7%
71.8%
8.6%
18.1%
1.5%
28.2%
100.0%
1990
14.5%
25.4%
31.4%
71.4%
10.1%
17.1%
1.4%
28.6%
100.0%
1994
14.5%
26.5%
32.7%
73.8%
10.0%
14.7%
1.4%
26.2%
100.0%
1995
14.7%
27.1%
32.4%
74.2%
10.3%
14.0%
1.5%
25.8%
100.0%
1996
15.1%
26.5%
33.0%
74.7%
10.4%
13.3%
1.5%
25.3%
100.0%
1997
15.3%
27.2%
33.1%
75.6%
10.1%
12.8%
1.5%
24.4%
100.0%
' Generation before materials recovery or combustion. Does not include construction & demolition debris, industrial
process wastes, or certain other wastes.
' Other than food products.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
53
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 10
RECOVERY* OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 1960 TO 1997
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each category)
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail In Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail In Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product" Wastes
Other Wastes
Food, Other*
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Recovered - Weight
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail In Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail In Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product** Wastes
Other Wastes
Food, Other*
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Recovered -%
Thousands of Tons
1960
350
2,390
2,870
5,610
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
5,610
1970
940
3,730
3,350
8,020
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
8,020
1980
1,360
4,670
8,490
14,520
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
14,520
1990
3,460
8,800
16,780
29,040
Neg.
4,200
Neg.
4,200
33,240
1994
5,090
12,610
24,450
42,150
480
8,000
Neg.
8,480
50,630
1995
5,010
13,610
26,720
45,340
570
9,000
Neg.
9,570
54,910
1996
5,300
13,550
27,540
46,390
520
10,390
Neg.
10,910
57,300
1997
5,650
14,680
28,300
48,630
580
11,490
Neg.
12,070
60,700
Percent of Generation of Each Category
1960
3.5%
13.8%
10.5%
10.3%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
6.4%
1970
6.4%
14.9%
7.7%
9.6%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
6.6%
1980
6.2%
13.6%
16.1%
13.3%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
9.6%
1990
11.6%
16.9%
26.0%
19.8%
Neg.
12.0%
Neg.
7.2%
16.2%
1994
16.4%
22.2%
34.9%
26.7%
2.2%
25.4%
Neg.
15.1%
23.6%
1995
16.1%
23.8%
39.1%
28.9%
2.6%
30.3%
Neg.
17.5%
26.0%
1996
16.7%
24.4%
39.9%
29.7%
2.4%
37.2%
Neg.
20.6%
27.4%
1997
17.0%
24.8%
39.4%
29.6%
2.6%
41.4%
Neg.
22.8%
28.0%
* Recovery of postconsumer wastes; does not include converting/fabrication scrap.
** Other than food products.
A Includes recovery of paper for composting.
Neg. * Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
54
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 11
CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED* IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM, 1960 TO 1997
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product" Wastes
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Discarded - Weight
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product" Wastes
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Discarded - %
Thousands of Tons
1960
9,570
14,940
24,500
49,010
12,200
20,000
1,300
33,500
82,510
1970
13,720
21,330
40,210
75,260
12,800
23,200
1,780
37,780
113,040
1980
20,440
29,750
44,180
94,370
13,000
27,500
2,250
42,750
137,120
1990
26,350
43,370
47,750
117,470
20,800
30,800
2,900
54,500
171,970
1994
26,030
44,240
45,660
115,930
21,020
23,500
3,100
47,620
163,550
1995
26,130
43,640
41,670
111,440
21,170
20,690
3,150
45,010
156,450
Percent of Total Discards
1960
11.6%
18.1%
29.7%
59.4%
14.8%
24.2%
1.6%
40.6%
100.0%
1970
12.1%
18.9%
35.6%
66.6%
11.3%
20.5%
1.6%
33.4%
100.0%
1980
14.9%
21.7%
32.2%
68.8%
9.5%
20.1%
1.6%
31.2%
100.0%
1990
15.3%
25.2%
27.8%
68.3%
12.1%
17.9%
1.7%
31.7%
100.0%
1994
15.9%
27.0%
27.9%
70.9%
12.9%
14.4%
1.9%
29.1%
100.0%
1995
16.7%
27.9%
26.6%
71.2%
13.5%
13.2%
2.0%
28.8%
100.0%
1996
26,360
41,960
41,510
109,830
21,330
17,530
3,200
42,060
151,890
1996
17.4%
27.6%
27.3%
72.3%
14.0%
11.5%
2.1%
27.7%
100.0%
1997
27,580
44,420
43,450
115,450
21,330
16,240
3,250
40,820
156,270
1997
17.6%
28.4%
27.8%
73.9%
13.6%
10.4%
2.1%
26.1%
100.0%
' Discards after materials and compost recovery. Does not include construction & demolition debris, industrial process
wastes, or certain other wastes.
' Other than food products.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
55
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Small Appliances. This category includes items such as toasters, hair dryers,
electric cpffeepots, and the like. Information on shipments of small appliances was
obtained from Department of Commerce data. Information on weights and materials
composition of discarded small appliances was obtained through interviews. It was
estimated that 830,000 tons of small appliances were generated in 1997. A small amount
of ferrous metals in small appliances is recovered through magnetic separation.
Furniture and Furnishings. Data on sales of furniture and furnishings are provided
by the Department of Commerce in dollars. These data are converted to tons using factors
developed for this study over the years. Adjustments are made for imports and exports, and
adjustments are made for the lifetimes of the furniture.
ii
1
Generation of waste furniture and furnishings in MSW has increased from 2.2 million
tons in 1960 to 7.5 million tons in 1997 (3.5 percent of total MSW). No significant recovery
of materials from furniture was identified. Wood is the largest material category in furniture,
with ferrous metals second. Plastics, glass, and other materials are also found in furniture.
Carpets and Rugs. An industry publication, Carpet and Rug Industrial Review,
publishes data on carpet sales in square yards. These data are converted to tons using various
factors developed for this report. An estimated 2.3 million tons of carpets and rugs were
generated in MSW in 1997, which was 1.1 percent of total generation.
A small amount of recycling of carpet fiber was identified-
percent recovery in 1997.
sstimated to be about one
Vehicle Tires. The methodology for estimating generation of rubber tires for
automobiles and trucks is based on data on replacement tires purchased and vehicles
deregistered as reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce. It is assumed that for each
replacement tire purchased, a used tire enters the waste management system, and that tires on
deregistered vehicles also enter the waste management system. Retreaded tires are treated as
a diversion out of the waste stream; they are assumed to re-enter the waste stream after two
years of use.
The quantities of tires in units are converted to weight and materials composition
using factors developed for this series of reports. In addition to rubber, tires include relatively
small amounts of textiles and ferrous metals. Generation of rubber tires increased from 1.1
million tons in 1960 to 4.3 million tons in 1997 (2.0 percent of total MSW).
i
1 !
Data on recovery of tires in recent years are based on data from the Scrap Tire
Management Council. Rubber recovery from tires has been increasing in recent years. In
1997, an estimated 22.3 percent of the weight of tires generated was recovered for recycling,
leaving 3.3 million tons to be discarded. (Tires going to combustion facilities as fuel are
included in the combustion estimates in Chapter 3.)
Lead-Acid Batteries. The methodology for estimating generation of lead-acid
batteries is similar to the methodology for rubber tires as described above. An estimated 1.8
56
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
million tons of lead-acid batteries from automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles were generated
in MSW in 1997 (less than one percent of total generation).
Data on recovery of batteries has been provided by the Battery Council International.
Recovery of batteries for recycling has fluctuated between 60 percent and 98 percent or
higher; recovery has increased since 1980 as a growing number of communities have
restricted batteries from disposal at landfills or combustion facilities. In 1997,93.3 percent of
the lead in these batteries was estimated to be recovered for recycling as well as substantial
quantities of the polypropylene battery casings; so discards after recycling of these batteries
were decreased to 120,000 tons in 1997. (Some electrolytes and other materials in batteries
are removed from the municipal solid waste stream along with recovered lead and
polypropylene; these materials are counted as "recovered" along with the recyclable
materials.)
Miscellaneous Durable Goods. Miscellaneous durable goods include consumer
electronics such as television sets, video cassette recorders, personal computers, luggage,
sporting equipment, and the like. An estimated 12.9 million tons of these goods were
generated in 1997, amounting to 5.9 percent of MSW generated. In addition to ferrous
metals, this category includes plastics, glass, rubber, wood, and other metals.
As estimated 690,000 tons of ferrous metals were estimated to be recovered from this
category through pre-combustion and post-combustion magnetic separation at MSW
combustion facilities in 1997, decreasing discards to 12.2 million tons.
Nondurable Goods
The Department of Commerce defines nondurable goods as those having a lifetime of
less than three years, and this definition was followed for this report to the extent possible.
Products made of paper and paperboard comprise the largest portion of nondurable
goods. Other nondurable products include paper and plastic plates, cups, and other disposable
food service products; disposable diapers; clothing and footwear; linens; and other
miscellaneous products. (See Tables 15 through 17.)
Generation of nondurable goods in MSW was 59.1 million tons in 1997 (27.2 percent
of total generation). Recovery of paper products in this category is quite significant, resulting
in 14.7 million tons of nondurable goods recovered in 1997 (24.8 percent of nondurables
generation). This means that 44.4 million tons of nondurable goods were discarded in 1997
(28.4 percent of total MSW discards).
Paper and Paperboard Products. Generation, recovery, and discards of paper and
paperboard products in nondurable goods are summarized in Tables 15 through 17. A
summary for 1997 was shown earlier in Table 4. After showing a decline in 1996, generation
of nondurable paper products increased in 1997. Each of the paper and paperboard product
categories in nondurable goods is discussed briefly below.
57
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 12
II
PRODUCTS GENERATED* IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM, 1960 TO 1997
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Products
Thousands of Tons
1960
1970
1980
1990
1994
1995
1996
1997
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances**
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs"
Rubber Tires
Batteries, lead acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Total Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
(Detail In Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail In Table 18)
Total Product Wastesf
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated - Weight
Products
1,630
2,150
1,120
Neg.
5,020
9,920
17,330
27,370
54,620
12,200
20,000
1,300
33,500
88,120
2,170
2,830
1,890
820
6,950
14,660
25,060
43,560
83,280
12,800
23,200
1,780
37,780
121,060
2,950
4,760
2,720
1,490
9,880
21,800
34,420
52,670
108,890
13,000
27,500
2,250
42,750
151,640
3,310
460
6,790
1,660
3,610
1,510
12,470
29,810
52,170
64,530
146,510
20,800
35,000
2,900
58,700
205,210
3,280
650
6,980
2,120
4,080
2,010
12,000
31,120
56,850
70,110
158,080
21,500
31,500
3,100
56,100
214,180
3,420
710
7,170
2,230
3,770
1,810
12,030
31,140
57,250
68,390
156,780
21,740
29,690
3,150
54,580
211,360
3,520
780
7,320
2,310
3,910
1,810
12,010
31,660
55,510
69,050
156,220
21,850
27,920
3,200
52,970
209,190
3,610
830
7,510
2,330
4,260
1,780
12,910
33,230
59,100
71,750
164,080
21,910
27,730
3,250
52,890
216,970
Percent of Total Generation
1960
1970
1980
1990
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances**
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs**
Rubber Tires
Batteries, Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Total Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
(Detail In Table 15)
Containers and Packaging
(Detattln Table 19)
Total Product Wastes?
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated - %
1.8%
2.4%
1.3%
Neg.
5.7%
11.3%
19.7%
31.1%
62.0%
13.8%
22.7%
1.5%
38.0%
100.0%
1.8%
2.3%
1.6%
0.7%
5.7%
12.1%
20.7%
36.0%
68.8%
10.6%
19.2%
1.5%
31.2%
100.0%
1.9%
3.1%
1.8%
1.0%
6.5%
14.4%
22.7%
34.7%
71.8%
8.6%
18.1%
1.5%
28.2%
100.0%
1.6%
0.2%
3.3%
0.8%
1.8%
0.7%
6.1%
14.5%
25.4%
31.4%
71.4%
10.1%
17.1%
1.4%
28.6%
100.0%
1994
1.5%
0.3%
3.3%
1.0%
1.9%
0.9%
5.6%
14.5%
26.5%
32.7%
73.8%
10.0%
14.7%
1.4%
26.2%
100.0%
1995
1996
1997
1.6%
0.3%
3.4%
1.1%
1.8%
0.9%
5.7%
14.7%
27.1%
32.4%
74.2%
10.3%
14.0%
1.5%
25.8%
100.0%
1.7%
0.4%
3.5%
1.1%
1.9%
0.9%
5.7%
15.1%
26.5%
33.0%
74.7%
10.4%
13.3%
1.5%
25.3%
100.0%
1.7%
0.4%
3.5%
1.1%
2.0%
0.8%
6.0%
15.3%
27.2%
33.1%
75.6%
10.1%
12.8%
1.5%
24.4%
100.0%
* Generation before materials recovery or combustion. Does not include construction & demolition debris, industrial process
wastes, or certain other wastes. Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
" Not estimated separately prior to 1990.
t Other than food products.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Source: Franklin Associates.
58
-------
Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 13
RECOVERY* OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 1960 TO 1997
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Products
Thousands of Tons
1960
1970
1980
1990
1994
1995
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances**
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs**
Rubber Tires
Batteries, lead acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Total Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 20)
Total Product Wastesf
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Recovered - Weight
Products
10
Neg.
330
Neg.
10
350
2,390
2,870
5,610
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
5,610
50
Neg.
250
620
20
940
3,730
3,350
8,020
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
8,020
130
Neg.
150
1,040
40
1,360
4,670
8,490
14,520
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
14,520
1,070
10
Neg.
Neg.
440
1,470
470
3,460
8,800
16,780
29,040
Neg.
4,200
Neg.
4,200
33,240
1,910
10
Neg.
10
620
1,980
560
5,090
12,610
24,450
42,150
480
8,000
Neg.
8,480
50,630
2,070
10
Neg.
20
670
1,620
620
5,010
13,610
26,720
45,340
570
9,000
Neg.
9,570
54,910
1996
2,200
10
Neg.
20
730
1,700
640
5,300
13,550
27,540
46,390
520
10,390
Neg.
10,910
57,300
1997
2,320
10
Neg.
20
950
1,660
690
5,650
14,680
28,300
48,630
580
11,490
Neg.
12,070
60,700
Percent of Generation of Each Product
1960
1970
1980
1990
1994
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances**
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs**
Rubber Tires
Batteries, Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Total Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 21)
Total Product Wastesf
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
0.6%
Neg.
29.5%
Neg.
0.2%
3.5%
13.8%
10.5%
10.3%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
6.4%
2.3%
Neg.
13.2%
75.6%
0.3%
6.4%
14.9%
7.7%
9.6%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
6.6%
4.4%
Neg.
5.5%
69.8%
0.4%
6.2%
13.6%
16.1%
13.3%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
9.6%
32.3%
2.2%
Neg.
Neg.
12.2%
97.4%
3.8%
11.6%
16.9%
26.0%
19.8%
Neg.
12.0%
Neg.
7.2%
16.2%
58.2%
1.5%
Neg.
0.5%
15.2%
98.5%
4.7%
16.4%
22.2%
34.9%
26.7%
2.2%
25.4%
Neg.
15.1%
23.6%
1995
60.5%
1.4%
Neg.
0.9%
17.8%
89.5%
5.2%
16.1%
23.8%
39.1%
28.9%
2.6%
30.3%
Neg.
17.5%
26.0%
1996
62.5%
1.3%
Neg.
0.9%
18.7%
93.9%
5.3%
16.7%
24.4%
39.9%
29.7%
2.4%
37.2%
Neg.
20.6%
1997
64.3%
1.2%
Neg.
0.9%
22.3%
93.3%
5.3%
17.0%
24.8%
39.4%
29.6%
2.6%
41.4%
Neg.
22.8%
28.0%
* Recovery of postconsumer wastes; does not include converting/fabrication scrap.
** Not estimated separately prior to 1990.
t Other than food products.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Source: Franklin Associates.
59
-------
Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 14
PRODUCTS DISCARDED* IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM, 1960 TO 1997
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Products
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances**
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs**
Rubber Tires
Batteries, lead acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Total Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
(Detail In Table 17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail In Table 22)
Total Product Waatesf
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Discarded - Weight
Products
Thousands of Tons
1960
1970
1980
1990
1994
1995
1,620
2,150
790
Neg.
5,010
9,570
14,940
24,500
49,010
12,200
20,000
1,300
33,500
82,510
2,120
2,830
1,640
200
6,930
13,720
21,330
40,210
75,260
12,800
23,200
1,780
37,780
113,040
2,820
4,760
2,570
450
9,840
20,440
29,750
44,180
94,370
13,000
27,500
2,250
42,750
137,120
2,240
450
6,790
1,660
3,170
40
12,000
26,350
43,370
47,750
117,470
20,800
30,800
2,900
54,500
171,970
1,370
640
6,980
2,110
3,460
30
11,440
26,030
44,240
45,660
115,930
21,020
23,500
3,100
47,620
163,550
1,350
700
7,170
2,210
3,100
190
11,410
26,130
43,640
41,670
111,440
21,170
20,690
3,150
45,010
156,450
1996
1,320
770
7,320
2,290
3,180
110
11,370
26,360
41,960
41,510
109,830
21,330
17,530
3,200
42,060
151,890
1997
1,290
820
7,510
2,310
3,310
120
12,220
27,580
44,420
43,450
115,450
21,330
16,240
3,250
40,820
156.270
Percent of Total Discards
1960
1970
1980
1990
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances**
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs**
Rubber Tires
Batteries, Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Total Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
(DatalllnTable17)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail In Tabte 23)
Total Product Wastesf
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Discarded • %
2.0%
2.6%
1.0%
Neg.
6.1%
11.6%
18.1%
29.7%
59.4%
14.8%
24.2%
1.6%
40.6%
100.0%
1.9%
2.5%
1.5%
0.2%
6.1%
12.1%
18.9%
35.6%
66.6%
11.3%
20.5%
1.6%
33.4%
100.0%
2.1%
3.5%
1.9%
0.3%
7.2%
14.9%
21.7%
32.2%
68.8%
9.5%
20.1%
1.6%
31.2%
100.0%
1.3%
0.3%
3.9%
1.0%
1.8%
0.0%
7.0%
15.3%
25.2%
27.8%
68.3%
12.1%
17.9%
1.7%
31.7%
100.0%
1994
1995
0.8%
0.4%
4.3%
1.3%
2.1%
0.0%
7.0%
15.9%
27.0%
27.9%
70.9%
12.9%
14.4%
1.9%
29.1%
100.0%
0.9%
0.4%
4.6%
1.4%
2.0%
0.1%
7.3%
16.7%
27.9%
26.6%
71.2%
13.5%
13.2%
2.0%
28.8%
1000%
1996
0.9%
0.5%
4.8%
1.5%
2.1%
0.1%
7.5%
17.4%
27.6%
27.3%
72.3%
14.0%
11.5%
2.1%
27.7%
100 0%
1997
0.8%
0.5%
4.8%
1.5%
2.1%
0.1%
7.8%
17.6%
28.4%
27.8%
73.9%
13.6%
10.4%
2.1%
26.1%
1000%
• Discards after materials and compost recovery. Does not Include construction & demolition debris, industrial process wastes,
or certain other wastes. Details may not add to totals due to rounding. '_
" Not estimated separately prior to 1990.
t Other than food products.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Source: Franklin Associates.
60
-------
Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 15
PRODUCTS GENERATED* IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM, 1960 TO 1997
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
Newspapers
Books and Magazines
Books**
Magazines**
Office Papers
Directories**
Standard (A) Mail***
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Plastic Plates and Cupsf
Trash Bags**
Disposable Diapers
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Clothing and Footwear
Towels, Sheets and Pillowcases**
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
Total Nondurable Goods
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 18)
Total Product Wastesf
Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated - Weight
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail In Table 12)
Thousands of Tons
1960
9,920
1970
14,660
1980
21,800
1990
29,810
1994
31,120
1995
31,140
7,110
1,920
1,520
1,260
1,090
270
Neg.
2,700
1,360
100
17,330
27,370
54,620
33,500
88,120
9,510
2,470
2,650
2,130
2,080
420
350
3,630
1,620
200
25,060
43,560
83,280
37,780
121,060
11,050
3,390
4,000
3,120
2,300
630
190
1,930
4,230
2,170
1,410
34,420
52,670
108,890
42,750
151,640
13,430
970
2,830
6,410
610
3,820
4,460
2,960
650
650
780
2,700
3,840
4,010
710
3,340
52,170
64,530
146,510
58,700
205,210
13,680
1,180
2,250
6,970
470
4,400
6,080
2,860
870
810
940
2,980
4,470
4,870
750
3,270
56,850
70,110
158,080
56,100
214,180
13,140
1,150
2,530
6,640
490
4,620
6,770
2,970
970
780
780
3,010
4,270
5,070
740
3,320
57,250
68,390
156,780
54,580
211,360
1996
31,660
12,560
940
1,970
6,570
470
4,510
6,260
2,980
950
810
860
3,050
4,050
5,340
750
3,440
55,510
69,050
156,220
52,970
209,190
1997
33,230
13,490
1,110
2,170
7,040
470
4,850
6,860
3,100
970
860
810
3,140
4,270
5,760
750
3,450
59,100
71,750
164,080
52,890
216,970
Percent of Total Generation
1960
11.3%
1970
12.1%
1980
14.4%
1990
14.5%
1994
14.5%
1995
14.7%
1996
15.1%
1997
15.3%
Nondurable Goods
Newspapers
Books and Magazines
Books"
Magazines**
Office Papers
Directories**
Standard (A) Mail***
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Plastic Plates and Cupsf
Trash Bags**
Disposable Diapers
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Clothing and Footwear
Towels, Sheets and Pillowcases**
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
Total Nondurables
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 19)
Total Product Wastes?
Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated - %
8.1%
2.2%
1.7%
1.4%
1.2%
0.3%
Neg.
3.1%
1.5%
0.1%
19.7%
31.1%
62.0%
38.0%
100.0%
7.9%
2.0%
2.2%
1.8%
1.7%
0.3%
0.3%
3.0%
1.3%
0.2%
20.7%
36.0%
68.8%
31.2%
100.0%
7.3%
2.2%
2.6%
2.1%
1.5%
0.4%
0.1%
1.3%
2.8%
1.4%
0.9%
22.7%
34.7%
71.8%
28.2%
100.0%
6.5%
0.5%
1.4%
3.1%
0.3%
1.9%
2.2%
1.4%
0.3%
0.3%
0.4%
1.3%
1.9%
2.0%
0.3%
1.6%
25.4%
31.4%
71.4%
28.6%
100.0%
6.4%
0.6%
1.1%
3.3%
0.2%
2.1%
2.8%
1.3%
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
1.4%
2.1%
2.3%
0.4%
1.5%
26.5%
32.7%
73.8%
26.2%
100.0%
6.2%
0.5%
1.2%
3.1%
0.2%
2.2%
3.2%
1.4%
0.5%
0.4%
0.4%
1.4%
2.0%
2.4%
0.4%
1.6%
27.1%
32.4%
74.2%
25.8%
100.0%
6.0%
0.4%
0.9%
3.1%
0.2%
2.2%
3.0%
1.4%
0.5%
0.4%
0.4%
1.5%
1.9%
2.6%
0.4%
1.6%
26.5%
33.0%
74.7%
25.3%
100.0%
6.2%
0.5%
1.0%
3.2%
0.2%
2.2%
3.2%
1.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
1.4%
2.0%
2.7%
0.3%
1.6%
27.2%
33.1%
75.6%
24.4%
100.0%
or certain other wastes. Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
** Not estimated separately prior to 1990.
*** Not estimated separately prior to 1990. Formerly called Third Class Mall by the U.S. Postal Service.
t Not estimated separately prior to 1980.
i Other than food products.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Source: Franklin Associates.
61
-------
Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 16
RECOVERY* OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 1960 TO 1997
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each product)
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail In Table 13)
Thousands of Tons
1960
350
Nondurable Goods
Newspapers
Books and Magazines
Books"
Magazines**
Office Papers
Directories"
Standard (A) Mall*"
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Plastic Plates and Cupsf
Trash Bags"
Disposable Diapers
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Clothing and Footwear
Towels, Sheets and Pillowcases**
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
Total Nondurable Goods
Containers and Packaging
(Detail In Table 20)
Total Product I/Vastest
Other Wastes
Total MSW Recovered- Weight
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail In Table 13)
1,820
100
250
130
Neg.
Neg.
40
50
Neg.
2,390
2,870
5,610
Neg.
5,610
1970
940
1980
1,360
1990
3,460
1994
5,090
1995
5,010
1996
5,300
1997
5,650
2,250
260
710
340
Neg.
Neg.
110
60
Neg.
3,730
3,350
8,020
Neg.
8,020
3,020
280
870
350
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
150
Neg.
4,670
8,490
14,520
Neg.
14,520
5,110
100
300
1,700
40
200
700
Neg.
Neg.
10
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
520
120
Neg.
8,800
16,780
29,040
4,200
33,240
6,250
220
630
2,940
50
690
1,050
Neg.
Neg.
10
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
640
130
Neg.
12,610
24,450
42,150
8,480
50,630
7,010
220
650
3,040
60
710
1,120
Neg.
Neg.
10
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
660
130
Neg.
13,610
26,720
45,340
9,570
54,910
6,800
170
470
3,490
60
770
950
Neg.
Neg.
10
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
700
130
Neg.
13,550
27,540
46,390
10,910
57,300
7,370
200
500
3,570
70
950
1,130
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
760
130
Neg.
14,680
28,300
48,630
12,070
60,700
Percent of Generation of Each Product
1960
3.5%
1970
6.4%
1980
6.2%
1990
11.6%
Nondurable Goods
Newspapers
Books and Magazines
Books'*
Magazines"
Office Papers
Directories**
Standard (A) Mail-
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Plastic Plates and Cupsf
Trash Bags"
Disposable Diapers
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Clothing and Footwear
Towels, Sheets and Pillowcases"
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
Total Nondurables
Containers and Packaging
(Detail In Table 21)
Total Product Wastoaf
Other Wastes
Total MSW Recovered - %
25.6%
5.2%
16.4%
10.3%
Neg.
Neg.
1.5%
Neg.
Neg.
13.8%
10.5%
10.3%
Neg.
6.4%
23.7%
10.5%
26.8%
16.0%
Neg.
Neg.
3.0%
Neg.
Neg.
14.9%
7.7%
9.6%
Neg.
6.6%
27.3%
8.3%
21.8%
11.2%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
13.6%
16.1%
13.3%
Neg.
9.6%
38.0%
10.3%
10.6%
26.5%
6.6%
5.2%
15.7%
Neg.
Neg.
1.5%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
13.0%
16.9%
Neg.
16.9%
26.0%
19.8%
7.2%
16.2%
1994
16.4%
1995
16.1%
1996
16.7%
45.7%
18.6%
28.0%
42.2%
10.6%
15.7%
17.3%
Neg.
Neg.
1.2%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
13.1%
17.3%
Neg.
22.2%
34.9%
26.7%
15.1%
23.6%
53.3%
19.1%
25.7%
45.8%
12.2%
15.4%
16.5%
Neg.
Neg.
1.3%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
13.0%
17.6%
Neg.
23.8%
39.1%
28.9%
17.5%
26.0%
54.1%
18.1%
23.9%
53.1%
12.8%
17.1%
15.2%
Neg.
Neg.
1.2%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
13.1%
17.3%
Neg.
24.4%
39.9%
29.7%
20.6%
27.4%
1997
17.0%
54.6%
18.0%
23.0%
50.7%
14.9%
19.6%
16.5%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
13.2%
17.3%
Neg.
24.8%
39.4%
29.6%
22.8%
28.0%
* Recovery of postconsumer wastes; does not Include converting/fabrication scrap.
" Not estimated separately prior to 1990.
*" Not estimated separately prior to 1990. Formerly called Third Class Mail by the U.S. Postal Service.
t Not estimated separately prior to 1980.
t Other than food products.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent
Source: Franklin Associates.
62
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 17
PRODUCTS DISCARDED* IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM, 1960 TO 1997
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total discards)
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
Newspapers
Books and Magazines
Books"
Magazines**
Office Papers
Directories**
Standard (A) Mail***
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Plastic Plates and Cupsf
Trash Bags**
Disposable Diapers
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Clothing and Footwear
Towels, Sheets and Pillowcases**
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
Total Nondurable Goods
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 22)
Total Product Wastes*
Other Wastes
Total MSW Discarded - Weight
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
Newspapers
Books and Magazines
Books**
Magazines**
Office Papers
Directories**
Standard (A) Mail***
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Plastic Plates and Cupst
Trash Bags**
Disposable Diapers
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Clothing and Footwear
Towels, Sheets and Pillowcases**
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
Total Nondurables
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 23)
Total Product Vastest
Other Wastes
Total MSW Discarded - %
Thousands of Tons
1960
9,570
5,290
1,820
1,270
1,130
1,090
270
Neg.
2,660
1,310
100
14,940
24,500
49,010
33,500
82,510
1970
13,720
7,260
2,210
1,940
1,790
2,080
420
350
3,520
1,560
200
21,330
40,210
75,260
37,780
113,040
1980
20,440
8,030
3,110
3,130
2,770
2,300
630
190
1,930
4,230
2,020
1,410
29,750
44,180
94,370
42,750
137,120
1990
26,350
8,320
870
2,530
4,710
570
3,620
3,760
2,960
650
640
780
2,700
3,840
3,490
590
3,340
43,370
47,750
117,470
54,500
171,970
1994
26,030
7,430
960
1,620
4,030
420
3,710
5,030
2,860
870
800
940
2,980
4,470
4,230
620
3,270
44,240
45,660
115,930
47,620
163,550
1995
26,130
6,130
930
1,880
3,600
430
3,910
5,650
2,970
970
770
780
3,010
4,270
4,410
610
3,320
43,640
41,670
111,440
45,010
156,450
1996
26,360
5,760
770
1,500
3,080
410
3,740
5,310
2,980
950
800
860
3,050
4,050
4,640
620
3,440
41,960
41,510
109,830
42,060
151,890
1997
27,580
6,120
910
1,670
3,470
400
3,900
5,730
3,100
970
860
810
3,140
4,270
5,000
620
3,450
44,420
43,450
115,450
40,820
156,270
Percent of Total Discards
1960
11.6%
1970
12.1%
1980
14.9%
1990
15.3%
6.4%
2.2%
1.5%
1.4%
1.3%
0.3%
Neg.
3.2%
1.6%
0.1%
18.1%
29.7%
59.4%
40.6%
100.0%
6.4%
2.0%
1.7%
1.6%
1.8%
0.4%
0.3%
3.1%
1.4%
0.2%
18.9%
35.6%
66.6%
33.4%
100.0%
5.9%
2.3%
2.3%
2.0%
1.7%
0.5%
0.1%
1.4%
3.1%
1.5%
1.7%
21.7%
32.2%
68.8%
31.2%
100.0%
4.8%
0.5%
1.5%
2.7%
0.3%
2.1%
2.2%
1.7%
0.4%
0.4%
0.5%
1.6%
2.2%
2.0%
0.3%
1.9%
25.2%
27.8%
68.3%
31.7%
100.0%
1994
15.9%
1995
16.7%
4.5%
0.6%
1.0%
2.5%
0.3%
2.3%
3.1%
1.7%
0.5%
0.5%
0.6%
1.8%
2.7%
2.6%
0.4%
2.0%
27.0%
27.9%
70.9%
29.1%
100.0%
3.9%
0.6%
1.2%
2.3%
0.3%
2.5%
3.6%
1.9%
0.6%
0.5%
0.5%
1.9%
2.7%
2.8%
0.4%
2.1%
27.9%
26.6%
71.2%
28.8%
100.0%
1996
17.4%
3.8%
0.5%
1.0%
2.0%
0.3%
2.5%
3.5%
2.0%
0.6%
0.5%
0.6%
2.0%
2.7%
3.1%
0.4%
2.3%
27.6%
27.3%
72.3%
27.7%
100.0%
1997
17.6%
3.9%
0.6%
1.1%
2.2%
0.3%
2.5%
3.7%
2.0%
0.6%
0.6%
0.5%
2.0%
2.7%
3.2%
0.4%
2.2%
28.4%
27.8%
73.9%
26.1%
100.0%
* Discards after materials and compost recovery. Does not include construction & demolition debris, industrial process wastes,
or certain other wastes. Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
** Not estimated separately prior to 1990.
*** Not estimated separately prior to 1990. Formerly called Third Class Mail by the U.S. Postal Service.
t Not estimated separately prior to 1980.
t Other man food products.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Source: Franklin Associates.
63
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
• Newspapers are by far the largest single component of the nondurable goods category, at
13.5 million tons generated in 1997 (6.2 percent of total MSW). In 1997, 54.6 percent of
newspapers generated were recovered for recycling, leaving 6.1 million tons discarded
(3.9 percent of total MSW discarded). Estimates of newspaper generation are broken
down into newsprint (the majority of the weight of newspapers) and the groundwood*
inserts (primarily advertising) that are a significant portion of the total weight of
newspapers. This breakdown is shown in Table 4.
• Books amounted to approximately 1.1 million tons, or 0.5 percent of total MSW
generation, in 1997. Recovery of books is not well documented, but it was estimated that
approximately 200,000 tons of books were recovered in 1997. Books are made of both
groundwood and chemical pulp.
• Magazines accounted for an estimated 2.2 million tons, or 1.0 percent of total MSW
generation, in 1997. Like books, recovery of magazines is not well documented. It was
estimated that 500,000 tons of magazines were recovered in 1997. Magazines are
predominately made of coated groundwood, but some uncoated groundwood and
chemical pulps are also used.
• Many different kinds of papers are generated in offices. For this report, office-type paper
estimates include the high grade papers such as copier paper, computer printout,
stationery, etc. (7.0 million tons, or 3.2 percent of total MSW generation, in 1997). These
papers are almost entirely made of uncoated chemical pulp, although some amounts of
groundwood are also used. It should be noted that some of these office-type papers are
generated at locations other than offices, including homes and institutions such as
schools. Also, other kinds of papers (e.g., newspapers, magazines, and packaging) are
generated in offices, but are accounted for in other categories. An estimated 3.6 million
tons of office-type papers were recovered in 1997.
il
• Directories were estimated to generate 470,000 tons (0.2 percent of total MSW) in 1997.
These directories are made of groundwood. It was estimated that 70,000 tons of
directories were recovered in 1997. The Yellow Pages Publishers Association (YPPA)
publishes data on paper use in directories.
• Standard (A) mail** includes catalogs and other direct bulk mailings; these amounted to
an estimated 4.9 million tons, or 2.2 percent of MSW generation, in 1997. Both
groundwood and chemical pulps are used in these mailings. It was estimated that 950,000
tons were recovered in 1997. The U.S. Postal Service is implementing a program to
increase recovery of bulk mail in the future.
Groundwood papers, like newsprint, are made primarily from pulp prepared by a mechanical process.
The other major type of wood pulp is prepared by a chemical process. The nature of the pulp
(groundwood vs. chemical) affects the potential uses for the recovered paper.
Standard (A) mail was formerly called Third Class mail by the U.S. Postal Service.
64
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
• Other commercial printing includes a wide range of paper items: brochures, reports,
menus, invitations, etc. Both groundwood and chemical pulps are used in these varied
items. Generation was estimated at 6.9 million tons, or 3.2 percent of MSW generation, in
1997, with recovery estimated at 1.1 million tons.
• Tissue paper and towels generation includes facial and sanitary tissues and napkins, but
not bathroom tissue, which is nearly all diverted from MSW into the wastewater
treatment system. Tissue paper and towels (not including bathroom tissue) amounted to
3.1 million tons (1.4 percent of total MSW generation) in 1997. No significant recovery
of tissue products was identified for recycling, although there is some composting of
these items.
• Paper plates and cups include paper plates, cups, bowls, and other food service products
used in homes, in commercial establishments like restaurants, and in institutional settings
such as schools. Generation of these products was estimated at 970,000 tons (0.4 percent
of total MSW generation) in 1997. No significant recovery for recycling of these products
was identified.
• Other nonpackaging papers—including posters, photographic papers, cards and games,
etc.—accounted for 4.3 million tons (2.0 percent of total MSW generation) in 1997. No
significant recovery for recycling of these papers was identified.
Overall, generation of paper and paperboard products in nondurable goods was 44.4
million tons in 1997 (Table 4). While newspapers were recovered at the highest rate, other
paper products, such as books, magazines, and office papers, were also recovered for
recycling, and the overall recovery rate for paper in nondurables was 31 percent in 1997.
Thus 30.6 million tons of paper in nondurables were discarded in 1997.
Plastic Plates and Cups. This category includes plastic plates, cups, glasses, dishes
and bowls, hinged containers, and other containers used in food service at home, in
restaurants and other commercial establishments, and in institutional settings such as schools.
These items are made primarily of polystyrene resin. An estimated 860,000 tons of these
products were generated in 1997, or 0.4 percent of total MSW (see Table 15). No significant
recovery for recycling was identified in 1997.
Disposable Diapers. This category includes estimates of both infant diapers and adult
incontinence products. Generation was estimated using data on sales of the products along
with information on average weights and composition. An estimated 3.1 million tons of
disposable diapers were generated in 1997, or 1.4 percent of total MSW generation. (This
tonnage includes an adjustment for the urine and feces contained within the discarded
diapers.) The materials portion of the diapers includes wood pulp, plastics (including the
super-absorbent materials now present in most diapers), and tissue paper.
No significant recycling or composting of disposable diapers was identified in 1997.
65
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Clothing and Footwear. Generation of clothing and footwear was estimated to be 5.8
million tons in 1997 (2.7 percent of total MSW). Textiles, rubber, and leather are major
materials components of this category, with some plastics present as well. Generation
estimates for these products are based on sales data from the Department of Commerce along
with data on average weights for each type of product included. Adjustments are made for net
imports of these products based on Department of Commerce data.
The Council for Textile Recycling has reported on recovery of textiles for exports,
reprocessing, and reuse. Based on their data, it was estimated that 760,000 tons of textiles in
clothing were recovered for export or recycling in 1997. (Reuse is not counted as recycling
and is discussed in Chapter 3.)
Towels, Sheets, and Pillowcases. An estimated 750,000 tons of towels, sheets, and
pillowcases were generated in 1997. Generation was estimated using a methodology similar
to that for clothing. An estimated 130,000 tons of these textiles were recovered for export or
recycling in 1997.
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables. Generation of other miscellaneous nondurables
was estimated to be 3.5 million tons in 1997 (1.6 percent of MSW). The primary material
component of miscellaneous nondurables is plastics, although some aluminum, rubber, and
textiles are also present. Typical products in miscellaneous nondurables include shower
curtains and other household items, disposable medical supplies, novelty items, and the like.
!!
Generation of plastic products in miscellaneous nondurables is taken from resin sales
data published annually in Modern Plastics. Generation of other materials in these
nondurable products is estimated based on information in past reports in this series.
Containers and Packaging
Containers and packaging make up a major portion of MSW, amounting to 71.7
million tons of generation in 1997 (33.1 percent of total generation). Generation, recovery,
and discards of containers and packaging are shown in detail in Tables 18 through 23.
i
There is substantial recovery of many container and packaging products, especially
corrugated containers. In 1997, 39.4 percent of containers and packaging generated was
recovered for recycling. Because of this recovery, containers and packaging comprised 27.8
percent of total MSW discards in 1997.
Containers and packaging in MSW are made of several materials: paper and
paperboard, glass, steel, aluminum, plastics, wood, and small amounts of other materials.
Material categories are discussed separately below.
Glass Containers. Glass containers include beer and soft drink bottles (which
includes carbonated drinks and non-carbonated waters, teas, and flavored drinks containing
not more than 10 percent fruit juice), wine and liquor bottles, and bottles and jars for food,
cosmetics, and other products. Generation of glass containers is estimated using Department
66
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 18
PRODUCTS GENERATED* IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM, 1960 TO 1997
(WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 15)
Thousands of Tons
1960
9,920
17,330
1970
14,660
25,060
1980
21,800
34,420
1990
. 29,810
52,170
1994
31,120
56,850
1995
31,140
57,250
1996
31 ,660
55,510
1997
33,230
59,100
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles
Wine and Liquor Bottles
Food and Other Bottles & Jars
Total Glass Packaging
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Food and Other Cans
Other Steel Packaging
Total Steel Packaging
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Other Cans
Foil and Closures
Total Aluminum Packaging
Paper & Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes
Milk Cartons"
Folding Cartons**
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks**
Wrapping Papers"
Other Paper Packaging
Total Paper & Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
Soft Drink Bottles"
Milk Bottles"
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks**
Wraps**
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc. Packaging
Total Containers & Pkg
Total Product Wastesf
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated - Weight
1,400
1,080
3,710
6,190
640
3,760
260
4,660
Neg.
Neg.
170
170
7,330
3,840
2,940
14,110
60
60
120
2,000
120
27,370
54,620
12,200
20,000
1,300
33,500
88,120
5,580
1,900
4,440
11,920
1,570
3,540
270
5,380
100
60
410
570
12,760
4,830
3,810
21,400
910
1,180
2,090
2,070
130
43,560
83,280
12,800
23,200
1,780
37,780
121,060
6,740
2,450
4,780
13,970
520
2,850
240
3,610
850
40
380
1,270
17,080
790
3,820
230
3,380
200
850
26,350
260
230
890
390
840
790
3,400
3,940
130
52,670
108,890
13,000
27,500
2,250
42,750
151,640
5,640
2,030
4,160
11,830
150
2,540
200
2,890
1,550
20
330
1,900
24,010
510
4,300
290
2,440
110
1,020
32,680
430
530
1,430
940
1,530
2,040
6,900
8,180
150
64,530
146,510
20,800
35,000
2,900
58,700
205,210
5,250
1,800
5,000
12,050
10
2,990
220
3,220
1,720
40
340
2,100
28,140
520
5,150
300
2,300
80
1,070
37,560
600
580
1,380
1,320
1,770
2,250
7,900
7,120
160
70,110
158,080
21,500
31,500
3,100
56,100
214,180
5,120
1,790
4,620
11,530
Neg.
2,690
210
2,900
1,590
40
350
1,980
28,800
510
5,310
260
1,980
70
1,150
38,080
650
620
1,180
1,200
1,710
2,220
7,580
6,170
150
68,390
156,780
21,740
29,690
3,150
54,580
211,360
5,100
1,940
3,940
10,980
Neg.
2,820
170
2,990
1,540
40
360
1,940
29,020
460
5,390
230
1,950
50
1,260
38,360
700
650
1,280
1,360
1,860
2,300
8,150
6,480
150
69,050
156,220
21,850
27,920
3,200
52,970
209,190
4,960
1,820
3,830
10,610
Neg.
2,860
240
3,100
1,530
50
360
1,940
30,160
460
5,420
220
1,870
50
1,270
39,450
760
670
1,540
1,520
2,130
2,810
9,430
7,030
190
71,750
164,080
21,910
27,730
3,250
52,890
216,970
* Generation before) materials recovery or combustion.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
" Not estimated separately prior to 1980.
t Other than food products.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Source: Franklin Associates
67
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 19
PRODUCTS GENERATED* IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM, 1960 TO 1997
(WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total generation)
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 12)
Nondurable Goods
(Detanin Table 15)
Percent of Total Generation
1960
11.3%
19.7%
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles
Wine and Liquor Bottles
Food and Other Bottles & Jars
Total Glass Packaging
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Food and Other Cans
Other Steel Packaging
Total Steel Packaging
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Other Cans
Foil and Closures
Total Aluminum Packaging
Paper & Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes
Milk Cartons"
Folding Cartons"
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks"
Wrapping Papers"
Other Paper Packaging
Total Paper & Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
Sott Drink Bottles"
Milk Bottles"
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks"
Wraps"
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc. Packaging
Total Containers & Pkg
Total Product Wastesf
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated - %
1.6%
1.2%
4.2%
7.0%
0.7%
4.3%
0.3%
5.3%
Neg.
Neg.
0.2%
0.2%
8.3%
4.4%
3.3%
16.0%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
2.3%
0.1%
31.1%
62.0%
13.8%
22.7%
1.5%
38.0%
100.0%
1970
12.1%
20.7%
4.6%
1.6%
3.7%
9.8%
1.3%
2.9%
0.2%
4.4%
0.1%
Neg.
0.3%
0.5%
10.5%
4.0%
3.1%
17.7%
0.8%
1.0%
1.7%
1.7%
0.1%
36.0%
68.8%
10.6%
19.2%
1.5%
31.2%
100.0%
1980
14.4%
22.7%
4.4%
1.6%
3.2%
9.2%
0.3%
1.9%
0.2%
2.4%
0.6%
Neg.
0.3%
0.8%
11.3%
0.5%
2.5%
0.2%
2.2%
0.1%
0.6%
17.4%
0.2%
0.2%
0.6%
0.3%
0.6%
0.5%
2.2%
2.6%
0.1%
34.7%
71.8%
8.6%
18.1%
1.5%
28.2%
100.0%
1990
14.5%
25.4%
2.7%
1.0%
2.0%
5.8%
0.1%
1.2%
0.1%
1.4%
0.8%
Neg.
0.2%
0.9%
11.7%
0.2%
2.1%
0.1%
1.2%
0.1%
0.5%
15.9%
0.2%
0.3%
0.7%
0.5%
0.7%
1.0%
3.4%
4.0%
0.1%
31.4%
71.4%
10.1%
17.1%
1.4%
28.6%
100.0%
1994
14.5%
26.5%
1995
14.7%
27.1%
1996
15.1%
26.5%
1997
15.3%
27.2%
2.5%
0.8%
2.3%
5.6%
Neg.
1.4%
0.1%
1.5%
0.8%
Neg.
0.2%
1.0%
13.1%
0.2%
2.4%
0.1%
1.1%
0.0%
0.5%
17.5%
0.3%
0.3%
0.6%
0.6%
0.8%
1.1%
3.7%
3.3%
0.1%
32.7%
73.8%
10.0%
14.7%
1.4%
26.2%
100.0%
2.4%
0.8%
2.2%
5.5%
Neg.
1.3%
0.1%
1.4%
0.8%
Neg.
0.2%
0.9%
13.6%
0.2%
2.5%
0.1%
0.9%
0.0%
0.5%
18.0%
0.3%
0.3%
0.6%
0.6%
0.8%
1.1%
3.6%
2.9%
0.1%
32.4%
74.2%
10.3%
14.0%
1.5%
25.8%
100.0%
2.4%
0.9%
1.9%
5.2%
Neg.
1.3%
0.1%
1.4%
0.7%
Neg.
0.2%
0.9%
13.9%
0.2%
2.6%
0.1%
0.9%
0.0%
0.6%
18.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.6%
0.7%
0.9%
1.1%
3.9%
3.1%
0.1%
33.0%
74.7%
10.4%
13.3%
1.5%
25.3%
100.0%
2.3%
0.8%
1.8%
4.9%
Neg.
1.3%
0.1%
1.4%
0.7%
Neg.
0.2%
0.9%
13.9%
0.2%
2.5%
0.1%
0.9%
0.0%
0.6%
18.2%
0.4%
0.3%
0.7%
0.7%
1.0%
1.3%
4.3%
3.2%
0.1%
33.1%
75.6%
10.1%
12.8%
1.5%
24.4%
100.0%
* Generation before materials recovery or combustion.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
** Not estimated separately prior to 1980.
t Other than food products.
Neg. M Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Source: Franklin Associates
68
-------
Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 20
RECOVERY* OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 1960 TO 1997
(WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
Thousands of Tons
1960
350
2,390
1970
940
3,730
1980
1,360
4,670
1990
3,460
8,800
1994
5,090
12,610
1995
5,010
13,610
1996
5,300
13,550
1997
5,650
14,680
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles
Wine and Liquor Bottles
Food and Other Bottles & Jars
Total Glass Packaging
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Food and Other Cans
Other Steel Packaging
Total Steel Packaging
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Other Cans
Foil and Closures
Total Aluminum Pkg
Paper & Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes
Milk Cartons**
Folding Cartons"
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks**
Wrapping Papers**
Other Paper Packaging
Total Paper & Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
Soft Drink Bottles**
Milk Bottles**
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks**
Wraps**
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc. Packaging
Total Containers & Pkg
Total Product Wastesf
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Recovered - Weight
90
10
Neg.
100
10
20
Neg.
30
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
2,520
220
2,740
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
2,870
5,610
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
5,610
140
10
Neg.
150
20
60
Neg.
80
10
Neg.
Neg.
10
2,760
350
3,110
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
3,350
8,020
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
8,020
730
20
Neg.
750
50
150
Neg.
200
310
Neg.
Neg.
320
6,390
Neg.
520
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
300
7,210
10
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
10
Neg.
Neg.
8,490
14,520
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
14,520
1",890
210
520
2,620
40
590
60
690
990
Neg.
20
1,010
11,530
Neg.
340
Neg.
200
Neg.
Neg.
12,070
140
20
20
30
30
20
260
130
Neg.
16,780
29,040
Neg.
4,200
Neg.
4,200
33,240
1,650
470
990
3,110
Neg.
1,550
60
1,610
990
Neg.
30
1,020
16,210
Neg.
1,010
Neg.
420
Neg.
Neg.
17,640
320
170
140
30
30
20
710
360
Neg.
24,450
42,150
480
8,000
Neg.
8,480
50,630
1,670
470
1,000
3,140
Neg.
1,510
50
1,560
900
Neg.
30
930
18,480
Neg.
1,080
Neg.
340
Neg.
Neg.
19,900
300
190
150
40
40
20
740
450
Neg.
26,720
45,340
570
9,000
Neg.
9,570
54,910
1,680
480
1,010
3,170
Neg.
1,640
50
1,690
900
Neg.
30
930
19,360
Neg.
850
Neg.
250
Neg.
Neg.
20,460
280
200
190
50
50
30
800
490
Neg.
27,540
46,390
520
10,390
Neg.
10,910
57,300
1,550
440
930
2,920
Neg.
1,730
160
1,890
910
Neg.
30
940
20,290
10
560
Neg.
280
Neg.
Neg.
21,140
270
210
200
40
50
50
820
590
Neg.
28,300
48,630
580
11,490
Neg.
12,070
60,700
* Recovery of postconsumer wastes; does not include converting/fabrication scrap.
** Not estimated separately prior to 1980.
t Other than food products.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Source: Franklin Associates
69
-------
Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 21
RECOVERY* OF PRODUCTS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 1960 TO 1997
(WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of generation of each product)
Percent of Generation of Each Product
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 13)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 16)
1960 1970 1980 1990
3.5%
13.8%
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles
Wine and Liquor Bottles
Food and Other Bottles & Jars
Total Glass Packaging
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Food and Other Cans
Other Steel Packaging
Total Steel Packaging
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Other Cans
Foil and Closures
Total Aluminum Pkg
Paper & Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes
Milk Cartons-
Folding Cartons**
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks**
Wrapping Papers**
Other Paper Packaging
Total Paper & Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
Soft Drink Bottles"
Milk Bottles**
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks**
Wraps**
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc. Packaging
Total Containers & Pkg
Total Product Wastesf
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MS W Recovered - %
6.4%
Neg.
Neg.
1.6%
1.6%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
34.4%
Neg.
7.5%
19.4%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
10.5%
10.3%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
6.4%
6.4%
14.9%
6.2%
13.6%
11.6%
16.9%
2.5%
Neg.
Neg.
1.3%
1.3%
1.7%
Neg.
1.5%
10.0%
Neg.
Neg.
1.8%
21.6%
Neg.
9.2%
14.5%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
7.7%
9.6%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
6.6%
10.8%
Neg.
Neg.
5.4%
9.6%
5.3%
Neg.
5.5%
36.5%
Neg.
Neg.
25.2%
37.4%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
35.3%
27.4%
3.8%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
16.1%
13.3%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
9.6%
33.5%
10.3%
12.5%
22.1%
26.7%
23.2%
30.0%
23.9%
63.9%
Neg.
6.1%
53.2%
48.0%
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
36.9%
32.6%
3.8%
1.4%
3.2%
2.0%
1.0%
3.8%
1.6%
Neg.
26.0%
19.8%
Neg.
12.0%
Neg.
7.2%
16.2%
1994
16.4%
22.2%
1995
16.1%
23.8%
1996
16.7%
24.4%
31.4%
26.1%
19.8%
25.8%
Neg.
51.8%
27.3%
50.0%
57.6%
Neg.
8.8%
48.6%
57.6%
Neg.
19.6%
Neg.
18.3%
Neg.
Neg.
47.0%
53.3%
29.3%
10.1%
2.3%
1.7%
0.9%
9.0%
5.1%
Neg.
34.9%
26.7%
2.2%
25.4%
Neg.
15.1%
23.6%
32.6%
26.3%
21 .6%
27.2%
Neg.
56.1%
23.8%
53.8%
56.6%
Neg.
8.6%
47.0%
64.2%
Neg.
20.3%
Neg.
17.2%
Neg.
Neg.
52.3%
46.2%
30.6%
12.7%
3.3%
2.3%
0.9%
9.8%
7.3%
Neg.
39.1%
28.9%
2.6%
30.3%
Neg.
17.5%
26.0%
32.9%
24.7%
25.6%
28.9%
Neg.
58.2%
29.4%
56.5%
58.4%
Neg.
8.3%
47.9%
66.7%
Neg.
15.8%
Neg.
12.8%
Neg.
Neg.
53.3%
40.0%
30.8%
14.8%
3.7%
2.7%
1.3%
9.8%
7.6%
Neg.
39.9%
29.7%
2.4%
37.2%
Neg.
20.6%
27.4%
1997
17.0%
24.8%
31 .3%
24.2%
24.3%
27.5%
Neg.
60.5%
66.7%
61 .0%
59.5%
Neg.
8.3%
48.5%
67.3%
Neg.
10.3%
Neg.
15.0%
Neg.
Neg.
53.6%
35.5%
31 .3%
13.0%
2.6%
2.3%
1.8%
8.7%
8.4%
Neg.
39.4%
29.6%
2.6%
41 .4%
Neg.
22.8%
28.0%
* Recovery of postconsumer wastes; does not Include converting/fabrication scrap.
** Not estimated separately prior to 1980.
t Other than food products.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Source: Franklin Associates
70
-------
Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 22
PRODUCTS DISCARDED* IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM, 1960 TO 1997
(WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons)
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Thousands of Tons
1960
9,570
14,940
1970
13,720
21,330
1980
20,440
29,750
1990
26,350
43,370
1994
26,030
44,240
1995
26,130
43,640
1996
26,360
41,960
1997
27,580
44,420
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles
Wine and Liquor Bottles
Food and Other Bottles & Jars
Total Glass Packaging
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Food and Other Cans
Other Steel Packaging
Total Steel Packaging
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Other Cans
Foil and Closures
Total Aluminum Pkg
Paper & Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes
Milk Cartons**
Folding Cartons**
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks**
Wrapping Papers**
Other Paper Packaging
Total Paper & Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
Soft Drink Bottles**
Milk Bottles**
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks**
Wraps**
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc. Packaging
Total Containers & Pkg
Total Product Wastesf
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Discarded- Weight
1,310
1,070
3,710
6,090
630
3,740
260
4,630
Neg.
Neg.
170
170
4,810
3,840
2,720
11,370
60
60
120
2,000
120
24,500
49,010
12,200
20,000
1,300
33,500
82,510
5,440
1,890
4,440
11,770
1,550
3,480
270
5,300
90
60
410
560
10,000
4,830
3,460
18,290
910
1,180
2,090
2,070
130
40,210
75,260
12,800
23,200
1,780
37,780
113,040
6,010
2,430
4,780
13,220
470
2,700
240
3,410
540
40
380
950
10,690
790
3,300
230
3,380
200
550
19,140
250
230
890
390
840
790
3,390
3,940
130
44,180
94,370
13,000
27,500
2,250
42,750
137,120
3,750
1,820
3,640
9,210
110
1,950
140
2,200
560
20
310
890
12,480
510
3,960
290
2,240
110
1,020
20,610
290
510
1,410
910
1,500
2,020
6,640
8,050
150
47,750
117,470
20,800
30,800
2,900
54,500
171,970
3,600
1,330
4,010
8,940
10
1,440
160
1,610
730
40
310
1,080
11,930
520
4,140
300
1,880
80
1,070
19,920
280
410
1,240
1,290
1,740
2,230
7,190
6,760
160
45,660
115,930
21,020
23,500
3,100
47,620
163,550
3,450
1,320
3,620
8,390
Neg.
1,180
160
1,340
690
40
320
1,050
10,320
510
4,230
260
1,640
70
1,150
18,180
350
430
1,030
1,160
1,670
2,200
6,840
5,720
150
41,670
111,440
21,170
20,690
3,150
45,010
156,450
3,420
1,460
2,930
7,810
Neg.
1,180
120
1,300
640
40
330
1,010
9,660
460
4,540
230
1,700
50
1,260
17,900
420
450
1,090
1,310
1,810
2,270
7,350
5,990
150
41,510
109,830
21,330
17,530
3,200
42,060
151,890
3,410
1,380
2,900
7,690
Neg.
1,130
80
1,210
620
50
330
1,000
9,870
450
4,860
220
1,590
50
1,270
18,310
490
460
1,340
1,480
2,080
2,760
8,610
6,440
190
43,450
115,450
21,330
16,240
3,250
40,820
156,270
* Discards after materials and compost recovery. Does not include construction & demolition debris, industrial process wastes,
or certain other wastes. Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
** Not estimated separately prior to 1980.
t Other than food products.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Source: Franklin Associates
71
-------
Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Table 23
PRODUCTS DISCARDED* IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM, 1960 TO 1997
(WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In percent of total discards)
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail In Table 14)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 17)
Percent of Total Discards
1960
11.6%
18.1%
1970
12.1%
18.9%
1980
14.9%
21.7%
1990
15.3%
25.2%
1994
15.9%
27.0%
1995 1996 1997
16.7%
27.9%
17.4%
27.6%
17.6%
28.4%
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles
Wine and Liquor Bottles
Food and Other Bottles & Jars
Total Glass Packaging
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Food and Other Cans
Other Steel Packaging
Total Steal Packaging
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Other Cans
Foil and Closures
Total Aluminum Pkg
Paper & Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes
Milk Cartons"
Folding Cartons**
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks**
Wrapping Papers**
Other Paper Packaging
Total Paper & Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
Soft Drink Bottles**
Milk Bottles**
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks**
Wraps**
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc. Packaging
Total Containers & Pkg
Total Product Wastes f
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Discarded- %
1.6%
1.3%
4.5%
7.4%
0.8%
4.5%
0.3%
5.6%
Neg.
Neg.
0.2%
0.2%
5.8%
4.7%
3.3%
13.8%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
2.4%
0.1%
29.7%
59.4%
14.8%
24.2%
1.6%
40.6%
100.0%
4.8%
1.7%
3.9%
10.4%
1.4%
3.1%
0.2%
4.7%
0.1%
Neg.
0.4%
0.5%
8.8%
4.3%
3.1%
16.2%
0.8%
1.0%
1.8%
1.8%
0.1%
35.6%
66.6%
11.3%
20.5%
1.6%
33.4%
100.0%
4.4%
1.8%
3.5%
9.6%
0.3%
2.0%
0.2%
2.5%
0.4%
Neg.
0.3%
0.7%
7.8%
0.6%
2.4%
0.2%
2.5%
0.1%
0.4%
14.0%
0.2%
0.2%
0.6%
0.3%
0.6%
0.6%
2.5%
2.9%
0.1%
32.2%
68.8%
9.5%
20.1%
1.6%
31.2%
100.0%
2.2%
1.1%
2.1%
5.4%
0.1%
1.1%
0.1%
1.3%
0.3%
Neg.
0.2%
0.5%
7.3%
0.3%
2.3%
0.2%
1.3%
0.1%
0.6%
12.0%
0.2%
0.3%
0.8%
0.5%
0.9%
1.2%
3.9%
4.7%
0.1%
27.8%
68.3%
12.1%
17.9%
1.7%
31.7%
100.0%
2.2%
0.8%
2.5%
5.5%
Neg.
0.9%
0.1%
1.0%
0.4%
Neg.
0.2%
0.7%
7.3%
0.3%
2.5%
0.2%
1.1%
0.0%
0.7%
12.2%
0.2%
0.3%
0.8%
0.8%
1.1%
1.4%
4.4%
4.1%
0.1%
27.9%
70.9%
12.9%
14.4%
1.9%
29.1%
100.0%
2.2%
0.8%
2.3%
5.4%
Neg.
0.8%
0.1%
0.9%
0.4%
Neg.
0.2%
0.7%
6.6%
0.3%
2.7%
0.2%
1.0%
0.0%
0.7%
11.6%
0.2%
0.3%
0.7%
0.7%
1.1%
1.4%
4.4%
3.7%
0.1%
26.6%
71.2%
13.5%
13.2%
2.0%
28.8%
100.0%
2.3%
1.0%
1.9%
5.1%
Neg.
0.8%
0.1%
0.9%
0.4%
Neg.
0.2%
0.7%
6.4%
0.3%
3.0%
0.2%
1.1%
0.0%
0.8%
11.8%
0.3%
0.3%
0.7%
0.9%
1.2%
1.5%
4.8%
3.9%
0.1%
27.3%
72.3%
14.0%
11.5%
2.1%
27.7%
100.0%
2.2%
0.9%
1.9%
4.9%
Neg.
0.7%
0.1%
0.8%
0.4%
Neg.
0.2%
0.6%
6.3%
0.3%
3.1%
0.1%
1.0%
0.0%
0.8%
11.7%
0.3%
0.3%
0.9%
0.9%
1.3%
1.8%
5.5%
4.1%
0.1%
27.8%
73.9%
13.6%
10.4%
2.1%
26.1%
100.0%
* Discards after materials and compost recovery. Does not include construction & demolition debris, industrial process wastes,
or certain other wastes. Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
** Not estimated separately prior to 1980.
t Other than food products.
Neg.« Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Source: Franklin Associates
72
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
of Commerce data. Adjustments are made for imports and exports of both empty glass
containers and containers holding products, e.g., imported beer.
Generation of these glass containers was 10.6 million tons in 1997, or 4.9 percent of
MSW generation (Tables 18 and 19). This is a slight decrease in generation compared to
1996.
The Glass Packaging Institute's reported recovery rate for glass containers includes
reuse of refillable bottles. Since refilling is defined as reuse rather than recycling in this
report, the refilled bottles are not counted as recovery here. An estimated 2.9 million tons of
glass containers were recovered for recycling in 1997, or 27.5 percent of generation. Glass
container discards were 7.7 million tons in 1997, or 4.9 percent of total MSW discards.
Steel Containers and Packaging. Steel food and other cans, and other steel
packaging (e.g., steel barrels and drums), totaled 3.1 million tons in 1997 (1.4 percent of total
MSW generation), with most of that amount being cans for food products (Tables 18 and 19).
Generation estimates are based on data supplied by the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI), the
Reusable Industrial Packaging Association, and the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI).
Estimates include adjustments for net imports.
Recovery data for steel containers and packaging were provided by the Steel
Recycling Institute. An estimated 1.9 million tons of steel packaging were recovered in 1997,
or 61 percent of generation. The SRI estimates include recovery from residential sources, pre-
combustion and post-combustion magnetic separation of steel cans and other ferrous products
at MSW combustion facilities, and recycling of drums and barrels not suitable for
reconditioning.
Aluminum Containers and Packaging. Aluminum containers and packaging
include beer and soft drink cans (including all carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, tea,
tonic, waters and juice beverages), other cans, and foil and closures. Aluminum can
generation has been estimated based on can shipments data from the Can Manufacturers
Institute and can weight data from the Aluminum Association, while data on other aluminum
packaging is based on Department of Commerce data.
In 1996, the Can Manufacturers Association began publishing data on consumption of
beverages in cans. The consumption data are adjusted for imports and exports of beverages in
cans, and therefore are more accurate for generation calculations than shipments alone. The
generation methodology for 1996 and 1997 was therefore revised to use consumption data.
Total aluminum container and packaging generation in 1997 was 1.9 million tons, or 0.9
percent of total MSW generation.
Aluminum can recovery data has been obtained from the Aluminum Association. For
this report, the aluminum can recovery methodology has been revised to account for imports
of used beverage cans (UBC); these imports have been increasing in recent years. The
imported UBC were subtracted from the tonnage of UBC reported by the Aluminum
73
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Association to have been melted by U.S. end-users and recovered for export.* The effect of
this change is to lower the aluminum beverage can recovery rate.
i
Recovery of aluminum beverage cans in 1997 was 0.9 million tons, or 59.5 percent of
generation. Recovery of all aluminum packaging was estimated to be 48.5 percent of total
generation in 1997. After recovery for recycling, 1.0 million tons of aluminum packaging
were discarded in 1997.
il
I
Paper and Paperboard Containers and Packaging. Corrugated boxes are the
largest single product category of MSW at 30.2 million tons generated, or 13.9 percent of
total generation, in 1997. Corrugated boxes also represent the largest single category of
product recovery, at 20.3 million tons of recovery in 1997 (67.3 percent of boxes generated
were recovered). After recovery, 9.9 million tons of corrugated boxes were discarded, or 6.3
percent of MSW discards in 1997.
Other paper and paperboard packaging in MSW includes milk cartons, folding boxes
(e.g., cereal boxes, frozen food boxes, some department store boxes), bags and sacks,
wrapping papers, and other paper and paperboard packaging. Overall, paper and paperboard
containers and packaging totaled 39.5 million tons of MSW generation in 1997, or 18.2
percent of total generation.
While recovery of corrugated boxes is by far the largest component of paper
packaging recovery, smaller amounts of other paper packaging products are recovered
(estimated at 850,000 tons in 1997). The overall recovery rate for paper and paperboard
packaging in 1997 was 53.6 percent. Other paper packaging such as folding boxes and sacks
is mostly recovered as mixed papers.
Plastic Containers and Packaging. Many different plastic resins are used to make a
variety of packaging products. Some of these include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) soft
drink bottles, high-density polyethylene HDPE milk jugs, film products (including bags and
sacks) made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE and LLDPE), and containers and other
packaging (including coatings, closures, etc.) made of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene,
polypropylene, and other resins. Estimates of generation of plastic containers and packaging
are based on data on resin sales by end use published annually by Modern Plastics, a trade
publication, and the American Plastics Council annual plastic recovery survey.
Plastic containers and packaging have exhibited rapid growth in MSW, with
generation increasing from 120,000 tons in 1960 (0.1 percent of generation) to 9.4 million
tons in 1997 (4.3 percent of MSW generation). (Note: plastic packaging as a category in this
report does not include single-service plates and cups and trash bags, which are classified as
nondurable goods.)
,i
i
Estimates of recovery of plastic products are based on data published annually by the
American Plastics Council. Plastic soft drink bottles were estimated to have been recovered
Note, however, that the imported UBC do contribute to recycled aluminum content in can sheet and other
aluminum products.
74
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
at a 35.5 percent rate in 1997 (270,000 tons). Recovery of plastic milk and water bottles was
estimated to have been 210,000 tons, or 31.3 percent of generation. Overall, recovery of
plastic containers and packaging was estimated to be 820,000 tons, or 8.7 percent in 1997.
Discards of plastic packaging were thus 8.6 million tons in 1997, or 5.5 percent of total MSW
discards.
Wood Packaging. Wood packaging includes wood crates and pallets (mostly pallets).
Data on production of wood packaging is from the Wooden Pallet and Container Association,
as well as other studies on the pallet industry (Busch, Reddy, Araman). In 1997, 7.0 million
tons of wood pallets and other wood packaging were estimated to have been generated, or 3.2
percent of total MSW generation.
Wood pallets recovery for recycling (usually by chipping for uses such as mulch or
bedding material, but excluding wood combusted as fuel) was estimated at 590,000 tons in
1997.
Nearly 200 million pallets—representing over 5 million tons of wood packaging—
were estimated to be refurbished and returned to service in 1997. This EPA report classifies
pallets refurbished and returned to service as reuse (source reduction) rather than recovery for
recycling. Therefore, the 5 million tons represents a reduction in the amount of wood
packaging discarded to the waste stream (i.e., a reduction in generation) rather than an
increase in recycling.
Accounting for pallet reuse and recovery for recycling, wood packaging discards were
6.4 million tons in 1997, or 4.1 percent of total MSW discards.
Other Packaging. Estimates are included for some other miscellaneous packaging
such as bags made of textiles, small amounts of leather, and the like. These latter quantities
are not well documented, but were estimated to amount to 190,000 tons generated in 1997.
Summary of Products in Municipal Solid Waste
Changing quantities and composition of municipal solid waste generation by product
category are illustrated in Figure 14. This figure shows graphically that generation of durable
goods has increased very gradually over the years. Nondurable goods and containers and
packaging have accounted for the large increases in MSW generation.
The materials composition of nondurable goods in 1997 is shown in Figure 15. Paper
and paperboard made up 75 percent of nondurables in MSW generation, with plastics
contributing 9 percent, and textiles 10 percent. Other materials contributed lesser
percentages. After recovery for recycling, paper and paperboard were 68 percent of
nondurable discards, with plastics being 12 percent, and textiles 11 percent.
The materials composition of containers and packaging in MSW in 1997 is shown in
Figure 16. By weight, paper and paperboard products made up 55 percent of containers and
packaging generation, with glass second at 15 percent of containers and packaging
75
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
ii
generation. Plastics accounted for 13 percent of containers and packaging generation, wood
was 10 percent, and metals were 7 percent.
ii
Recovery for recycling makes a significant change, with paper and paperboard being
42 percent of containers and packaging discards after recovery takes place. Glass containers
accounted for 18 percent of discards of containers and packaging, plastics was 20 percent,
wood was 15 percent, and metals were 5 percent.
i
Some additional perspectives on products in municipal solid waste are included in
Appendix B of this report.
Figure 14. Generation of products in MSW, 1960 to 1997
250
200
150
100
1960
1965
1995
76
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Figure 15. Nondurable goods generated and discarded
in municipal solid waste, 1997
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Rubbers leather
1%
Plastics
Paper & paperboard
75%
Generation
Textiles
11%
Rubber & leather
2%
Paper & paperboard
68%
Discards
77
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Figure 16. Containers and packaging generated and discarded
in municipal solid waste, 1997
(In percent of total generation and discards)
Paper & paperboard
55%
Generation
Metals
5%
Paper & paperboard
42%
Discards
78
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
SUMMARY
The data presented in this chapter can be summarized by the following observations:
MSW Generation
• Total generation of municipal solid waste in 1997 was 217 million tons, which
was up from 1995 (211.4 million tons) and 1996 (209.2 million tons).
• Paper and paperboard products made up the largest percentage of all the materials
in MSW, increasing by 4.2 million tons to 83.8 million tons, or 38.6 percent of
total generation, in 1997.
• Yard trimmings comprised the second largest material category, estimated at 27.7
million tons, or 12.8 percent of total generation, in 1997. This compared to 35.0
million tons (17.1 percent of total generation) in 1990. This decline is largely due
to state legislation affecting yard trimmings disposal in landfills, including source
reduction measures such as backyard composting and leaving grass trimmings on
the yard.
• Plastic products increased by 1.7 million tons from 1996 to 1997. Plastics used for
containers and packaging accounted for the majority of this increase.
• Between 1996 and 1997, all product categories (except glass) increased in
tonnage. Only yard trimmings declined as a category.
MSW Recovery
• Recovery of materials in MSW increased from 57.3 million tons in 1996 (27.4
percent of total generation) to 60.7 million tons in 1997 (28 percent of
generation).
• Recovery of products in MSW increased by 2.2 million tons. Recovery of paper
and paperboard products accounted for most of this increase by growing 1.7
million tons. Recovery of other wastes (yard trimmings and food wastes)
increased by 1.2 million tons, from 20.6 percent to 22.8 percent of generation.
• Containers and packaging led the major product categories in tonnage and
percentage recovery, increasing from 27.5 million tons in 1996 to 28.3 million
tons (39.4 percent of generation) in 1997. Nondurable goods had the second
highest tonnage recovery in 1997—14.7 million tons, or 24.8 percent of
generation.
• Measured by tonnage, the most-recovered products and materials in 1997 were
corrugated boxes (20.3 million tons), yard trimmings (11.5 million tons),
newspapers (7.4 million tons), high grade office papers (3.6 million tons), glass
containers (2.9 million tons), and steel from large appliances (2.3 million tons).
79
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Collectively, these products accounted for nearly 80 percent of total MSW
recovery in 1997.
Measured by percentage of generation, products with the highest recovery rates in
1997 were lead-acid batteries (93.3 percent), corrugated boxes (67.3 percent),
steel in major appliances (64.3 percent), steel cans (60.5 percent), aluminum
beverage cans (59.5 percent), and newspapers (54.6 percent).
Long Term Trends
Generation of MSW has increased (except in recession years), from 88.1 million
tons in 1960 to 217 million tons in 1997. In 1995 and 1996 both the tonnage of
materials in products and total MSW declined. In 1997, however, the tonnage of
MSW generated increased again.
Generation of paper and paperboard, the largest material component of MSW, has
increased in almost every year (1996 was an exception). Yard trimmings, the
second largest component, have been declining in recent years due to state
legislation affecting yard trimmings disposal in landfills and source reduction
measures at residences. Generation of other materials is generally on an upward
trend, although generation of glass in 1997 was lower than in 1980, and
generation of metals in 1997 was about the same as in 1990.
In percentage of total MSW generation, recovery for recycling (including
composting) did not exceed 15 percent until 1990. Growth in the recovery rate to
current levels (28 percent) reflects a rapid increase in the infrastructure for
recovery starting in the late 1980s.
i
Recovery (as a percentage of generation) of most materials in MSW has increased
dramatically over the 37 years for which statistics have been tabulated. Some
examples:
Paper and paperboard
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Yard trimmings
1960
17%
2%
1%
1980
21%
5%
8%
1997
42%
24%
39%
5%
41%
80
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
Chapter 2
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81
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
CARPETS AND RUGS
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ii
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jl
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il
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82
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
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83
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
GLASS CONTAINERS
ii
i
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j
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i
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!i
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i
i
i
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I
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i
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i
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ii
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j
i
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ii
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84
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
MAJOR APPLIANCES
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85
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
, , j
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i
i
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|
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i
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I
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ii
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i
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1
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i
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86
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
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87
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
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I
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i
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i
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ij
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i
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i
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!|
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88
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
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1991.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. Wood Used in
U.S. Manufacturing Industries, 1977. December 1983.
U.S. Department of Commerce. U.S. Industrial Outlook. "Wood Products." Various years.
YARD TRIMMINGS
Composting Council Research and Education Foundation. "1995 Compost Capacity Survey."
James Butler and Associates. October 1996.
Franklin Associates, Ltd. The Role of Recycling in Integrated Solid Waste Management to
the Year 2000. Appendix J and Appendix K. Keep America Beautiful, Inc. September 1994.
Franklin Associates, Ltd. Survey of Selected State Officials. September 1997.
Glenn, Jim. "The State of Garbage in America Part I." BioCycle. April 1998.
Goldstein, Nora and Jim Glenn. "The State of Garbage in America Part I." BioCycle.
April, 1997.
Goldstein, Nora and Jim Glenn. "The State of Garbage in America Part U." BioCycle. May,
1997.
Raymond Communications. "State Recycling Laws Update." 1994.
Raymond Communications. "State Recycling Laws Update." Year-end Edition 1996.
Raymond Communications. "State Recycling Laws Update." Year-end Edition 1998.
89
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Chapter 2: Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste by Weight
i
i
i
Savage, George M. "The History and Utility of Waste Characterization Studies." MSW
Management. May/June 1994.
Steuteville, Robert. "The State of Garbage in America, Part I." BioCycle. April 1995.
Steuteville, Robert. "The State of Garbage in America, Part H." BioCycle. May 1995.
Steuteville, Robert. "The State of Garbage in America, Part H" BioCycle. May 1996.
"Yard Waste Legislation: Disposal Bans and Similar Bills as of July, 1993." Composting
Council. Fact Sheet. July 1993.
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Chapter 3
MANAGEMENT OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
INTRODUCTION
EPA's tiered integrated waste management strategy includes the following
components:
1. Source reduction (including reuse of products and backyard composting of yard
trimmings)
2. Recycling of materials (including composting)
3. Waste combustion (preferably with energy recovery) and landfilling.
Characterization of historical municipal solid waste (MSW) management is a
component of this report (overview in Figure 17). Estimates of historical recovery of
materials for recycling, including yard trimmings for composting, are presented in Chapter
2. Estimates of MSW combustion are presented in this chapter, and quantities of waste
landfilled are estimated by subtracting combustion and recovery for recycling (including
composting) from total MSW generation.
Also included in this chapter is a discussion of the current MSW management
infrastructure. Current solid waste collection, processing, and disposal programs and
facilities are highlighted with tables and figures.
While source reduction is not quantified as a line item in this report, a discussion of
source reduction activities is included in this chapter. Source reduction activities have the
effect of reducing MSW generation, while other management alternatives deal with MSW
once it is generated.
SOURCE REDUCTION
Source reduction is gaining more attention as an important solid waste management
option. Source reduction, often called "waste prevention," is defined by EPA as "any
change in the design, manufacturing, purchase, or use of materials or products (including
packaging) to reduce the amount or toxicity before they become municipal solid waste.
Prevention also refers to the reuse of products or materials." Thus, source reduction
activities affect the waste stream before the point of generation. In this report, MSW is
considered to have been generated if it is placed at curbside or in a receptacle such as a
dumpster for pickup, or if it is taken by the generator to another site for recycling (including
composting) or disposal.
Source reduction measures encompass a very broad range of activities by private
citizens, communities, commercial establishments, institutional agencies, and
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Figure 17. Diagram of solid waste management
Changes in
package
design
t
i
Backyard
composting,
grasscycling
1
Changes in
purchasing
habits
!
J
Increased
reuse
Generation
of waste for
management
Changes in Recovery for
industrial
practices
I
1
Other
changes in
recycling (including
composting)
t
<
J '
Combustion
disposal
use patterns
1
SOURCE REDUCTION
1 1
Landfill
disposal
WASTE REDUCTION
i
Source: Franklin Associates
i
manufacturers and distributors. Example source reduction actions are shown in Table 24
and further discussed in this chapter. In general, source reduction activities include:
• Redesigning products or packages so as to reduce the quantity of materials or
the toxicity of the materials used, by substituting lighter materials for heavier
ones and lengthening the life of products to postpone disposal.
i
• Using packaging that reduces the amount of damage or spoilage to the
product.
• Reducing amounts of products or packages used through modification of
current practices by processors and consumers.
i
• Reusing products or packages already manufactured.
ii
• Managing non-product organic wastes (food wastes, yard trimmings) through
backyard composting or other on-site alternatives to disposal.
ii
Source Reduction Through Redesign
I
Since source reduction of products and packages can save money through reducing
materials and energy costs, manufacturers and packaging designers have been pursuing these
activities for many years. Combined with other source reduction measures, redesign can have
a significant effect on material use and eventual discards. Design for source reduction can
take several approaches.
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Table 24
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION PRACTICES
Source Reduction Practice
MSW Product Categories
Durable
Goods
.Nondurable
Goods
Containers &
Packaginj!
ledesiRtt
Materials reduction
Materials substitution
Lengthen life
Wm$m&imatx&
B*tt*e
By design
Secondary
mm$fflm^?w&a
JRfldu« OHtartics
Food wastes
Yard trimmings
• Downgauge metals in
appliances
• Use of composites
in appliances and
electronic circuitry
• High mileage tires
• Electronic components
reduce moving parts
-
• Purchase long lived
products
• Paperless purchase
orders
• Regular servicing .
• Look at warranties
• Extend warranties
• Concentrates
• Cereal in bags
• Coffee brick
• Multi-use products
• Design for secondary
uses
Organics
,
• Xeriscaping
• Repair
• Duplexing
• Sharing
• Reduce unwanted
mail
'"
• Modular design
• Borrow or rent for
temporary use
• Give to charity
• Buy or sell at
garage sales
s ..
• Eliminate PCBs
-
• Envelopes
• Clothing
• Waste paper
scratch pads
,
• Soy ink, waterbased
• Waterbased solvents
• Reduce mercury
s« V, ,
• Purchasing:
products in bulk,
concentrates
'
• Pallets
• Returnable secondary
packaging
• LdosefUl
• Grocery sacks
• Dairy containers
• Glass and plastic jars
._
• Replace lead foil on
wine bottles
• Backyard composting
• Vermi-composting
• Backyard composting
• Grasscycling
Source: Franklin Associates
Materials substitution can make a product or package lighter. For example, there has
been a continuous trend of substitution of lighter materials such as plastics and aluminum for
materials such as glass and steel. The substitution may also involve a flexible package instead
of a rigid package. A product or package can be redesigned to reduce weight or volume.
Toxic materials in products or packaging can be replaced with non-toxic substitutes.
Considerable efforts have been made in this area in the past few years.
Lengthening product life delays the time when the products enter the municipal waste
stream. The responsibility for lengthening product life lies partly with manufacturers and
partly with consumers. Products can be designed to last longer and be easier to repair. Since
some of these design modifications may make products more expensive, at least initially,
manufacturers must be willing to invest in new product development and consumers must
demand the products and be willing to pay for them to make the goal work. Consumers and
manufacturers must also be willing to care for and repair products.
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Modifying Practices to Reduce Materials Use
Businesses and individuals can often modify their current practices to reduce the
amounts of waste generated. In a business office, electronic mail can replace printed
memoranda and data. Reports can be copied on both sides of the paper (duplexed).
Modifying practices can be combined with other source reduction measures to reduce
generation and limit material use.
Individuals (and businesses) can request removal from mailing lists to reduce the
amount of mail received and discarded. When practical, products can be purchased in large
sizes or in bulk to minimize the amount of packaging per unit of product. Concentrated
products can also reduce packaging requirements; some of these products, such as fabric
softeners and powdered detergent, are designed to be used with refillable containers.
Reuse of Products and Packages
Similar to lengthening product life, reuse of products and packages delays the time
when the items must finally be discarded as waste. When a product is reused, presumably
purchase and use of a new product is delayed, although this may not always be true.
i
Many of the products characterized for this report are reused in sizable quantities
(e.g., furniture, wood pallets, clothing, etc.). The recovery of products and materials for
recycling (including composting) as characterized in Chapter 2 does not include reuse of
products, but reuse is discussed in this section.
' i
Durable Goods. There is a long tradition of reuse of durable goods such as large and
small appliances, furniture, and carpets. Often this is done informally as individuals pass on
used goods to family members and friends. Other durable goods are donated to charitable
organizations for resale or use by needy families. Some communities and other organizations
have facilitated exchange programs for citizens, and there are for-profit retail stores that deal
in used furniture, appliances, and carpets. Other goods are resold by individuals at garage
sales, flea markets, and the like. Borrowing and sharing items like tools can also reduce the
number of products to be discarded ultimately. There is generally a lack of data on the
volume of durable goods reused in the United States, and what the ultimate effect on MSW
generation might be.
i
Nondurable Goods. While nondurable goods by their very nature are designed for
short term use and disposal, there is considerable reuse of some items classified as
nondurable. In particular, footwear, clothing, and other textile goods are often reused. Much
of the reuse is accomplished through the same types of channels as those described above for
durable goods. That is, private individuals, charitable organizations, and retail outlets
(consignment shops) all facilitate reuse of discarded clothing and footwear. In addition,
considerable amounts of textiles are reused as wiping cloths before being discarded.
I
li
Another often-cited waste prevention measure is the use of washable plates, cups,
napkins, towels, diapers, etc. instead of the disposable variety. (This will reduce solid waste
but will have other environmental effects, such as increased water and energy use.) Other
94
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
reusable items are available, for example: reusable air filters, reusable coffee filters,
reconditioned printer cartridges, etc.
Containers and Packaging. Containers and packaging can be reused in two ways:
they can be used again for their original purpose, or they can be used in other ways.
Glass bottles are a prime example of reuse of a container for its original purpose.
Refillable' glass beer and soft drink bottles can be collected, washed, and refilled for use
again. Some years ago large numbers of refillable glass soft drink bottles were used, but these
have largely been replaced by single-use glass bottles, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans.
Considerable numbers of beer bottles are collected for refilling, often by restaurants and
taverns, where the bottles can easily be collected and returned by the distributor. The Glass
Packaging Institute estimates that refillable glass bottles achieve a rate of 8 trips (refillings)
per bottle.
Another example in this category is the use of refurbished wood pallets for shipping
palletized goods. The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association estimates that over
60 percent of new wood pallets produced are reusable. It is also common practice to
recondition steel drums and barrels for reuse.
Many other containers and packages can be recycled, but are not often reused. Some
refillable containers (e.g., plastic laundry softener bottles) have been introduced; the original
container can be refilled using concentrate purchased in small packages. This practice can
achieve a notable source reduction in packaging. As another example, some grocery stores
will allow customers to reuse grocery sacks, perhaps allowing a refund for each sack brought
back for reuse. Also, many parcel shippers will take back plastic packaging "peanuts" for
reuse.
Many ingenious reuses for containers and packaging are possible in the home. People
reuse boxes, bags, jars, jugs, and cans for many purposes around the house. There are no
reliable estimates as to how these activities affect the waste stream.
Management of Organic Materials
Food wastes and yard trimmings combined made up about 23 percent of MSW
generation in 1997, so source reduction measures aimed at these products can have an
important effect on waste generation. Composting is the usual method for recovering these
organic materials. As defined in this report, composting of organic materials after they are
taken to a central composting facility is a waste management activity comparable to recovery
for recycling. Estimates for these composting activities are included in this chapter.
Composting or other reduction management measures that take place at the point of
generation (e.g., the yard of a home or business) is source reduction. Backyard composting of
yard trimmings and some food discards is not a new practice, but in recent years publicity and
education programs have encouraged more people to participate. There also is a trend toward
95
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
leaving grass clippings on lawns, sometimes through the use of mulching mowers. Other
actions that will complement the increase in yard trimmings management include:
establishment of variable rates for collection of wastes (also known as unit-based pricing or
pay-as-you-throw), which encourage residents to reduce the amount of wastes set out;
improved technology (mulching mowers); xeriscaping (landscaping with plants that use
minimal water and generate minimal waste); and legislative regulations (e.g., landfill bans).
Part of the impetus for source reduction of yard trimmings is the large number of state
regulations discouraging landfilling or other disposal of yard trimmings. The Composting
Council and other sources report that in 1992,12 states (amounting to over 28 percent of the
nation's population) had in effect legislation affecting management of yard trimmings. In
1998,24 states plus the District of Columbia (amounting to approximately 52 percent of the
nation's population) had in effect legislation affecting disposal of yard trimmings. There is
considerable anecdotal evidence indicating that when these bans go into effect, people find
ways to source reduce.
RECOVERY FOR RECYCLING (INCLUDING COMPOSTING)
li
Recyclables Collection
Before recyclable materials can be processed and recycled into new products, they
must be colleqted. Most residential recycling involves curbside recyclables collection, drop-
off programs, buy-back operations, and/or container deposit systems. Collection of
recyclables from commercial establishments is usually separate from residential recyclables
collection programs.
Curbside Recyclables Collection. In 1997, nearly 9,000 curbside recyclables
collection programs were reported in the U.S. As shown in Table 25 and Figure 18, the extent
of residential curbside recycling programs varies tremendously by geographic region, with
the most extensive curbside collection occurring in the Northeast.
In 1997 slightly over one-half (51 percent) of the U.S. population, or 136 million
persons, had access to curbside recyclables collection programs. The Northeast region had the
largest population served~43 million persons. In the Northeast about 83 percent of the
population had access to curbside recyclables collection, while in the South 39 percent of the
population had access to curbside recycling. Most of the programs were located in the
Northeast and Midwest regions of the country.
Drop-off Centers. Drop-off centers typically collect residential materials, although
some accept materials from businesses. They are found in locations such as grocery stores,
sheltered workshops, charitable organizations, city-sponsored sites, and apartment
complexes. Types of materials collected vary greatly; however, drop-off centers can usually
accept a greater variety of materials than a curbside collection program.
i
i
It is difficult to quantify drop-off centers in the U.S. It is estimated that there were
12,694 programs in 1997, according toaBioCycle survey (Goldstein 1998). In some areas,
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Table 25
NUMBER AND POPULATION SERVED BY
CURBSIDE RECYCLABLES COLLECTION PROGRAMS, 1997
Region
NORTHEAST
SOUTH
MIDWEST
WEST
IT.S. Total
Number of
Programs
3,406
1,344
3,357
862
8,969
Population
(in millions)
51,890
93,656
62,455
57,684
265,685
Population Served (1)
(in thousands)
43,200
36,952
26,970
29,107
136,229
(%)
83%
39%
43%
50%
51%
(1) Percent of population served by curbside programs was calculated using
population of states reporting data.
Source: Statistical Abstract 1997, Bureau of the Census 1997, BioCycle 1998.
particularly those with sparse population, drop-off centers may be the only option for
collection of recyclable materials. In other areas, they supplement other collection methods.
Buy-back Centers. A buy-back center is typically a commercial operation that pays
individuals for recovered materials. This could include scrap metal dealers, aluminum can
Figure 18. Population served by curbside recycling, 1997
Northeast
South
Midwest
West
97
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
centers, waste haulers, or paper dealers. Materials are collected by individuals, small
businesses, and charitable organizations.
!
Deposit Systems. Nine states have container deposit systems: Connecticut, Delaware,
Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Vermont (Figure 19). In
these programs, the consumer pays a deposit on beverage containers at the point of purchase,
which is redeemed on return of the empty containers. California has a similar system where
containers can be redeemed, but the consumer pays no deposit. With the exception of
California, no new deposit laws have been enacted since the early 1980s, due in part to the
convenience and economics of curbside recycling.
i
Deposit systems generally target beverage containers (primarily beer and soft drink),
which account for less than 4 percent of total MSW generation. It is estimated that about 35
percent of all recovery of beverage containers comes from the 9 traditional deposit states
mentioned above, and an additional 20 percent of recovered beverage containers comes from
California. (Note: These recovery estimates reflect not only containers redeemed by
consumers for deposit, but also containers recovered through existing curbside and drop-off
recycling programs. Containers recovered through these programs eventually are credited to
the distributor and counted towards the redemption rate.)
Figure 19. States with deposit/redemption legislation
•dS.
Commercial Recyclables Collection. The largest quantity of recovered materials
comes from the commercial sector. Old corrugated containers (OCC) and office papers are
Widely collected from commercial establishments. Grocery stores and other retail outlets that
require corrugated packaging are part of an infrastructure that brings in the most recovered
material. OCC is often baled at the retail outlet and picked up by a paper dealer.
98
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Office paper (e.g., white, mixed color, computer paper, etc.) is part of another
commercial recyclables collection infrastructure. Depending on the quantities generated,
businesses (e.g., banks, institutions, schools, printing operations, etc.) can sort materials and
have them picked up by a paper dealer, or self deliver the materials to the recycler. It should
be noted that commercial operations also make recycling available for materials other than
paper.
Multi-family residence recycling could be classified as either residential or
commercial recyclables collection. Multi-family refuse is usually handled as a commercial
account by waste haulers. It is also the same waste hauler that makes recycling available to
multi-family dwellings (typically 5 or more units), which could resemble a drop-off center.
Recyclables Processing
Processing recyclable materials is performed at materials recovery facilities (MRFs),
mixed waste processing facilities, and mixed waste composting facilities. Some materials are
sorted at the curb and require less attention. Other materials are sorted into streams at the
curb, such as a paper stream and a container stream, with additional sorting at a facility
(MRF). Mixed waste can also be processed to pull out recyclable and compostable materials.
Materials Recovery Facilities. Materials recovery facilities vary widely across the
U.S., depending on the incoming materials and the technology and labor used to sort the
materials. In 1997, 380 MRFs were operating in the U.S., with an estimated total daily
throughput of 32,000 tons per day (Table 26). Like curbside collection programs, the most
extensive recyclables processing throughput occurs in the Northeast (Figure 20).
The majority of MRFs are considered low technology, meaning the materials are
predominantly sorted manually. MRFs classified as high technology sort recyclables using
eddy currents, magnetic pulleys, optical sensors, and air classifiers. As MRFs change and
grow, many low technology MRFs add high tech features and high technology MRFs include
manual sorting, making the difference between high and low technology MRFs less
definitive.
Table 26
MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITIES, 1997
Estimated
Throughput
Region
NORTHEAST
SOUTH
MIDWEST
WEST
U.S. Total
Number
103
118
76
84
380
(tpd)
8,815
8,233
7,535
7,505
32,088
Source: Governmental Advisory Associates, Inc. 1998.
99
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Figure 20. MRF throughput, 1997
180
Northeast
South
Midwest
West
Source: Governmental Advisory Associates 1998
i
Mixed Waste Processing. Mixed waste processing facilities are less common than
conventional MRFs, but there are several facilities in operation in the U.S., as shown in
Figure 21. Mixed waste processing facilities receive waste just as if it were going to a
landfill. The mixed waste is loaded on conveyors and, using both mechanical and manual
(high and low technology) sorting, recyclable materials are removed for further processing. In
1997, there were reported 58 mixed waste processing facilities in the U.S., handling about
34,800 tons of waste per day (Governmental 1998). The West region has the largest
concentration of these processing facilities.
!
Mixed Waste Composting. Mixed waste composting starts with unsorted MSW.
Large items are removed, as well as ferrous and other metals, depending on the type of
operation. Mixed waste composting takes advantage of the high percentage of organic
components of MSW, such as paper, food wastes and yard trimmings, wood, and other
materials. In 1997, there were 14 mixed waste composting facilities, predominantly in the
Midwest, as shown in Figure 22. These facilities handled about 670 tons per day in 1997.
Yard Trimmings Composting. Yard trimmings composting is much more prevalent
than mixed waste composting. On-site management of yard trimmings is not included in this
section, but is discussed in the source reduction section. In 1997, 3,484 yard trimmings
composting programs reported (BioCycle 1998). About 73 percent of these programs are in
the Northeast and Midwest regions, as shown in Figure 23. Based on 11.5 million tons of
yard trimmings recovered for composting in the United States (Chapter 2), yard trimmings
composting facilities handled approximately 31,500 tons per day in 1997.
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Figure 21. Mixed waste processing capacity, 1997
250
Northeast
South
Midwest
West
Source: Governmental Advisory Associates 1998
Figure 22. MSW composting capacity, 1997
14.0
12.0
Northeast
Source: BioCycle 1998
South
Midwest
West
101
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Figure 23. Yard trimmings composting programs, 1997
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
Northeast
Source: BioCycle 1998
South
Midwest
West
COMBUSTION
Most of the municipal solid waste combustion currently practiced in this country
incorporates recovery of an energy product (generally steam or electricity). The resulting
energy reduces the amount needed from other sources, and the sale of the energy helps to
offset the cost of operating the facility. In past years, it was common to burn municipal solid
waste in incinerators as a volume reduction practice; energy recovery became more prevalent
in the 1980s.
Total U.S. MSW combustion with energy recovery, referred to as waste-to-energy
(WTE) combustion, had a 1997 design capacity of 101,000 tons per day. There were 112
WTE facilities in 1997 (Table 27). The Northeastern and Southern regions had most of the
MSW combustion capacity in 1997 (Figure 24). In addition to WTE combustion, there was
an additional 2,450 daily tons of capacity for incineration without energy recovery.
]
In addition to facilities combusting mixed MSW (processed or unprocessed), there is
a small but growing amount of combustion of source-separated MSW. In particular, there is
considerable interest in using rubber tires as fuel in dedicated facilities or as fuel in cement
kilns. In addition, there is combustion of wood wastes and some paper and plastic wastes,
usually in boilers that already burn some other type of solid fuel. For this report, it was
estimated that about 2.5 million tons of MSW were combusted in this manner in 1997, with
tires contributing a majority of the total.
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Table 27
MUNICIPAL WASTE COMBUSTORS, 1997
Waste-to-energy facilities (1)
Region
NORTHEAST
SOUTH
MIDWEST
WEST
U.S. Total
Number
43
36
22
11
112
Design
Capacity
(tons/day)
48,150
34,150
13,590
5,470
101,360
Incinerators (2)
Number
12
2
3
2
19
Design
Capacity
(tons/day)
430
95
1,700
220
2,445
(1) Waste-to-energy includes mass burn, modular, and refuse-derived fuel combustion
facilities with energy recovery.
(2) Incinerators provide combustion without energy recovery. Data have not been
updated by source since 1995.
Source: Integrated Waste Services Association, 1997.
In most cases the facilities have a stated daily capacity, but they normally operate at
less than capacity over the course of a year. It was assumed for this report that throughput
over a year of operation is 90 percent of rated capacity. The total throughput of MSW through
all combustion facilities was an estimated 36.7 million tons, or 17 percent of MSW
generation, in 1997.
RESIDUES FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES
Whenever municipal wastes are processed, residues will remain. For the purposes of
this report, it is assumed that most of these residues are landfilled. Materials processing
facilities (MRFs) and compost facilities generate some residues when processing various
recovered materials. These residues include materials that are unacceptable to end users (e.g.,
broken glass, wet newspapers), other contaminants (e.g., products made of plastic resins that
are not wanted by the end user), or dirt. While residue generation varies widely, 5 to 10
percent is probably typical for a MRF. Residues from a MRF or compost facility are
generally landfilled. Since the recovery estimates in this report are based on recovered
materials purchased by end users rather than materials entering a processing facility, the
residues are counted with other disposed materials.
When municipal solid waste is combusted, a residue (usually called ash) is left
behind. Years ago this ash was commonly disposed of along with municipal solid waste, but
combustor ash is not counted as MSW in this report because it generally must be managed
103
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
100
Figure 24. MSW combustion capacity, 1997
Northeast
South
Midwest
West
separately*. (There are a number of efforts underway to reuse ash.) As a general "rule of
thumb," MSW combustor ash amounts to about 25 percent (dry weight) of unprocessed
MSW input. This percentage will vary from facility to facility depending upon the types of
waste input and the efficiency and configuration of the facility.
LANDFILL
i
i
Although the number of landfills is decreasing, the capacity has remained relatively
constant. In 1997, approximately 2,200 municipal solid waste landfills were reported in the
contiguous U.S. New landfills are now much larger than in the past.
Table 28 and Figure 25 show the number of landfills in each region. The Southeast
and West had the greatest number of landfills. Forty-two states had more than 10 years of
capacity left. Only one state reported having less than 5 years of capacity remaining.
SUMMARY OF HISTORICAL AND CURRENT MSW MANAGEMENT
This summary provides some perspective on historical and current municipal solid
waste management practices in the U.S. The results are summarized in Table 29 and Figure
26.
Note that many combustion facilities do magnetic separation of residues to recovery ferrous metals, e.g.,
steel cans and steel in other miscellaneous durable goods. This recovered steel is included in the total
recovery of ferrous metals in MSW reported in Chapter 2.
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Table 28
LANDFILL FACILITIES, 1997
Number of States with
Number of Years Capacity Remaining
Region
NORTHEAST
SOUTHEAST
MIDWEST
WEST
IT.S. Total *
Landfills *
180
778
474
778
2,210
>10yr
6
16
9
11
42
5 to 10 yr
2
0
3
0
5
<5yr
1
0
0
0
1
* Excludes landfills reported in Alaska (296) and Hawaii (8).
Source: BioCycle, April 1998 and Waste Age, May 1996.
Figure 25. Number of landfills in the U.S., 1997
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
Northeast
South
Midwest
West
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid
Waste
Table 29
GENERATION, MATERIALS RECOVERY, COMPOSTING, COMBUSTION,
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 1960 TO 1997
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of Tons
Generation
Recovery for recycling
Recovery for composting*
Total Materials Recovery
Discards after recovery
Combustion**
Discards to landfill,
other disposalt
1960
88,120
5,610
5,610
82,510
27,000
55,510
1970
121,060
8,020
8,020
113,040
25,100
87,940
1980
151,640
14,520
14,520
137,120
13,700
123,420
1990
205,210
29,040
4,200
33,240
171,970
31,900
140,070
1994
214,180
42,150
8,480
50,630
163,550
32,490
131,060
1995
211,360
45,340
9,570
54,910
156,450
35,540
120,910
1996
209,190
46,390
10,910
57,300
151,890
36,090
115,800
1997
216,970
48,630
12,070
60,700
156,270
36,700
119,570
Pounds per Person per Day
Generation
Recovery for recycling
Recovery for composting*
Total Materials Recovery
Discards after recovery
Combustion**
Discards to landfill,
other disposalt
Population (thousands)
1960
2.68
0.17
Neg.
0.17
2.51
0.82
1.69
179,979
1970
3.25
0.22
Neg.
0.22
3.04
0.67
2.36
203,984
1980
3.66
0.35
0.35
3.31
0.33
2.98
227,255
1990
4.50
0.64
0.09
0.73
3.77
0.70
3.07
249,907
1994
4.50
0.89
0.18
1.06
3.44
0.68
2.75
260,682
1995
4.40
0.94
0.20
1.14
3.26
0.74
2.52
263,168
1996
4.32
0.96
0.23
1.18
3.14
0.75
2.39
265,253
1997
4.44
1.00
0.25
1.24
3.20
0.75
2.45
267,645
Percent of Total Generation
Generation
Recovery for recycling
,, , • ,/|i,,,
Recovery for composting*
Total Materials Recovery
Discards after recovery
Combustion**
Discards to landfill,
other disposalf
1960
100.0%
6.4%
Neg.
6.4%
93.6%
30.6%
63.0%
1970
100.0%
6.6%
Neg.
6.6%
93.4%
20.7%
72.6%
1980
100.0%
9.6%
9.6%
90.4%
9.0%
81.4%
1990
100.0%
14.2%
2.0%
16.2%
83.8%
15.5%
68.3%
1994
100.0%
19.7%
4.0%
23.6%
76.4%
15.2%
61.2%
1995
100.0%
21.5%
4.5%
26.0%
74.0%
16.8%
57.2%
1996
100.0%
22.2%
5.2%
27.4%
72.6%
17.3%
55.4%
1997
100.0%
22.4%
5.6%
28.0%
72.0%
16.9%
55.1%
Composting of yard trimmings and food wastes. Does not include mixed MSW composting or backyard composting.
* * Includes combustion of MSW in mass bum or refuse-derived fuel form, incineration without energy recovery, and
combustion with energy recovery of source separated materials in MSW (e.g., wood pallets and tire-derived fuel).
t Discards after recovery minus combustion.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
106
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Historically, municipal solid waste generation has grown relatively steadily (from 88
million tons in 1960 to 214 million tons in 1994). After peaking in 1994, MSW generation
(both in product and non-product waste categories) declined in 1995 and 1996. In 1996 MSW
generation was less than 210 million tons. In 1997, however, generation increased to 217
million tons.
In the 1960s and early 1970s a large percentage of MSW was burned, with little
recovery for recycling. Landfill disposal typically consisted of open dumping, often
accompanied with open burning of the waste to reduce its volume. Through the mid-1980s,
incineration declined considerably and landfills became difficult to site, and waste generation
continued to increase. Materials recovery rates increased very slowly in this time period, and
the burden on the nation's landfills grew dramatically. As Figure 26 graphically shows,
discards of MSW to landfill or other disposal apparently peaked in the 1986-1987 period,
then began to decline as materials recovery and combustion increased. Although there are
now fewer municipal solid waste landfills, their average size has increased and capacity at the
national level does not appear to be a problem. Regional dislocations sometimes occur,
however.
Recovery of products and yard trimmings increased steadily, while combustion has
stayed relatively constant—15 to 17 percent of total MSW generation. As a result, MSW
discards to landfills have generally decreased in the 1990s. About 120 million tons of MSW
were landfilled in 1997. As a percentage of total MSW generation, landfilling has
consistently decreased—from 83.2 percent of generation in 1986 to 55.1 percent in 1997.
Figure 26. Municipal solid waste management, 1960 to 1997
250
200 •-
150--
100
Recovery for the composting
component of recycling
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
107
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Chapter 3
REFERENCES
GENERAL
ii •
i
Franklin Associates, Ltd. Solid Waste Management at the Crossroads. December 1997.
i
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Municipal Solid Waste Task Force, Office of Solid
Waste. The Solid Waste Dilemma: An Agenda for Action. February 1989.
ii
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the
United States: 1990 Update. EPA/530-SW-90-042. June 1991.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the
United States: 1992 Update. EPA/530-R-92-019. July 1992.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the
United States: 1994 Update. EPA/530-R-94-042. November 1994.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the
United States: 1995 Update. EPA/530-R-945-001. March 1996.
i
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the
United States: 1996 Update. EPA/530-R-97-015. June 1997.
i
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the
United States: 1997 Update. EPA/530-R-98-007. May 1998.
SOURCE REDUCTION
Congress of the United States, Office of Technology Assessment. Green Products by
Design: Choices for a Cleaner Environment. OTA-E-541. October 1992.
Council on Packaging in the Environment. "COPE Backgrounder: Source Reduction." March
1995.
Franklin Associates, Ltd. Materials Technology: Packaging Design and the Environment.
Congress of the United States, Office of Technology Assessment. April 1991.
Franklin Associates, Ltd. The Role of Recycling in Integrated Solid Waste Management to
the Year 2000. Keep America Beautiful, Inc. 1994.
j
Rattray, Tom. "Source Reduction—An Endangered Species?" Resource Recycling.
November 1990.
108
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Raymond Communications Inc. State Recycling Laws Update Year-End Edition 1998.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid
Waste. EPA/530-K-92-003. August 1992.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Waste Wise: Second Year Progress Report.
EPA/530-R-96-016. September 1996.
RECOVERY FOR RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING
Governmental Advisory Associates. The Materials Recycling and Processing Industry in
the United States: 1995-96 Yearbook, Atlas, and Directory. 1995.
Governmental Advisory Associates. 1997 Update to the Materials Recycling and
Processing Industry in the United States. 1997.
Governmental Advisory Associates. Communications with Franklin Associates. 1998.
Kreith, Frank. Handbook of Solid Waste Management. McGraw-Hill, Inc. 1994.
Glenn, Jim. "The State of Garbage in America." BioCycle. April 1998.
Glenn, Jim. "MSW Composting in the United States." BioCycle. November 1997.
The Composting Council. "MSW Composting Facilities." Fall 1995.
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. Statistical Abstract of the United
States. 1997.
COMBUSTION
"1991-1992 Energy-from-Waste Report." Solid Waste & Power. HCI Publications. October
1991, December 1990.
Integrated Waste Services Association. "High Court Rules Ash Not Exempt from Subtitle C
Regulation." Update. Summer 1994.
Kiser, Jonathan V.L. "A Comprehensive Report on the Status of Municipal Waste
Combustion." Waste Age. November 1990.
Kiser, Jonathan V.L. "Municipal Waste Combustion in North America: 1992 Update." Waste
Age. November 1992.
Kiser, Jonathan V.L. "The 1992 Municipal Waste Combustion Guide." National Solid
Wastes Management Association. February 1992.
109
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Chapter 3: Management of Municipal Solid Waste
Riser, Jonathan V.L. "The IWSA Municipal Waste Combustion Directory: 1993." Integrated
Waste Services Association. February 1994.
Kiser, Jonathan V.L., and John Menapace. "The 1995 IWSA Municipal Waste Combustion
Directory Of United States Facilities." Integrated Waste Services Association. March 1995.
,;'„, , • ' • ' ' I
Kiser, Jonathan V.L., and John Menapace. "The 1996 IWSA Municipal Waste Combustion
Directory of United States Facilities." Integrated Waste Services Association. March 1996.
Rigo, Greg and Maria Zannes. "The 1997-1998 IWSA Waste-to-Energy Directory of United
States Facilities." Integrated Waste Services Association. November 1997.
Levy, Steven J. Municipal Waste Combustion Inventory. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Office of Solid Waste, Municipal & Industrial Solid Waste Division. November 22,
1991.
National Solid Wastes Management Association. "The 1992 Municipal Waste Combustion
Guide." Waste Age. November 1992.
i
"The 1991 Municipal Waste Combustion Guide." Waste Age. November 1991.
ij
LANDFILL
1 i
Franklin Associates. Unpublished data and estimates.
i
Repa, Edward and Allen Blakey. "Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Trends: 1996 Update."
Waste Age. May 1996.
Glenn, Jim. 'The State of Garbage in America." BioCycle. April 1998.
110
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Chapter 4
PROJECTIONS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE GENERATION
AND MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
This chapter includes projections of municipal solid waste generation for the years
2000 and 2005. It should be emphasized that these projections are not predictions. The
effects of source reduction are difficult to measure at a national level, but almost certainly are
affecting MSW generation. No one can foresee with accuracy changes in the economy (e.g.,
booms and recessions), which also affect the municipal waste stream. In addition, it is
difficult to predict which innovations and new products will affect the amounts and types of
MSW generation.
In spite of these limitations, it is useful to look at projections characterizing MSW
based on past trends, since it is clear that the composition of the waste stream does change
over time. New products (e.g., disposable products) are introduced, and materials are used in
new ways (e.g., composite materials replace simpler products). Planners thus may choose to
use different projections than those presented here, but anyone assuming that the current mix
of materials in the waste stream will remain constant is disregarding the experience of the
past.
OVERVIEW AND ASSUMPTIONS
This chapter includes projections of municipal solid waste generation through the year
2005. In making these projections, it was assumed that overall, products in MSW would
continue to grow at a rate higher than population growth and lower than growth of Gross
Domestic Product (GDP). (See Chapter 5 of EPA report 530-R-94-042, Characterization of
Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1994 Update, for an explanation of the
correlation of MSW generation with these demographic and economic factors.) Projections
for most materials and products were made using linear trends based on generation between
1980 and 1997. Exceptions are discussed in the text.
It should be noted that some trend projections in this report are notably different than
previously projected. Some products have grown (or declined) at slower or faster rates than
would be expected based on the experience of previous years.
MATERIALS GENERATION IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Projections of materials generated in MSW (by weight) are summarized in Table 30
and Figure 27, and a discussion of each material category follows.
Ill
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Table 30
PROJECTIONS OF MATERIALS GENERATED*
IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM: 1997,2000, AND 2005
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
i
!
Thousands of tons
of total
Materials
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Steel
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber and Leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
Total Materials in Products
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated
1997
83,840
12,010
12,330
3,010
1,270
16,610
21,460
6,590
8,240
11,570
3,760
164,080
21,910
27,730
3,250
52,890
216,970
2000
87,700
11,850
12,890
3,430
1,300
17,620
23,420
6,920
8,850
13,960
3,960
174,280
22,550
23,000
3,400
48,950
223,230
2005
94,770
11,200
13,590
3,780
1,340
18,710
26,730
7,660
10,240
15,810
4,290
189,410
23,480
23,000
3,650
50,130
239,540
1997
38.6%
5.5%
5.7%
1.4%
0.6%
7.7%
9.9%
3.0%
3.8%
5.3%
1.7%
75.6%
10.1%
12.8%
1.5%
24.4%
100.0%
2000
39.3%
5.3%
5.8%
1.5%
0.6%
7.9%
10.5%
3.1%
4.0%
6.3%
1.8%
78.1%
1
\
10.1%
10.3%
1.5%
( 21.9%
100.0%
2005
39.6%
4.7%
5.7%
1.6%
0.6%
7.5%
11.2%
3.2%
4.3%
6.6%
1.8%
79.1%
9.8%
9.6%
1.5%
20.9%
100.0%
* Generation before materials recovery or combustion.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
Paper and Paperboard
Previous projections of paper and paperboard generation were revised using the
following information: revised data for 1995 and 1996 and new data for 1997 from the
American Forest & Paper Association, historical and projected per capita consumption of
paper and paperboard products, and the ratio of total paper and paperboard to real Gross
Domestic Product (GDP). The paper and paperboard projections were not based solely on
trend analysis.
Projections of paper and paperboard generation are lower than those for previous
years. New supply (consumption) of paper and paperboard declined in 1995 and 1996, in
contrast to increases of between 3 to 5 percent for the previous three years. (Consumption
did increase markedly in 1997, partly as a result of inventory depletion in 1996.)
ii
112
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Figure 27. Materials generated in MSW, 1997, 2000, and 2005
1997
100 • 150
million tons
Projections of paper and paperboard generation were based on past trends, with some
slowing of growth projected for newsprint and paper packaging other than corrugated boxes.
These grades of paper are showing the effects of decreased newspaper readership and some
source reduction and materials substitution in packaging. Two grades are continuing to show
increased consumption—containerboard (corrugated boxes) and printing-writing papers (e.g.,
office papers, commercial printing, and direct mail).
Paper and paperboard is projected to continue to be the dominant material in MSW,
growing from a generation of 83.8 million tons in 1997 to 87.7 million tons and 94.8 million
tons in 2000 and 2005, respectively. This would amount to 39.3 percent of MSW generation
in 2000.
Glass
Glass products (mostly packaging) have been declining both in tonnage and in percent
of MSW generation since 1993. This trend is projected to continue, with the percentage of
glass in MSW continuing to decline. Glass generation is projected to decline from 12 million
tons in 1997 to 11.9 million tons and 11.2 million tons in 2000 and 2005, respectively. For
2000 this represents 5.3 percent of projected total MSW generation.
Steel
Cans made of steel declined as a percentage of MSW in the 1970s and 1980s due to
material substitution and light-weighting practices of can manufacturers. Since 1995, steel
cans have been increasing in tonnage generated. Also, more steel enters MSW as a
component of durable goods than as containers. Since durable goods are an increasing
component of MSW, total steel in MSW was projected to increase from 12.3 million tons in
113
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
1997 to 12.9 million tons and 13.6 million tons in 2000 and 2005, respectively. The
percentage of steel in MSW is projected to decline to 5.8 percent of total generation in 2000
and 5.8 percent in 2010.
i
Aluminum
I
Containers and packaging represent the primary source of aluminum in MSW,
although some aluminum is present in durable and nondurable goods. Aluminum in MSW
has grown, and the growth is projected to continue, to 3.4 million tons and 3.8 million tons in
2000 and 2005, respectively. Because of its light weight, aluminum represents a small
percentage of MSW generation—1.4 percent in 1997, and a projected 15 percent in 2000 and
1.6 percent in 2005.
• •' I
Other Nonferrous Metals
Other nonferrous metals (e.g., lead, copper, and zinc) are found in durable goods like
appliances, furniture, and batteries. Lead-acid (automotive) batteries comprise the majority of
this category. Generation of lead-acid batteries is projected to continue to increase modestly,
along with small increases in other nonferrous metals. Other nonferrous metals were
estimated to be about 1.3 million tons generated in 1997 and are projected to be about 1.3
million tons in 2000 and 2005. These metals are expected to continue to be less than one
percent (0.6 percent) of total MSW generation.
Plastics
j
Generation of plastics in MSW has grown very rapidly, with average annual growth
rates of over 9 percent experienced during the 1970s and 1980s. Growth in plastics
generation has continued in the 1990s—however, the annual growth rate has slowed to
approximately 3 percent per year during this decade. Based on this historical trend, plastics in
MSW are expected to continue to increase in tonnage, but at a projected rate closer to the
1990s. Plastics in MSW are projected to continue to increase both in tonnage (from 21.5
million tons in 1997 to 23.4 million tons and 26.7 million tons in 2000 and 2005,
respectively) and in percentage of total MSW generation (from 9.9 percent of MSW in 1995
to 11.2 percent in 2005).
Wood Wastes
•• ' • • . ii
Wood wastes (in furniture and other durable goods and in pallets and other
packaging) have been increasing in MSW. In 1997, about 61 percent of the wood generated
was in wood pallets, which are mostly used to transport packaged products, e.g., in
corrugated boxes, a growing MSW category. The tonnage of wood wastes generated is
projected to grow from 11.6 million tons in 1997 to 14.0 million tons and 15.8 million tons in
2000 and 2005, respectively. The percentage of wood wastes is projected to increase from 5.3
percent in 1997 to 6.6 percent of total MSW generation in 2005.
114
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Other Materials
Other materials in MSW—including rubber, leather, and textiles—are projected to
have modest growth in tonnage and percentages of total MSW generation. Tonnage is
projected to increase from 21.8 million tons in 1997 to 23.1 million tons and 25.8 million
tons in 2000 and 2005, respectively. As a percentage these materials collectively account for
about 10 percent of total MSW in 1997, increasing to 10.8 percent in 2005.
Food Wastes
Food wastes were projected to remain at a constant rate of generation per capita
through 2005. The tonnage of food wastes is projected to increase from 21.9 million tons in
1997 to 22.6 million tons and 23.5 million tons in 2000 and 2005, respectively.* The
percentage of food wastes in total MSW would stay about the same—10.1 percent in 1997
and 2000, declining to 9.8 percent of generation in 2005.
Yard Trimmings
As discussed in Chapter 2, legislation regulating disposal of yard trimmings in 24
states and the District of Columbia, along with vigorous efforts to promote management of
grass and leaves at home in many areas, has reduced generation of yard trimmings in many
states and the nation as a whole. Generation of yard trimmings is estimated to have decreased
from 35 million tons in 1990 to 27.7 million tons in 1997 due in large part to these programs.
In addition, many communities have been instituting variable rate collection programs
("pay-as-you-throw"). Because these programs provide a financial incentive to residents to
reduce and recycle, significant reductions of waste disposed have been experienced in many
communities. Waste reductions of 20 to 30 percent, or more, have been reported, and more
than 4,000 communities have these programs (Canterbury 1997, Skumatz 1997). Since yard
trimmings make up a sizeable portion of the residential waste stream, their on-site
management offers residents substantial cost savings.
Because of these programs in effect and coming on-line, generation of yard trimmings
is projected to decline to 23 million tons by 2000 (10.3 percent of generation). In addition,
these programs are projected to overcome the effects of population growth by keeping
generation at 23 million tons in 2005 (9.6 percent of generation).
Projected Growth Rates for Materials in MSW
Projected growth rates by decade for the various materials generated in MSW are
shown in Table 31. Projected population growth rates (from the Bureau of the Census) are
included as well; the Bureau of the Census forecasts an approximate 0.4 percent growth rate
from 1990 to 2005. (See Appendix B for waste characterization data expressed on a per
capita basis.)
Note that estimates of food waste generation were revised upward starting with the 1997 Update.
115
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Table 31
AVERAGE ANNUAL RATES OF INCREASE (OR DECREASE)*
OF GENERATION OF MATERIALS IN MSW
(In annual percent by weight)
Paper and paperboard
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Textiles
Rubber and leather
Wood
All other materials**
Food wastes
Yard trimmings
Total MSW
Populationf
1960-1970
4.0%
6.6%
2.5%
22.2%
1.5%
4.9%
2.1%
6.4%
0.5%
1.5%
3.2%
1.3%
1970-1980
2.2%
1.7%
1.2%
8.9%
2.2%
3.5%
6.5%
6.5%
0.2%
1.7%
2.3%
1.1%
1980-1990
2.8%
-1.4%
0.6%
9.6%
8.7%
3.3%
•5.7%
2.5%
4.8%
2.4%
3.1%
0.9%
1990-1997
2.1%
-1.2%
0.1%
3.3%
5.1%
1.9%
-0.8%
2.0%
0.7%
-3.3%
1.0%
0.4%
1997-2000
il
1.5%
-6.4%
2.4%
3.0%
2.4%
1.6%
£.5%
f).7%
1.0%
-6.0%
1.0%
S
b.4%
2000-2005
1.6%
-1.1%
1.0%
2.7%
3.0%
2.1%
2.5%
2.1%
0.8%
0.0%
1.4%
0.4%
* Annual rates of increase or decrease calculated on end points.
** Electrolytes in batteries, wood pulp and moisture in disposable diapers,
miscellaneous inorganics.
t Based on population estimates from U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.
Note: Beginning in 1990, the numbers reflect substantial changes in the methodology
for estimating wood and food wastes. (See Chapter 2.)
Source: Franklin Associates
i
Paper and paperboard, metals, plastics, textiles, rubber and leather, and wood are all
projected to increase faster than population, while glass is projected to decline. Food wastes
are projected to increase at or below one percent per year through 2005. Yard trimmings are
projected to decline, then remain constant.
Overall, municipal solid waste generation is projected to increase at a rate of one
percent annually between 1997 and 2000. For the period 2000 through 2005, the annual
growth rate for municipal solid waste is projected to be 1.4 percent annually.
1
PRODUCT GENERATION IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Projected generation of products in MSW (by weight) is summarized in Table 32 and
Figure 28. All categories (except for yard trimmings) are projected to grow in tonnage. (See
Chapter 2 for a discussion of the decline in yard trimmings generation.) Containers and
packaging are projected to remain the largest single category at over 34 percent of total
generation, with nondurables being the second largest category, at 28 percent of total MSW
generation. More detailed observations on the projected growth in the individual product
categories follow.
116
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Table 32
PROJECTIONS OF CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS GENERATED*
IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM: 1997,2000, AND 2005
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of tons
% of total
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 33)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 34)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 35)
Total Product Wastes**
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated
1997
33,230
59,100
71,750
164,080
21,910
27,730
3,250
52,890
216,970
2000
35,590
62,190
76,500
174,280
22,550
23,000
3,400
48,950
223,230
2005
38,960
67,680
82,770
189,410
23,480
23,000
3,650
50,130
239,540
1997
15.3%
27.2%
33.1%
75.6%
10.1%
12.8%
1.5%
24.4%
100.0%
2000
15.9%
27.9%
34.3%
78.1%
10.1%
10.3%
1.5%
21.9%
100.0%
2005
16.3%
28.3%
34.6%
79.1%
9.8%
9.6%
1.5%
20.9%
100.0%
* Generation before materials recovery or combustion.
** Other than food products.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
Figure 28. Products generated in MSW, 1997,2000, and 2005
1997
2000
2005
100 150
million tons
250
117
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Table 33
PROJECTIONS OF PRODUCTS GENERATED*
IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM: 1997, 2006, AND 20*05
(WITH DETAIL ON DURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of tons {~>
Products
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries, Lead-Acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Total Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 34)
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 35)
Total Product Wastes**
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated
Population (thousands)
1997
3,610
830
7,510
2,330
4,260
1,780
12,910
33,230
59,100
71,750
164,080
21,910
27,730
3,250
52,890
216,970
267,645
2000
3,640
990
8,330
2,710
4,270
1,800
13,850
35,590
62,190
76,500
174,280
22,550
23,000
3,400
48,950
223,230
271,237
2005
3,510
1,260
9,410
3,240
4,610
1,880
15,050
38,960
67,680
82,770
189,410
23,480
23,000
3,650
50,130
239,540
276,990
1997
1
1.7%
0.4%
3.5%
1.1%
2.0%
0.8%
6.0%
15.3%
1
27.2%
,!
33.1%
i
75.6%
1
10.1%
12.8%
1.5%
24.4%
100.0%
fc of total
2000
1.6%
0.4%
3.7%
1.2%
1.9%
0.8%
6.2%
15.9%
27.9%
34.3%
78.1%
10.1%
10.3%
1.5%
21.9%
100.0%
2005
1.5%
0.5%
3.9%
1.4%
1.9%
0.8%
6.3%
16.3%
28.3%
34.6%
79.1%
9.8%
9.6%
1.5%
20.9%
100.0%
* Generation before materials recovery or combustion.
** Other than food products.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
Durable Goods
:• '• • ' I
Overall, durable goods are projected to increase in both tonnage and percent of total
MSW generation (Table 33 and Figure 29). The trends in generation of major appliances,
carpet and rugs, and furniture and furnishings are well established by production numbers,
since lifetimes of up to 20 years are assumed. Generation of rubber tires and lead-acid
batteries is projected based on historical trends, which are generally exhibiting constant rates
of growth. Durable goods are projected to account for about 15 to 16 percent of MSW
generation and are projected to increase to 35.6 million tons and 39 million tons in 2000 and
118
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
2005, respectively. For durable goods, this represents a growth rate of about 2.3 percent
annually between 1997 and 2000, and 1.8 percent annually between 2000 and 2005.
Nondurable Goods
Similar to durable goods, nondurable goods are projected to increase in both tonnage
and percent of total MSW generation (Table 34 and Figure 30). Generation of nondurable
goods is projected to be 62.2 million tons and 67.7 million tons in 2000 and 2005,
respectively. Generation of nondurable goods is projected to grow approximately 1.7 percent
annually, accounting for about 28 percent of total MSW generation in 2000 and 2005.
Most of the nondurable paper products are projected to continue to grow at rates
higher than population growth. Strong growth rates are projected for paper products such as
books and magazines, office paper, mail, paper used in commercial printing, and other
nonpackaging paper. Newspaper generation is an exception—newspapers are expected be
generated at rates well below population growth.
Clothing and footwear and other textiles also are projected to increase in tonnage, to
8.1 million tons by 2005. Finally, other miscellaneous nondurables, which include many
items made of plastics, are expected to continue to increase at rates well above population
growth.
Figure 29. Historical and projected generation of durable goods
40.0
38.0
36.0
34.0
32.0
30.0
28.0
26.0
24.0
22.0
20.0
1990
1995
2000
2005
119
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Table 34
PROJECTIONS OF PRODUCTS GENERATED*
EN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM: 1997,2000, AND 2005
(WITH DETAIL ON NONDURABLE GOODS)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
' ' 1 ' ll
Thousands of tons , *
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 33)
Nondurable Goods
Newspapers
Books
Magazines
Office Papers
Directories
Standard (A) Mail**
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Plastic Plates and Cups
Trash Bags
Disposable Diapers
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Clothing and Footwear
Towels, Sheets, & Pillowcases
Other Misc. Nondurables
Total Nondurable Goods
Containers and Packaging
(Detail in Table 35)
Total Product Wastes*
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated
Population (thousands)
1997
33,230
13,490
1,110
2,170
7,040
470
4,850
6,860
3,100
970
860
810
3,140
4,270
5,760
750
3,450
59,100
71,750
164,080
21,910
27,730
3,250
52,890
216,970
267,645
2000
35,590
13,560
1,190
2,540
7,420
490
5,080
7,150
3,270
990
1,030
890
3,320
4,270
6,160
790
4,040
62,190
76,500
174,280
22,550
23,000
3,400
48,950
223,230
271,237
2005
38,960
13,750
1,400
3,050
8,020
590
5,510
7,500
3,420
1,030
1,260
950
3,630
4,950
7,280
830
4,510
67,680
82,770
189,410
23,480
23,000
3,650
50,130
239,540
276,990
1997
15.3% I
1
II
6.2%
0.5%
1.0%
3.2%
0.2%
2.2%
3.2%
1.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
1.4%
2.0%
2.7%
0.3%
1.6%
27.2%
33.1%
75.6%
i
10.1%
12.8%
1.5%
24.4%
100.0%
1
% of total
2000
15.9%
6.1%
0.5%
1.1%
3.3%
0.2%
2.3%
3.2%
1.5%
0.4%
0.5%
0.4%
1.5%
1.9%
2.8%
0.4%
1.8%
27.9%
34.3%
78.1%
10.1%
10.3%
1.5%
21.9%
100.0%
2005
16.3%
5.7%
0.6%
1.3%
3.3%
0.2%
2.3%
3.1%
1.4%
0.4%
0.5%
0.4%
1.5%
2.1%
3.0%
0.3%
1.9%
28.3%
34.6%
79.1%
9.8%
9.6%
1.5%
20.9%
100.0%
* Generation before materials recovery or combustion.
** Formerly called Third Class Mail by the U.S. Postal Service.
+ Other than food products.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
120
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Figure 30. Historical and projected generation of nondurable goods
70.0
65.0
60.0
55.0
50.0
45.0
40.0
35.0
30.0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Containers and Packaging
Containers and packaging—the largest single category of MSW—are projected to
continue to grow through 2005 (Table 35 and Figure 31). Generation was 71.8 million tons in
1997, with an increase projected to 76.5 million tons and 82.8 million tons in 2000 and 2005,
respectively. In percentage of total MSW, containers and packaging were 33.1 percent in
1997, with a projected increase to 34.6 percent in 2005. The average growth rates for
containers and packaging are projected to be 2.2 percent annually through 2000, then 1.6
percent annually from 2000 to 2005.
Glass. Tonnage of glass containers generated is projected to decline to 10.4 million
tons and 9.6 million tons in 2000 and 2005, respectively. Glass containers are projected to
continue to be a declining percentage of MSW generation (4 percent of total generation in
2005).
Steel. Since 1990, steel cans have been a relatively constant percentage of MSW
generation. Generation of steel containers and packaging is projected to increase less than one
percent annually through 2005. Steel packaging generation is expected to increase to about
3.1 million in 2000 and 2005, respectively. As a percentage of MSW generation, steel
packaging is projected to be constant at about 1.3 to 1.4 percent of total generation.
Aluminum. Tonnage of aluminum packaging has been increasing steadily over the
historical period, and this trend is projected to continue. Aluminum packaging is projected to
increase to 2.3 million tons and 2.5 million tons in 2000 and 2005, respectively. Aluminum
packaging is projected to continue to be about one percent of MSW generation.
121
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i
Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
\
Table 35
PROJECTIONS OF PRODUCTS GENERATED*
DM THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM: 1997, 2000, AND 2005
(WITH DETAIL ON CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of tons
Products
Durable Goods
(Detail in Table 33)
Nondurable Goods
(Detail in Table 34)
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles
Wine and Liquor Bottles
Food and Other Bottles & Jars
Total Glass Packaging
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Food and Other Cans
Other Steel Packaging
total Steel Packaging
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Other Cans
Foil and Closures
total Aluminum Pkg
Paper & Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes
Milk Cartons
Folding Cartons
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks
Wrapping Papers
Other Paper Packaging
total Paper & Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
Soft Drink Bottles
Milk Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc. Packaging
Total Containers & Pkg
Total Product Wastes**
: '!!!,
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated
Population (thousands)
1997
33,230
59,100
4,960
1,820
3,830
10,610
Neg.
2,860
240
3,100
1,530
50
360
1,940
30,160
460
5,420
220
1,870
50
1,270
39,450
760
670
1,540
1,520
2,130
2,810
9,430
7,030
190
71,750
164,080
21,910
27,730
3,256
52,890
216,970
267,645
2000
35,590
62,190
4,640
1,630
4,080
10,350
Neg.
2,890
200
3,090
1,860
40
350
2^250"
32,210
500
5,580
220
1,760
50
1,370
41,690
770
740
1,650
1,570
2,270
2,990
£990"
8,950
180
76,500
174,280
22,550
23,000
3,400
48,950
223,230
271,237
2005
38,960
67,680
4,190
1,440
3,950
9,580
Neg.
2,930
210
3,140
2,080
30
350
2,460
35,840
520
5,740
220
1,620
40
1,510
45,490
920
880
1,810
1,880
2,670
3,570
11,730
10,180
190
82,770
189,410
23,480
23,000
3,650
50,130
239,540
276,990
1997
15.3%
27.2%
2.3%
0.8%
1.8%
4.9%
Neg.
1.3%
0.1%
1.4%
0.7%
0.0%
0.2%
0.9%
13.9%
6.2%
2.5%
0.1%
0.9%
0.0%
0.6%
18.2%
0.4%
0.3%
0.7%
0.7%
1.0%
1.3%
4.3%
3.2%
0.1%
33.1%
75.6%
10.1%
12.8%
1.5%
24.4%
100.0%
% of total
2000
15.9%
27.9%
''
2.1%
0.7%
1.8%
4.6%
Neg.
1.3%
o.i%
1A%
0.8%
0.0%
0.2%
1.0%
11
14.4%
0.2%
2.5%
0.1%
0.8%
0.0%
0.6%
18.7%
0.3%
0.3,%
0.?'%
0.7%
1.0%
1.3%
4.5%
1
4.0%
0.1%
34.3%
78.1%
1
10.1%
10.3%
1.596
21.9%
II
100.0%
2005
16.3%
28.3%
1.7%
0.6%
1.6%
4.0%
Neg.
1.2%
0.1%
1.3%
0.9%
0.0%
0.1%
1.0%
15.0%
6.2%
2.4%
0.1%
0.7%
0.0%
0.6%
19.0%
0.4%
0.4%
0.8%
0.8%
1.1%
1.5%
4.9%
4.2%
0.1%
34-6%
79.1%
9.8%
9.6%
1.5%
20.9%
100.0%
* Generation before materials recovery or combustion.
** Other than food products.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
122
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Figure 31. Historical and projected generation of containers and packaging
85.0
80.0
75.0
70.0
65.0
60.0
55.0
50.0
45.0
40.0
1990
1995
2000
2005
Paper and Paper-board. Like other paper and paperboard products, overall
generation of paper and paperboard packaging has been increasing rapidly. The increase is
mostly in corrugated boxes, which are mainly used for shipping other products. Continued
increases in generation of corrugated boxes are projected; tonnage of these boxes is projected
to be 32.2 million tons in 2000, (14.4 percent of total MSW generation), and 35.8 million
tons (15 percent of total generation) in 2005. Most other paper packaging is also projected to
increase in tonnage, but as a percent of total MSW generation, to remain constant. All paper
and paperboard packaging is projected to be 45.5 million tons, or 19 percent of total
generation, in 2005.
Plastics. Plastics packaging exhibited rapid historical growth from 1960 to 1980, with
a slower growth rate experienced during the 1990s. The slower growth rate of the 1990s is
projected to continue. Collectively, soft drink bottles, milk bottles, other containers, bags and
sacks, wraps, and other plastic packaging are projected to increase less than 3 percent
annually through 2005. Generation of all plastics packaging is projected to be 10 million tons
and 11.7 million tons in 2000 and 2005, respectively. This will account for 4 to 5 percent of
total MSW generation.
SUMMARY
Historical and projected generation of MSW is illustrated in Figure 32. The
generation for 2000 and 2005 as projected is somewhat lower than would be predicted by a
linear trend analysis. As previous tables and figures have shown, generation of durable goods,
nondurable goods, and containers and packaging is projected to be nearly on trend. The effect
123
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
250
200
Figure 32. Historical and projected generation of MSVI
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Figure 33. Historical and projected MSW, by category
250
200-
150
100
0
1990
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
124
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
of decreasing generation of yard trimmings accounts for most of the lowered projections.
This is illustrated in Figure 33, where generation of products increases almost continually,
but food wastes, yard trimmings, and other (in total) have trended downward.
PROJECTIONS OF MSW RECOVERY
In the United States, recovery of materials for recycling and composting experienced
rapid growth in the 1990s, increasing from 16 percent of generation in 1990 to 28 percent in
1997. Between 1996 and 1997, however, the rate of increase slowed—increasing only from
27.4 percent in 1996 to 28 percent in 1997 (Figure 34). The dilemma in making projections is
this—will recovery rates soon resume a rapid increase, or will we continue to experience a
slow rate of growth? The scenarios presented in this section consider both possibilities. The
more conservative scenario projects a 30 percent recovery rate in 2000 and a rate of 32
percent in 2005. The more optimistic scenario projects 32 percent recovery in 2000 and 35
percent in 2005.
Reasons to be optimistic include the fact that a recycling infrastructure is already in
place. For example, more than half of the U.S. population is served by curbside collection of
recyclable materials, there are more than 12,000 drop-off sites for collection of recyclable
materials. (However, the number of curbside programs was only slightly higher in 1997 than
1996.)
Figure 34. Historical and projected recovery rates
40%
35%
30%
25%
' 20%
• 15%
10%
5%
2000 = 32%; 2005 = 35% ,
~
2000 = 30%; 2005 = 32%
0% 4—r
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
125
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
The most difficult aspect of recycling in 1996 and 1997 has been lack of demand and
low prices for collected materials. As demonstrated in the last MSW Characterization Update
(EPA 1997), prices received for all major recyclable materials in MSW had dropped
markedly from their high points. This situation has not improved. Recent articles in the trade
press have highlighted this phenomenon:
i
• Markets for recovered paper and paperboard have been in decline both for domestic mills
and for exports. (Exports are a very important component of recovered paper demand.)
Economic problems in Asia have contributed to this situation. (Paper Recycler, June
1998), In addition, the American Forest & Paper Association has recently released its
Capacity Survey, reporting a very low rate of increase in paper capacity through 2001,
although much of the increase will reflect use of recovered paper (AF&PA 1998).
• Prices for virgin plastic resins have been low, and no improvement seems to be sight for
the next year. There is worldwide oversupply of polypropylene, polystyrene, and
polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This makes it very difficult for recovered resins to
compete. (Plastics November 1998).
j
• There is worldwide oversupply of aluminum (Container November 1998).
• The market for recovered steel cans is the weakest of the 1990s. A flood of steel imports
is coming into the U.S., meaning that there is less demand for domestic steel and less
demand for steel scrap (Container November 1998).
!
• Production of glass containers continues to decline, affecting markets for recovered glass
cullet.
I
The higher recycling scenario presented in this section (32 percent in 2000 and 35
percent in 2005) assumes that the above market difficulties will be corrected in time to
stimulate additional recovery. The lower scenario (30 percent in 2000 and 32 percent in
2005) may be more likely (or even optimistic) if markets continue to be depressed.
Discussion of Assumptions
11 '; P
Some general assumptions and principles were used in making the recovery estimates:
• Recovery for recycling includes composting. Recovered materials are assumed to have
been removed from the municipal waste stream.
i
• It was assumed that local, state, and federal agencies will continue to emphasize
recycling, including composting, as MSW management alternatives
ii
• It was assumed that present state deposit laws will remain in place, but that no additional
deposit legislation for containers would be enacted.
• It was assumed that affected industries will continue to emphasize recovery and recycling
programs, and will make the necessary investments to achieve higher recycling rates.
126
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
• It was assumed that the current trend toward diverting certain yard trimmings in landfills
will continue to 2000 and beyond, providing stimulus for composting programs and for
source reduction of yard trimmings by citizens.
• It was assumed that, for most materials, there will be adequate end-user capacity to utilize
all recovered materials that could reasonably be recovered. As discussed above, this may
depend upon worldwide economic conditions.
• A majority of U.S. citizens will have access to recovery options before 2000. These
options will include curbside collection, drop-off and buy-back centers, and, in some
instances, mixed waste processing facilities. Recovery will continue to increase as more
recovery systems come on-line.
• In spite of the factors encouraging more recovery as enumerated above, many areas of the
U.S. are thinly populated and/or remote from ready markets for recovered materials;
many of these areas also have adequate landfill capacity. Therefore, the overall recovery
rate for the entire country may not reflect the higher rates achieved in communities where
conditions are favorable for recycling, including composting.
• Because of a maturing of the recycling/composting infrastructure and current poor market
conditions, the rate of increase in recycling will be slower that that experienced in the
earlier 1990s.
Scenarios for 2000
The range of projected recovery rates for materials in MSW under the recovery
scenarios (30 and 32 percent) in the year 2000 is shown in Table 36. (Details of the
assumptions for individual products in MSW are in Appendix C.)
Continued increases in recovery in every category will be required to reach the
scenarios shown. To reach a recovery rate of 30 percent nationwide in 2000,44 percent of all
paper and paperboard, 29 percent of all glass, 42 percent of metals, and 6 percent of all
plastics in MSW would be recovered under this scenario. Fifty-two percent of all yard
trimmings would be recovered for composting under this scenario (not including backyard
composting and other source reduction measures), and 5 percent of food wastes (including
some composted paper) would be recovered for composting.
To achieve a recovery rate of 35 percent nationwide in 2000, 46 percent of all paper
and paperboard, 33 percent of all glass, 46 percent of all metals, and 54 percent of yard
trimmings would need to be recovered. Recovery of rubber and clothing and other textiles
would each be about 15 percent of generation. Increased composting of food waste would
also be required to reach this level of recovery nationwide.
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Table 36
I
PROJECTED GENERATION AND RANGES OF RECOVERY,* 2000
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each material)
Materials
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Steel
Aluminum
Other Nqnferrous**
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber & Leather
Clothing, Other Textiles
Wood
Yard Trimmings
Food, Other+
Other Materials^
Totals
2000 MSW
Generation
(thous tons)
87,700
11,850
12,890
3,430
1,300
17,620
23,420
6,920
8,850
13,960
23,000
22,550
7,360
223,230
Recovery
Thousand tons
30%
38,250
3,400
5,330
1,280
860
7,470
1,380
1,000
1,150
1,200
12,000
1,100
Neg.
66,950
32%
40,300
3,900
5,890
1,320
870
8,080
1,570
1,100
1,300
1,400
12,400
1,300
Neg.
71,350
% of generation
30%
43.6%
28.7%
41.3%
37.3%
66.2%
42.4%
5.9%
14.5%
13.0%
8.6%
52.2%
4.9%
Neg.
30.0%
1997 MSW
32% Recovery (%)++
46.0% 41.7%
32.9%
45.7%
38.5%
66.9%
45.9%
6.7%
15.9%
14.7%
10.0%
53.9%
5.8%
Neg. "
32.0%
24.3%
38.4%
31.2%
65.4%
39.1%
5.2%
11.7%
12.9%
5.1%
41.4%
2.6%
Neg.
28.0%
Recovery of postconsumer wastes; does not include converting/fabrication scrap.
** Includes some nonferrous metals other than battery lead.
$ Miscellaneous inorganic wastes, electrolytes in batteries, other miscellaneous.
+ Recovery includes paper recovered for composting.
++ From Table 2.
Neg. = Negligible (less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent)
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
These overall rates of recovery cannot be achieved without substantial recovery rates
of the materials contributing the most tonnage to MSW, e.g., paper and paperboard, glass,
metals, and yard trimmings. (Plastics also contribute substantial tonnage, but are often in
products such as appliances or furniture where recovery is difficult if not impossible.) As
generation of some "heavy" materials such as glass and yard trimmings goes down, there is
less material to recover.
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Scenarios for 2005
The range of projected recovery rates for materials in MSW under two recovery
scenarios (32 and 35 percent) in the year 2005 is shown in Table 37. (Details of the
assumptions for individual products in MSW are in Appendix C.) For the 32 percent recovery
rate scenario, paper and paperboard would be recovered at a 45 percent rate, glass at a 31
percent rate, metals at a 49 percent rate, and rubber and textiles at rates of 14 to 16 percent.
Yard trimmings would be recovered at a 54 percent rate, and food wastes at a 10 percent rate.
To reach the 35 percent recovery scenario nationwide in 2005,49 percent of all paper
and paperboard, 34 percent of all glass, 54 percent of metals, and about 17 percent of rubber
and textiles would be recovered. Yard trimmings would be recovered at a 57 percent rate, and
13 percent of food wastes would be recovered for composting.
It should be noted that some intensively recovered products, such as newspapers,
corrugated boxes, and steel and aluminum cans, could be reaching their maximum practical
recovery rates under the 35 percent scenario. Recovery of yard trimmings and food would
also need to be substantially increased.
PROJECTIONS OF MSW DISCARDS AFTER RECOVERY
Discards of municipal solid waste as defined for this report are those wastes
remaining after recovery of materials for recycling, including composting of yard trimmings.
The remaining discards must be managed by combustion, landfilling, or some other means.
The effects of projected recovery rates on the amounts and characteristics of municipal solid
waste discards are illustrated in Table 38. (A 30 percent recovery scenario for 2000 and 32
percent recovery scenario for 2005 are shown in this example.)
This projected scenario of discards, which is based on substantial source reduction of
yard trimmings and a 30 percent recovery rate for materials and products generated in 2000,
shows about the same discards in 2000 as in 1997. Assuming a 32 percent recovery rate for
materials and products generated in 2005, discards from 2000 to 2005 would increase 4
percent.
The materials composition of MSW discards is quite different from the materials
composition of MSW generation, especially for materials that are recovered at higher rates.
For example, paper and paperboard products are projected to comprise 39.3 percent of MSW
generation, but 31.6 percent of MSW discards, in 2000. Yard trimmings would decline from
10.3 percent of MSW generation to 7.0 percent of discards under this scenario in 2000. The
percentages of other materials discards would likewise increase or decrease, depending upon
their projected recovery rates.
129
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Table37
PROJECTED GENERATION AND RANGES OF RECOVERY,* 2005
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation of each material)
Materials
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Steel
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous**
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber & Leather
Clothing, Other Textiles
Wood
Yard Trimmings
Food, Other+
Other Materials^
Totals
2005
Generation
(thous tons)
94,770
11,200
13,590
3,780
1.340
18,710
26,730
7,660
• 10,240
15,810
23,000
23,480
7,940
Recovery
Thousand tons % of generation 1997 MSW
32% 35% Recovery (%)+
32%
42,820
3,500
6,700
1,500
900
9,100
1,820
1,200
1,400
2,000
12,500
2,400
Neg.
35%
46,220
3,800
7,650
1,600
910
10,160
2,070
1,350
1,700
2,300
13,200
3,100
Neg.
239,540 76,740 83,900
45.2%
31.3%
49.3%
39.7%
67.2%
48.6%
6.8%
15.7%
13.7%
12.7%
54.3%
10.2%
Neg.
32.0%
48.8%
33.9%'
56.3%
42.3%
67.9%
54.3%
7.7%
17.6%
16.6%
14.5%!
57.4%
;l
13.2%!
I
Neg.!
35.0%
41.7%
24.3%
38.4%
31.2%
65.4%
39.8%
5.2%
11.7%
12.9%
5.1%
41.4%
2.6%
Neg.
28.0%
* Recovery of postconsumer wastes; does not include converting/fabrication scrap.
** Includes some nonferrous metals other than battery lead.
$ Miscellaneous inorganic wastes, electrolytes in batteries, other miscellaneous.
+ Recovery includes paper recovered for composting.
•H- From Table 2.
Neg. = Negligible (less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent)
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
PROJECTIONS OF MSW COMBUSTION
Making projections of MSW combustion is somewhat difficult because of the many
uncertainties affecting the planning and construction of new facilities. Several years are
required to site and obtain permits for construction of new MSW combustion facilities.
Projections of future waste-to-energy combustion capacity were based on facilities operating
or reported under construction or in planning.
130
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Table 38
PROJECTIONS OF MATERIALS DISCARDED* IN MSW: 1997,2000, AND 2005
(RECOVERY SCENARIOS ASSUMED: 30% IN 2000,32% IN 2005)
(In thousand of tons and percent of total discards)
Thousand tons
% of discards
Materials
Paper and Paperboard
Glass
Metals
Steel
Aluminum
Other Nonferrous
Total Metals
Plastics
Rubber & Leather
Clothing, Other Textiles
Wood
Yard Trimmings
Food, Other+
Other Materialst
Totals
1997
48,920
9,090
7,600
2,070
440
10,110
20,350
5,820
7,180
10,980
16,240
21,330
6,250
156,270
2000**
49,450
8,450
7,560
2,150
440
10,150
22,040
5,920
7,700
12,760
11,000
21,450
7,360
156,280
2005A
51,950
7,700
6,890
2,280
440
9,610
24,910
6,460
8,840
13,810
10,500
21,080
7,940
162,800
1997
31.3%
5.8%
4.9%
1.3%
0.3%
6.5%
13.0%
3.7%
4.6%
7.0%
10.4%
13.6%
4.0%
100.0%
2000**
31.6%
5.4%
4.8%
1.4%
0.3%
6.5%
14.1%
3.8%
4.9%
8.2%
7.0%
13.7%
4.7%
100.0%
2005A
31.9%
4.7%
4.2%
1.4%
0.3%
5.9%
15.3%
4.0%
5.4%
8.5%
6.4%
12.9%
4.9%
100.0%
* Discards after recovery for recycling and composting of yard trimmings.
** 30 percent recovery scenario assumed for 2000 (Table 36).
A 32 percent recovery scenario assumed for 2005 (Table 37).
+ Recovery includes paper recovered for composting.
$ Miscellaneous inorganic wastes, electrolytes in batteries, other miscellaneous.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
Since there is increasing interest in combustion of certain source-separated
components of MSW—especially tires, but also wood pallets, paper, and plastics—it was
assumed that combustion of these materials would continue to increase.
Based on this analysis, MSW sent to waste-to-energy combustion facilities was
projected to be 37.2 million tons and 38.0 million tons for the years 2000 and 2005,
respectively.
131
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" II
Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
SUMMARY OF PROJECTED MSW MANAGEMENT
i
A summary of the projections is presented, with similar figures for 1997 included for
contrast, in Table 39. For the summary, a recovery scenario of 30 percent in 2000 and 32
percent in 2005 was used. Graphical illustrations of the long-term trends are shown in Figures
35 and 36.
From 1997 to 2000, generation of MSW is projected to increase by less than one
percent per year compared to about 3 percent per year between 1980 and 1990. The
generation of MSW is projected to increase by about 1.5 percent per year between 2000 and
2005. As described earlier, source reduction of yard trimmings accounts for much of the
decrease from 1997 to 2000 under the selected scenario. Thus, unless new measures are taken
to further reduce discards of yard trimmings, renewed growth in MSW generation can be
expected.
Table 39
GENERATION, RECOVERY, COMBUSTION, AND DISPOSAL
OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE: 1997,2000, AND 2005
(RECOVERY SCENARIOS ASSUMED: 30% IN 2000,32% IN 2005)
(In thousands of tons and percent of total generation)
Thousands of tons
% of generation
Generation
Recovery for recycling
Recovery for composting*
Total materials recovery
Discards after recovery
Combustion**
Landfill, other disposal
1997
216,970
48,630
12,070
60,700
156,270
36,700
119,570
2000
223,230
53,850
13,100
66,950
156,280
37,200
119,080
2005
239,540
61,840
14,900
76,740
162,800
38,000
124,800
1997
, i
100.0%
22.4%
5.6%
28.0%
i
72.0%
i
16.9%
55.1% '
i'
2000
100.0%
24.1%
5.9%
30.0%
70.0%
16.7%
53.3%
2005
100.0%
25.8%
6.2%
32.0%
68.0%
15.9%
52.1%
* Composting of yard trimmings and food wastes. Does not include backyard composting.
** Combustion of MSW in mass burn or refuse derived form, incineration without energy
recovery, and combustion with energy recovery of source separated materials in MSW.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
132
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
The effect of assuming this scenario for materials recovery for recycling (including
yard trimmings composting) causes discards—as a percent of MSW generation—to decline
to 70 percent of MSW generation in 2000 (i.e., 30 percent recovery rate), and 68 percent of
MSW generation in 2005 (i.e., 35 percent recovery rate. After deductions for combustion,
discards to landfill and other disposal were 119.5 million tons in 1997, with projections of
119.1 million tons and 124.8 million tons in 2000 and 2005, respectively. Based on these
projections, the percentage of MSW generation discarded to landfills and other disposal
would be 53.3 percent in 2000 and 52.1 percent in 2005.
If recovery for recycling (including composting) could be increased to 35 percent
of generation in 2005, MSW landfilled would decrease to 117.6 million tons.
Figure 35. Municipal solid waste management, 1960 to 2005
(Recovery scenarios: 30% in 2000; 32% in 2005)
250
Recovery for the composting
component of recycling
1960 1965 1970 1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
133
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Figure 36. Municipal solid waste management, 1960 to 2005
(Recovery scenarios: 30% in 2000; 32% in 2005)
Recovery for the composting
component of recycling
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995 2000
2005
134
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Chapter 4: Projections of Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Management
Chapter 4
REFERENCES
American Forest & Paper Association. Capacity: Paper, Paperboard, Pulp, 1997-2001.
December 1998.
"Asia buying more wastepaper from Japan, Europe; economic woes continue."Paper
Recycler. June 1998.
Canterbury, Janice L. "Pay-as-you-throw: A growing MSW management success story."
Resource Recycling. October 1997.
Canterbury, Janice L. "Pay-as-You Throw: Lessons learned About Unit Pricing." U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency EPA-R-94-004. April 1994.
Franklin Associates, Ltd. Solid Waste Management at the Crossroads. December 1997.
"Glass Container Recycling." Container Recycling Report. November 1998.
"Markets." Plastics Recycling Update. November 1998.
"Metals Markets Take a Tumble." Waste Age's Recycling Times. November 16, 1998.
"No imminent rebound in U.S. market as weakness pervades all grades." Paper Recycler.
June 1998.
Skumatz, Lisa A, Erin Truitt, and John Green. "The state of variable rates: Economic
signals more into the mainstream." Resource Recycling. August 1997.
"Steel Can Recycling." Container Recycling Report. November 1998.
"UBC Market Analysis." Container Recycling Report. November 1998.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in
the United States: 1997 Update. Chapter 4. EPA530-R-98-007. May 1998.
135
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Appendix A: Material Flows Methodology
Appendix A
MATERIAL FLOWS METHODOLOGY
The material flows methodology is illustrated in Figures A-l and A-2. The crucial
first step is making estimates of the generation of the materials and products in MSW (Figure
A-l).
DOMESTIC PRODUCTION
! "' ' '• I
Data on domestic production of materials and products were compiled using
published data series. U.S. Department of Commerce sources were used where available, but
in several instances more detailed information on production of goods by end use is available
from trade associations. The goal is to obtain a consistent historical data series for each
product and/or material.
CONVERTING SCRAP
: ' • • . , ! !
The domestic production numbers were then adjusted for converting or fabrication
scrap generated in the production processes. Examples of these kinds of scrap would be
clippings from plants that make boxes from paperboard, glass scrap (cu'llet) generated in a
glass bottle plant, or plastic scrap from a fabricator of plastic consumer products. This scrap
typically has a high value because it is clean and readily identifiable, and it is almost always
recovered and recycled within the industry that generated it. Thus, converting/fabrication
scrap is not counted as part of the postconsumer recovery of waste.
:ii - . |
ADJUSTMENTS FOR IMPORTS/EXPORTS
!
In some instances imports and exports of products are a significant part of MSW, and
adjustments were made to account for this.
DIVERSION
i
Various adjustments were made to account for diversions from MSW. Some
consumer products are permanently diverted from the municipal waste stream because of the
way they are used. For example, some paperboard is used in building materials, which are not
counted as MSW. Another example of diversion is toilet tissue, which is disposed in sewer
systems rather than becoming MSW.
In other instances, products are temporarily diverted from the municipal waste stream.
For example, textiles reused as rags are assumed to enter the waste stream the same year the
textiles are initially discarded.
136
-------
Appendix A: Material Flows Methodology
Domestic Production
of
Materials/Products
Imports
of
Materials/Products
Conversion/
fabricating
Scrap
Exports
of
Materials/Products
Diversion
of
Materials/Products
Permanent
Diversion
Municipal
Solid Waste
Generation
I
I Temporary
Diversion
Figure A-1. Material flows methodology for estimating
generation of products and materials in municipal solid waste.
137
-------
Appendix A: Material Flows Methodology
MSW
Generation
f
Recovery
for
Recycling
Recovery
for
Composting
Discards
after
Recycling
and
Composting
Recovery for
Combustion
with
Energy
Recovery
1
Recovery for
Combustion
without
Energy Recovery
Discards
to Landfill
and
Other
Disposal
Figure A-2. Material flows methodology for estimating
discards of products and materials in municipal solid waste.
138
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Appendix A: Material Flows Methodology
ADJUSTMENTS FOR PRODUCT LIFETIME
Some products (e.g., newspapers and packaging) normally have a very short lifetime;
these products are assumed to be discarded in the same year they are produced. In other
instances (e.g., furniture and appliances), products have relatively long lifetimes. Data on
average product lifetimes are used to adjust the data series to account for this.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE GENERATION AND DISCARDS
The result of these estimates and calculations is a material-by-material and product-
by-product estimate of MSW generation, recovery, and discards.
139
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Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
Appendix B
i
ADDITIONAL PERSPECTIVES ON MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
In this appendix, the municipal solid waste (MSW) characterization data summarized
in previous chapters of the report are presented again from different perspectives. These are:
• Historical and 1997 MSW generation and management on a pounds per person per
day basis
• Historical and 1997 MSW generation by material on a pounds per person per day
basis
• A classification of 1997 MSW generation into residential and commercial
components
• , ' • • • • ' ' :. i
• Historical and 1997 discards of MSW classified into organic and inorganic
fractions
• A ranking of products and materials in 1997 MSW by tonnage generated,
recovered for recycling, and discarded.
Generation and Discards by Individuals
' ' ' " ' ' !! '
Municipal solid waste planners often think hi terms of generation and discards on a
per capita (per person) basis. Data on historical and projected MSW generation and
management are presented on the basis of pounds per person per day in Table B-l. The top
line shows a steady increase in per capita generation of MSW from I960 to 1990, from 2.7
pounds per person per day in 1960 to 4.5 pounds per person per day in 1990. During the
1990s, however, the per capita generation rate decreased to 4.3 pounds per person per day in
1996, then increased again to 4.4 pounds per person per day in 1997. The primary reason for
a decline in growth of MSW generation is a decrease in yard trimmings entering the MSW
management system. In 1997, generation of most other materials in MSW increased
following declines in 1995 and 1996.
' . '
The per capita discards represent the amount remaining after recovery for recycling
(including composting). Discards after recovery for recycling grew from 2.5 pounds per
person per day in 1960 to 3.8 pounds per person per day in 1990. Between 1990 and 1997,
discards declined to 3.2 pounds per person per day due to increased recovery for recycling
(including composting).
ii:t ji ,
In 1997, an estimated 0.75 pounds per person per day of discards were managed
through combustion, while the remainder—2.45 pounds per person per day—went to landfill
or other disposal.
140
J,
-------
Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
Table B-l
PER CAPITA GENERATION, MATERIALS RECOVERY, COMBUSTION,
AND DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 1960 TO 1997
(In pounds per person per day; population in thousands)
Generation
Recovery for recycling & composting
Discards after recovery
Combustion
Discards to landfill,
other disposal
Resident Population (thousands)
1960
2.68
0.17
2.51
0.82
1970
3.25
0.22
3.04
0.67
1980
3.66
0.35
3.31
0.33
1990
4.50
0.73
3.77
0.70
1994
4.50
1.06
3.44
0.68
1995
4.40
1.14
3.26
0.74
1996
4.32
1.18
3.14
0.75
1997
4.44
1.24
3.20
0.75
1.69 2.36 2.98 3.07 2.75 2.51 2.39 2.45
179,979 203,984 227,255 249,907 260,682 263,168 265,253 267,645
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Population figures from U.S. Bureau of the Census, Current Population Reports.
Source: Franklin Associates
In Table B-2, per capita generation of each material category characterized in this
study is shown. The per capita generation rate for paper and paperboard products has nearly
doubled from 1960 (0.91 versus 1.72 pounds per person per day). However, since 1990 per
capita paper generation has remained relatively steady—between 1.6 and 1.7 pounds per
person per day. Plastics has experienced the largest per capita growth rate, increasing to 0.44
pounds per person per day in 1997. After experiencing growth from 1960 to 1990, per capita
generation rates for glass products has declined slightly. Per capita generation rates for metals
have been consistent at about 0.3 pounds per person per day since 1994. Per capita generation
rates for rubber and leather and textile products have increased to 0.13 and 0.17 pounds per
person per day, respectively. After growing steadily, the increasing use of reusable pallets in
the 1990s has resulted in a decrease in per capita wood generation—to 0.24 pounds per
person per day in 1997.
Generation of food wastes has remaining at about 0.45 pounds per person per day
during the 1990s (Note: There has been a change in food waste generation methodology
reflected in years 1990 through 1997). Generation of yard trimmings on a per capita basis
increased over a 30-year period, but then declined because of source reduction efforts.
Generation of yard trimmings was 0.57 pounds per person per day in 1997.
Until about 1990, per capita generation of MSW increased in nearly every year. Per
capita generation of nonfood products did decline in 1995 and 1996, then increased again in
1997. Declining per capita generation of yard trimmings did not compensate for the increased
generation of products in 1997.
141
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Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
Table B-2
PER CAPITA GENERATION* OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE,
BY MATERIAL, 1960 TO 1997
(In pounds per person per day)
Materials
Paper and paperboard
Glass
Metals
Plastics
Rubber and leather
Textiles
Wood
Other
Total Noitfood Products
Food wastes
ill '; ' ,,
Yard trimmings
Miscellaneous inorganic wastes
Total MSW Generated
Resident Population (thousands)
1960
0.91
0.20
0.33
0.01
0.06
0.05
0.09
0.00
1.66
0.37
0.61
0.04
2.68
179,979
1970
1.19
0.34
0.37
0.08
0.08
0.05
0.10
0.02
2.24
0.34
0.62
0.05
3.25
203,984
1980
1.33
0.36
0.37
0.16
0.10
0.06
0.17
0.06
2.63
0.31
0.66
0.05
3.66
227,255
1990
1.59
0.29
0.36
0.38
0.13
0.13
0.27
0.07
— OT
0.46
0.77
0.06
43o~
249,907
1994
1.70
0.28
0.34
0.40
0.13
0.15
0.24
0.08
0.45
6.66
0.07
4.50
260,682
1995
1.70
0.27
Q.33
0-39
0.13
0.15
0.22
Of08
0.45
1
0.62
Q-07
po"
263,168
1996
1.65
0.26
0.33
0.41
0.13
0.16
0.22
0.08
3.23
0.45
0.58
0.07
4.32
265,253
1997
1.72
0.25
0.34
0.44
0.13
0.17
0.24
0.08
3.36
0.45
0.57
0.07
4.44
267,645
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: TJ*10 1- Population figures from the Bureau of the Census, Current Population Reports.
Residential and Commercial Generation of MSW
., , • . i
The sources of MSW generation are of considerable interest to management planners.
The material flows methodology does not lend itself well to a distinction as to sources of the
materials because the data used are national in scope. However, a classification of products
and materials by residential and commercial sources was first made for the 1992 update of
this series of reports.
For purposes of this classification, residential waste was considered to come from
both single family and multi-family residences. This is somewhat contrary to a common
practice in MSW management to classify wastes collected from apartment buildings as
commercial. Jhe rationale used for this report is that the nature of residential waste is
basically the same whether it is generated in a single or multi-family residence. (Yard
trimmings are probably the primary exception, and this was taken into account.) Because of
this approach, the percentage of residential waste shown here is higher than that often
reported by waste haulers.
142
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Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
Commercial wastes for the purpose of this classification include MSW from retail and
wholesale establishments; hotels; office buildings; airports and train stations; hospitals,
schools, and other institutions; and similar sources. No industrial process wastes are included,
but normal MSW such as packaging, cafeteria and washroom wastes, and office wastes from
industrial sources are included. As is the case for the data in Chapter 2, construction and
demolition wastes, sludges, ashes, automobile bodies, and other non-MSW wastes are not
included.
The classification of MSW generation into residential and commercial fractions was
made on a product-by-product basis. (See Appendix D for details). The 1997 tonnage
generation of each product was allocated to residential or commercial sources on a "best
judgement" basis; then the totals were aggregated. These are estimates for the nation as a
whole, and should not be taken as representative of any particular region of the country.
Since these allocations were first made for this report in 1994, a few revisions to the
methodology have been made based on estimates made in a 1994 report for Keep America
Beautiful, which was extensively reviewed by public and private sector experts in municipal
solid waste management. Discards of major appliances and rubber tires were reassigned to
the commercial sector rather than the residential sector because, while these products may be
used in a residential setting, they tend to be collected and managed through the commercial
sector.
Table B-3
CLASSIFICATION OF MSW GENERATION INTO
RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL FRACTIONS, 1997
(In thousands of tons and percent of total)
Residential Wastes
Commercial Wastes
Thousand tons
141,030-119,330
97,640- 75,940
Percent of total
55.0% - 65.0%
35.0% - 45.0%
Estimates are presented as a range because of wide variations across
the country.
Source: Franklin Associates (Appendix D)
Based on this analysis, a reasonable range for residential wastes would be 55 to 65
percent of total MSW generation, while commercial wastes range between 35 to 45 percent
of total generation (Table B-3).
143
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\-
Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
Organic/Inorganic Fractions of MSW Discards
The composition of MSW in terms of organic and inorganic fractions is of interest to
planners of waste management facilities and others working with MSW. This
characterization of MSW discards is shown in Table B-4. (Discards were used instead of
generation because discards enter the solid waste management system after recovery for
recycling, including composting.)
Table B-4
COMPOSITION OF MSW DISCARDS*
BY ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FRACTIONS,
1960 TO 1997
(In percent of total discards)
Year
1960
1970
1980
1990
1997
Organics**
77.3%
75.5%
77.5%
84.9%
85.6%
Inorganics!
22.7%
24.5%
22.5%
15,1%
14.4%
j1, ;
* Discards after materials recovery has taken place,
and before combustion.
** Includes paper, plastics, rubber and leather,
textiles, wood, food wastes, and yard trimmings.
t Includes glass, metals, and miscellaneous inorganics.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Table 3.
• : , ' ....],
The organic fraction of MSW has been increasing steadily since 1970, from 75
percent drganics in 1970 to nearly 86 percent in 1997. It is interesting to note, however, that
the percentage of MSW that is organic began to "level off after 1990 because of the decline
in yard trimmings discarded.
Ranking of Products in MSW by Weight
About 50 categories of products and materials are characterized as line items in the
tables in Chapter 2. It is difficult when examining that set of tables to see in perspective the
relative tonnages generated or discarded by the different items. Therefore, Tables B-5, B-6,
and B-7 were developed to illustrate this point.
144
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Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
In Table B-5, the various MSW products and materials are arranged in descending
order by weight generated in 1997. Subtotals in the right-hand column group components
together for further illustration. For example, corrugated boxes, yard trimmings, and food
wastes stand at the top of the list, with each generating over 10 percent of total MSW.
Together these three items totaled 36.8 percent of MSW generated in 1997. The next six
components, each comprising 3 to 6 percent of total MSW generation, accounted for 25.2
percent of generation. Together these nine components accounted for over 62 percent of total
MSW generated. The 22 items at the bottom of the list each amounted to one percent or less
of generation in 1997; together they amounted to only 11.1 percent of total MSW generation.
Table B-6 ranks products in descending order by weight recovered in 1997. Three
products—corrugated boxes, yard trimmings, and newspapers—each account for over 12
percent of total recovery, and collectively account for over 64 percent of MSW recovery. The
next three components, each comprising 3 to 6 percent of total MSW recovery, accounted for
12.8 percent of recovery. The bottom 18 items each amounted to one percent or less of
recovery in 1997; together they amounted to less than 7.0 percent of total MSW recovery.
A different perspective is provided in Table B-7, which ranks products in MSW by
weight discarded after recovery for recycling (including composting). This table illustrates
how recovery alters the products' generation rankings. For example, corrugated boxes, which
ranked the highest in generation, ranked fourth in discards in 1997.
Food wastes and yard trimmings accounted for about 24 percent of total MSW
discards in 1997. Eight components, each representing 3 to 8 percent of total MSW discards,
accounted for about 37 percent of discards. These components included; miscellaneous
durables, corrugated boxes, furniture and furnishings, wood packaging, newspapers, other
commercial printing, clothing and footwear, and paperboard folding cartons. Together these
10 components made up 61 percent of MSW discards in 1997. Twenty-two categories of
discards were one percent or less of the total; together these items totaled 11.4 percent of
1997 discards.
Characterization of MSW Discards by Volume
Solid waste is generally characterized by weight, either in pounds or tons. Most
statistics are compiled by weight because landfill, combustion, and recycling facilities
generally charge fees by weight, and estimates of quantities are stated in tons. Weight can be
readily and accurately measured using scales. However, there is no standard methodology for
measuring municipal solid waste volume. Results of research into establishing conversion
factors from weight to volume were presented in detail in previous updates of this report (i.e.,
1990 and 1994 updates).
This section of Appendix B presents estimates of MSW discards by volume for 1997
using density factors previously developed. Table B-8 summarizes these estimated density
factors for major categories of landfilled materials.
145
-------
Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
T
Table B-5
GENERATION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 1997
ARRANGED IN DESCENDING ORDER BY WEIGHT
(In thousands of tons and percent of MSW generation)
Corrugated boxes
Yard trimmings
Food wastes
Newspapers
Miscellaneous durables
Furniture and furnishings
Office-type papers
Wood packaging
Other commercial printing
Clothing and footwear
Paper folding cartons
Glass beer & soft drink bottles
Standard (A) mail
Other nonpackaging paper
Rubber tires
Glass food & other bottles
Major appliances
Miscellaneous nondurables
Miscellaneous inorganic wastes
Disposable diapers
Steel cans and other packaging
Tissue paper and towels
Other plastic packaging
Carpets and rugs
Magazines
Plastic wraps
Aluminum cans and other packaging
Paper bags and sacks
Glass wine & liquor bottles
Lead-acid batteries
Plastic other containers
Plastic bags and sacks
Other paper packaging
Books
Paper plates and cups
Plastic trash bags
Plastic plates and cups
Small appliances
Plastic soft drink bottles
Towels, sheets, and pillowcases
Plastic milk Dottles
Directories
Paper milk cartons
Other paperboard packaging
Other miscellaneous packaging
Paper wraps
Total MSW Generation
Source: Chapter 2.
Thousand
Tons
30,160
27,730
21,910
13,490
12,910
7,510
7,040
7,030
6,860
5,760
5,420
4,960
4,850
4,270
4,260
3,830
3,610
3,450
3,250
3,140
3,100
3,100
2,810
2,330
2,170
2,130
1,940
1,870
1,820
1,780
1,540
1,520
1,270
1,110
970
810
860
830
760
750
670
470
460
220
190
50
216,970
146
Percent
of Total
13.9%
12.8%
10.1%
6.2%
6.0%
3.5%
3.2%
3.2%
3.2%
2.7%
2.5%
2.3%
2.2%
2.0%
2,0%
1.8%
1.7%
1.6%
1.5%
1.4%
1.4%
1.4%
1.3%
1.1%
1.0%
1.0%
0.9%
0.9%
0.8%
0.8%
0.7%
0.7%
0.6%
0.5%
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.3%
0.3%
0.2%
0.2%
0.1%
0.1%
<0.1%
100.0%
Cumulative
Percent
i
13.9,%
26.7%
36-3%
43.0%
48.9%
52.4%
55.7%
58.9%
62.1%
64.7%
67.2%
69.5,%
71-7%
73-7%
75.7;%
77.4%
79.1%
80.7%
82.2%
83.6(l%
85.1,%
86.5%
87.8%
88.9%
89.9%
90.8%
91.7%
92.6ft
93.4%
94.2%
95.0%
95.7%
96.2%
96.8%
97.2fo
97.6ft
98.0%
98.4J&
98.7ft
99.1%
99.4ft
"•6ft
99.8%
99.9%
100.0%
100.0%
-------
Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
Table B-6
RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 1997
ARRANGED IN DESCENDING ORDER BY WEIGHT
(In thousands of tons and percent of MSW recovery)
Corrugated boxes
Yard trimmings
Newspapers
Office-type papers
Major appliances
Steel cans and other packaging
Lead-acid batteries
Glass beer & soft drink bottles
Other commercial printing
Rubber tires
Standard (A) mail
Aluminum cans and other packaging
Glass food & other bottles
Clothing and footwear
Miscellaneous durables
Wood packaging
Food wastes*
Paper folding cartons
Magazines
Glass wine & liquor bottles
Paper bags and sacks
Plastic soft drink bottles
Plastic milk and other bottles
Plastic other containers
Books
Towels, sheets, and pillowcases
Directories
Plastic wraps
Other plastic packaging
Plastic bags and sacks
Carpets and rugs
Paper milk cartons
Small appliances
Total MSW Recovery
Thousand
Tons
20,290
11,490
7,370
3,570
2,320
1,890
1,660
1,550
1,130
950
950
940
930
760
690
590
580
560
500
440
280
270
210
200
200
130
70
50
50
40
20
10
10
60,700
Percent
of Total
33.4%
18.9%
12.1%
5.9%
3.8%
3.1%
2.7%
2.6%
1.9%
1.6%
1.6%
1.5%
1.5%
1.3%
1.1%
1.0%
1.0%
0.9%
0.8%
0.7%
0.5%
0.4%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.2%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
<0.1%
<0.1%
<0.1%
100.0%
Cumulative
Percent
33.4%
52.4%
64.5%
70.4%
74.2%
77.3%
80.0%
82.6%
84.5%
86.0%
87.6%
89.1%
90.7%
91.9%
93.1%
94.0%
95.0%
95.9%
96.7%
97.5%
97.9%
98.4%
98.7%
99.0%
99.4%
99.6%
99.7%
99.8%
99.9%
99.9%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
* Includes some recovery of paper for composting.
Source: Chapter 2.
147
-------
Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
Table B-7
DISCARDS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 1997
ARRANGED IN DESCENDING ORDER BY WEIGHT
(In thousands of tons and percent of discards)
Food wastes
Yard trimmings
Miscellaneous durables
Corrugated boxes
Furniture and furnishings
Wood packaging
Newspapers
Other commercial printing
Clothing and footwear
Paper folding cartons
Other nonpackaging paper
Standard (A) mail
Office-type papers
Miscellaneous npndurables
Glass beer & soft drink bottles
Rubber tires
Miscellaneous inorganic wastes
Disposable diapers
Tissue paper and towels
Glass food & other bottles
Other plastic packaging
Carpets and rugs
Plastic wraps
Magazines
Paper bags and sacks
Plastic bags and sacks
Glass wine & liquor bottles
Plastic other containers
Major appliances
Other paper packaging
Steel cans and other packaging
Aluminum cans and other packaging
Paper plates and cups
Books
Plastic plates and cups
Small appliances
Trash bags
Towels, sheets, and pillowcases
Plastic soft drink bottles
Plastic milk and other bottles
Paper milk cartons
Directories
Other paperboard packaging
Other miscellaneous packaging
Lead-acid batteries
Paper wraps
Total MSW Discards
Thousand
Tons
21,330
16,240
12,220
9,870
7,510
6,440
6,120
5,730
5,000
4,860
4,270
3,900
3,470
3,450
3,410
3,310
3,250
3,140
3,100
2,900
2,760
2,310
2,080
1,670
1,590
1,480
1,380
1,340
1,290
1,270
1,210
1,000
970
910
860
820
810
620
490
460
450
400
220
190
120
50
156,270
Percent
of Total
• •! II
13.6%
10.4%
7.8%
6.3%
4.8%
4.1%
3.9%
3.7%
3.2%
3.1%
2.7%
2.5%
2.2%
2.2% ;
2.2%
2.1%
2.1%
2.0%
2.0%
1.9%
1.8%
1.5%
1.3%
1.1%
1.0%
0.9%
0.9%
0.9%
0.8%
0.8%
0.8%
0.6%
0.6%
0.6%
0.6%
0.5%
0.5%
0.4%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
<0.1%
: 1
100.0%
Cumulative
Percent
13.6%
24.0%
31.9%
38.2%
43.0%
47.1%
51.0%
54.7%
57.9%
61.0%
63.7%
66.2%
68.4%
70.7%
72.8%
75.0%
77.0%
79.0%
81.0%
82.9%
84.6%
86.1%
87.5%
88.5%
89.5%
90.5%
91.4%
92.2%
93.1%
93.9%
94.6%
95.3%
95.9%
96.5%
97.0%
97.6%
98.1%
98.5%
98.8%
99.1%
99.4%
99.6%
99.8%
99.9%
100.0%
100.0%
Source: Chapter 2.
148
£ i.iiijliliU ,.
-------
Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
Table B-8
SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED DENSITY FACTORS
FOR LANDFILLED MATERIALS
Density
(Ib/cu yd)
Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Nondurable paper
Nondurable plastic
Disposable diapers
Diaper materials
Urine and feces
Rubber
Textiles
Miscellaneous nondurables
Containers and Packaging
Glass containers
Beer & soft drink bottles
Other containers
Steel Containers
Beer & soft drink cans
Food cans
Other packaging
Aluminum
Beer & soft drink cans
Other packaging
Paper and Paperboard
Corrugated
Other paperboard
Paper packaging
Plastics
Film
Rigid containers
Other packaging
Wood packaging
Other miscellaneous packaging
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
475
800
315
795
1,350
345
435
390
2,800
2,800
560
560
560
250
550
750
820
740
670
355
185
800
1,015
2,000
1,500
Reference: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United
States: 1994 Update." EPA/530-R-94-042. November 1994.
149
-------
Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
Table B-9
ESTIMATED VOLUME OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED
1997
Discards*
(thousand tons)
DURABLE GOODS
NONDURABLE GOODS
Newspapers
Books
Magazines
Office papers
Directories
Standard (A) mail
Other commercial printing
Tissue paper and towels
Paper plates and cups
Plastic plates and cups
Trash bags
Disposable diapers
Other nonpackaging paper
Clothing and footwear
Towels, sheets & pillowcases
Other misc. nondurables
Total Nondurable Goods
27,580
6,120
910
1,670
3,470
400
3,900
5,730
3,100
970
860
810
3,140
4,270
5,000
620
3,450
44,420
Weight
(%of
total)
17.6%
3.9%
0.6%
1.1%
2.2%
0.3%
2.5%
3.7%
2.0%
0.6%
0.6%
0.5%
2.0%
2.7%
3.2%
0.4%
2.2%
28.4%
Landfill
Density**
(Ib/cu yd)
475
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
355
670
1,150
800
435
435
390
699
IN MSW, 1997
Landfill
Volume***
(thousand cu yd)
116,126
ii
15,300
2,275
4,175
8,675
1,000
9,750
14,325
7,750
2,425
4,845
2,418
5,460
10,675
22,989
2,851
17,692
127,144
Volume
(%of
total)
27.5%
3.6%
0.5%
1.0%
2.1%
0.2%
2.3%
3.4%
1.8%
0.6%
1.1%
0.6%
1.3%
2.5%
5.4%
0.7%
4.2%
30.1%
CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING
Glass Packaging
Beer and soft drink
Wine and liquor
Food and other bottles & jars
Total Glass Packaging
Steel Packaging
Food and other cans
Other steel packaging
Total Steel Packaging
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and soft drink cans
Other cans
Foil and closures
Total Aluminum Pkg
Paper & Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated boxes
Milk cartons
Folding cartons
Other paperboard packaging
Bags and sacks
Wrapping paper
Other paper packaging
Total Paper & Board Pkg
1
3,410
1,380
2,900
7,690
1,130
80
1,210
620
50
330
1,000
9,870
450
4,860
220
1,590
50
1,270
18,310
1
2.2%
0.9%
1.9%
4.9%
0.7%
0.1%
0.8%
0.4%
0.0%
0.2%
0.6%
6.3%
0.3%
3.1%
0.1%
1.0%
0.0%
0.8%
11.7%
2,800
2,800
2,800
2,800
560
560
560
250
250
550
305
750
820
820
820
740
800
740
768
2,436
986
2,071
5,493
4,036
286
4,321
4,960
400
1,200
6,560
26,320
1.Q98
11,854
537
4,297
125
3,432
47,663
i
i
0.6%
0.2%
0.5%
1.3%
1.0%
0.1%
1.0%
1.2%
0.1%
0.3%
1.6%
6.2%
0.3%
2.8%
0.1%
1.0%
0.0%
0.8%
11.3%
(continued on next page)
150
-------
Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
Table B-9 (continued)
ESTIMATED VOLUME OF PRODUCTS DISCARDED IN MSW, 1997
Plastics Packaging
Soft drink bottles
Milk and other bottles
Other containers
Bags and sacks
Wraps
Other plastics packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood packaging
Other misc. packaging
1997
Discards*
(thousand tons)
490
460
1,340
1,480
2,080
2,760
8,610
6,440
190
Total Containers & Packaging 43,450
Total Product Waste f
Other Wastes
Food wastes
Yard trimmings
Miscellaneous inorganics
Total Other Wastes
TOTAL MSW DISCARDED
115,450
21,330
16,240
3,250
40,820
156,270
Weight
(%of
total)
0.3%
0.3%
0.9%
0.9%
1.3%
1.8%
5.5%
4.1%
0.1%
27.8%
73.9%
13.6%
10.4%
2.1%
26.1%
100%
Landfill
Density**
Gb/cu yd)
355
355
355
670
670
185
323
800
1,015
649
612
2,000
1,500
2,500
1,791
7391
Landfill
Volume***
(thousand cu yd)
2,761
2,592
7,549
4,418
6,209
29,838
53,366
16,100
374
133,877
377,148
21,330
21,653
2,600
45,583
422,731 *
Volume
(%of
total)
0.7%
0.6%
1.8%
1.0%
1.5%
7.1%
12.6%
3.8%
0.1%
31.7%
89.2%
5.0%
5.1%
0.6%
10.8%
100%
** From Table B-8.
*** This assumes that all waste discards are landfilled, but some are combusted.
t Other than food products.
$ This density factor and volume are derived by adding the individual factors. Actual landfill density
and densities of certain products may be considerably higher than shown (see discussion in text).
Source: Franklin Associates
The estimated volume of MSW discards by product (Table B-9) and material (Table
B-10), in cubic yards, was derived from Chapter 2 and Table B-8. (It is necessary to
characterize the volume of MSW discards rather than generation because discard estimates
most closely match the wastes received at a landfill, where the experimental data were
derived. Discards include the waste left after materials recovery and composting and before
combustion, landfilling, or other disposal.)
The data in Tables B-9 and B-10 are useful in comparing relative volumes of products
and materials in a landfill. However, caution is advised when using the data in these tables.
The density values in Table B-8 are based on sorted MSW materials. The intermingling of
different materials with different characteristics, as occurs in a landfill, results in filling more
air space than if the materials were landfilled individually (or apart from each other). For
example, mixing one cubic yard of paper with one cubic yard of plastic results in less than
two cubic yards of material. At best, the data in the tables may provide an indication of the
relative order of densities and volumes of the various waste components in a landfill.
151
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Appendix B: Additional Perspectives on Municipal Solid Waste
The calculated MSW landfill densities shown in Tables B-9 and B-10 are about 750
pounds per cubic yard, significantly less than what is typically reported in modern landfills.
Densities achieved in landfills that accept MSW are reported to vary between 700 and 1,600
pounds per cubic yard. A minimum initial compaction density of 1,000 pounds per cubic yard
is sometimes recommended in landfill operator training courses. As landfill depth increases,
the density of the waste increases. Higher densities are found in other solid wastes disposed
in landfills. The MSW discards density would, therefore, need to be higher than shown here
in order to achieve the landfill densities generally reported today.
Table B-10
ESTIMATED VOLUME OF MATERIALS DISCARDED IN MSW, 1997
Paper & Paperboard
Plastics
Textiles
Rubber & Leather
Ferrous Metals
Wood
Yard Trimmings
Food Wastes
Aluminum
Glass
Otherf
Totals
1997
Discards*
(thousand tons)
48,920
20,350
7,180
5,820
7,600
10,980
16,240
21,330
2,070
9,090
6,690
156,270
Weight
(%ofMSW
total)
31.3
13.0
4.6
3.7
4.9
7.0
10.4
13.6
1.3
5.8
4.3
100.0
Landfill
Density**
(Ib/cu yd)
795
370
410
355
570
850
1,500
2,000
380
2,500
2,100
743 $
Landfill
Volume***
(thousand cu yd)
1
123,069
110,000
35,024
32,789
26,667
25,835
21,653
21,330
10,895
7,272
6,371
420,906 $
Volume
(%ofMSW
total)
29.2
26.1
8.3
7.8
6.3
6.1
5.1
5.1
2.6
1.7
1.5
100.0
** Composite material density factors developed by Franklin Associates, Ltd.
*** This assumes that all waste discards are landfilled, but some are combusted.
t Found by difference to obtain total to match products table. Note: Results in this table and Table B-9
are not identical due to rounding differences.
t This density factor and volume are derived by adding the individual factors. Actual landfill density
and densities of certain materials may be considerably higher than shown (see discussion in text).
Source: Franklin Associates
152
-------
Appendix C: Recovery Scenarios for 2OOO and 2OO5
Appendix C
RECOVERY SCENARIOS FOR 2000 AND 2005
Because of the rapidly changing situation and uncertainty in the available data,
projections of materials recovery were made in scenarios that could achieve different rates of
recovery in 2000 and 2005. Scenarios were developed for total MSW recovery rates of 30
and 32 percent recovery rates in 2000; and 32 and 35 percent recovery rates in 2005. These
scenarios are based on recovery of postconsumer MSW and do not include industrial scrap.
Also, estimates for composting of food wastes and yard trimmings are including in these
scenarios.
The recovery scenarios developed for this report describe sets of conditions that could
achieve the selected range of recovery rates. The scenarios are not intended to predict exact
recovery rates for any particular material; there are many ways in which a selected overall
recovery rate could be achieved.
Discussion of Assumptions
Some general assumptions and principles were used in making the recovery estimates:
• Recovery for recycling includes composting. Recovered materials are assumed to have
been removed from the municipal waste stream.
• It was assumed that local, state, and federal agencies will continue to emphasize
recycling, including composting, as MSW management alternatives.
• It was assumed that present state deposit laws will remain in place, but that no additional
deposit legislation for containers would be enacted.
• It was assumed that affected industries will continue to emphasize recovery and recycling
programs, and will make the necessary investments to achieve higher recycling rates.
• It was assumed that the current trend toward diverting certain yard trimmings in landfills
will continue to 2000 and beyond, providing stimulus for composting programs and for
source reduction of yard trimmings by citizens.
• It was assumed that, for most materials, there will be adequate end-user capacity to utilize
all recovered materials that could reasonably be recovered. As discussed above, this may
depend upon worldwide economic conditions.
• A majority of U.S. citizens will have access to recovery options before 2000. These
options will include curbside collection, drop-off and buy-back centers, and, in some
instances, mixed waste processing facilities. Recovery will continue to increase as more
recovery systems come on-line.
153
-------
Appendix C: Recovery Scenarios for 2000 and 2005
• In spite of the factors encouraging more recovery as enumerated above, many areas of the
U.S. are thinly populated and/or remote from ready markets for recovered materials;
many of these areas also have adequate landfill capacity. Therefore, the overall recovery
rate for the entire country may not reflect the higher rates achieved in communities where
conditions are favorable for recycling, including composting.
• •'• , ,, i
• Because of a maturing of the recycling/composting infrastructure and current poor market
conditions, the rate of increase in recycling will be slower that that experienced in the
earlier 1990s.
The ranges of projected recovery assumptions for the various materials in MSW
are shown for 2000 and 2005 in Table C-l and Table C-2, respectively. Assumed
recovery rates were based on existing recovery rates in 1997, with projected growth that
seemed reasonably achievable nationwide for the period of time under consideration.
Projections for each product in MSW were made separately, and the results were
aggregated, with some minor adjustments to achieve the selected scenarios for each year.
It is certainly possible (indeed, probable) that any given material will be recovered at
higher or lower rates than those given here, but the scenarios illustrate how the selected
recovery rates could be reached.
154
-------
Appendix C: Recovery Scenarios for 200O and 2OO5
Table C-l
SCENARIOS FOR RECOVERY OF MSW, 2000
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
30% Recovery
Products
Durable Goods
Major Appliances (ferrous metals only)
Rubber Tires
Batteries, lead acid
Nonferrous metals
Plastics
Misc. Durables (ferrous metals only)
Other Durables
Total Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Newspapers
Books
Magazines
Office- type Papers
Directories
Standard (A) Mail
Other Commercial Printing
Other Nondurable Paper
Textiles, Footwear
Other Nondurables
Total Nondurable Goods
Containers and Packaging
Glass Containers
Steel Containers & Pkg
Aluminum Packaging
Paper & Paperboard Packaging
Corrugated Containers
Other Packaging
Total Paper & Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
Soft Drink Bottles
Milk Bottles
Other Containers
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc. Packaging
Total Containers & Packaging
Total Product Waste*
Other Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Food Wastes
Other Wastes
TOTAL MSW
Generation
2,720
4,270
890
80
4,380
23,250
35,590
13,560
1,190
2,540
7,420
490
5,080
7,150
8,530
6,950
9,280
62,190
10,350
3,090
2,250
32,210
9,480
41,690
770
740
1,650
6,830
9,990
8,950
180
76,500
174,280
23,000
22,550
3,400
223,230
Tons
2,350
1,000
860
75
480
600
5,365
7,800
240
680
3,800
80
1,100
1,200
50
1,150
90
16,190
3,400
1,900
1,280
21,800
1,500
23,300
290
250
270
400
1,210
1,200
0
32,290
53,845
12,000
1,100
0
66,945
%
86.4%
23.4%
96.6%
93.8%
11.0%
2.6%
15.1%
57.5%
20.2%
26.8%
51.2%
16.3%
21.7%
16.8%
0.6%
16.5%
1.0%
26.0%
32.9%
61.5%
56.9%
67.7%
15.8%
55.9%
37.7%
33.8%
16.4%
5.9%
12.1%
13.4%
0.0%
42.2%
30.9%
52.2%
4.9%
0.0%
30.0%
32% Recovery
Tons
2,400
1,100
870
75
600
800
5,845
8,200
280
720
4,000
100
1,300
1,400
100
1,300
100
17,500
3,800
2,090
1,320
22,500
1,800
24,300
320
300
290
480
1,390
1,400
0
34,300
57,645
12,400
1,300
0
71,345
%
88.2%
25.8%
97.8%
93.8%
13.7%
3.4%
16.4%
60.5%
23.5%
28.3%
53.9%
20.4%
25.6%
19.6%
1.2%
18.7%
1.1%
28.1%
36.7%
67.6%
58.7%
69.9%
19.0%
58.3%
41.6%
40.5%
17.6%
7.0%
13.9%
15.6%
0.0%
44.8%
33.1%
53.9%
5.8%
0.0%
32.0%
Other than food products.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
155
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Appendix C: Recovery Scenarios for 2000 and 2005
Table C-2
SCENARIOS FOR RECOVERY OF MSW, 2005
(In thousands of tons and percent of generation)
Products
Durable Goods
Major Appliances (ferrous metals only)
Rubber Tires
Batteries, lead acid
Nonferrous metals
Plastics
Misc. Durables (ferrous metals only)
Other Durables
Total Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Newspapers
Books
Magazines
Office- type Papers
Directories
Standard (A) Mail
Other Commercial Printing
Other Nondurable Paper
Textiles, Footwear
Other Nondurables
Total Nondurable Goods
Containers and Packaging
Glass Containers
Steel Containers & Pkg
Aluminum Packaging
Paper & Paperboard Packaging
Corrugated Containers
Other Packaging
Total Paper & Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
Soft Drink Bottles
Milk Bottles
Other Containers
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc. Packaging
Total Containers & Packaging
Total Product Waste
Other Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Food Wastes, other
Other Wastes
TOTAL MSW
* Other than food products.
Details may not add to totals due to rounding.
Source: Franklin Associates
Generation
2,620
4,610
930
80
4,760
25,960
38,960
13,750
1,400
3,050
8,020
590
5,510
7,500
9,400
8,110
10,350
67,680
9,580
3,140
2,460
35,840
9,650
45,490
920
880
1,810
8,120
11,730
10,180
190
82,770
189,410
23,000
23,480
3,650
239,540
156
32%
Tons
2,300
1,200
900
75
800
1,400
6,675
8,600
280
800
4,200
90
1,300
1,300
100
1,400
100
18,170
3,500
2,200
1,500
24,400
1,750
26,150
500
330
310
500
1,640
2,000
0
36,990
61,835
12,500
2,400
0
76,735
Recovery
%
87.8%
26.0%
96.8%
93.8%
16.8%
5.4%
17.1%
62.5%
20.0%
26.2%
52.4%
15.3%
23.6%
17.3%
1.1%
17.3%
1.0%
26.8%
36.5%
70.1%
61.0%
68.1%
18.1%
57.5%
54.3%
37.5%
17.1%
6.2%
14.0%
19.6%
0.0%
44.7%
32.6%
54.3%
10.2%
0.0%
32.0%
35%
Tons
"
2.4QO
1,350
1
910
76
900
2,000
7,636
8,950
320
1,000
4,500
100
1,500
1,500
150
1,700
100
19,820
3,800
2,350
1,600
26,000
2,200
28,200
550
400
340
600
1,890
2,300
0
40,140
67,596
II
13,200
3,100
0
83,896
Recovery
%
'
91.6%
29.3%
97.8%
95.0%
18.9%
7.7%
19.6%
65.1%
22.9%
32.8%
56.1%
16.9%
27.2%
20.0%
1.6%
21.0%
1.0%
29.3%
39.7%
74.8%
65.0%
72.5%
22.8%
62.0%
59.8%
45.5%
18.8%
7.4%
16.1%
22.6%
0.0%
48.5%
35.7%
• '
57.4%
13.2%
0.0%
35.0%
-------
Appendix D: Estimates of Residential/Commercial Wastes
Appendix D
ESTIMATES OF RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL WASTES
A classification of products in municipal solid waste into residential and commercial
fractions is shown in Table D-1. These allocations were made by Franklin Associates on a
"best judgement" basis. The allocations have been reviewed previously in earlier editions of
this EPA report and for a 1994 report for Keep American Beautiful, which was extensively
reviewed by public and private sector experts in municipal solid waste management.
Residential waste as defined here includes wastes from multi-family dwellings
(apartments) because the nature of the wastes is similar to those generated from single-
family dwellings. (Yard trimmings would be an exception.) It should be noted, however,
that waste haulers typically classify multi-family wastes as "commercial" because these
wastes are generally collected by the same vehicles used for other commercial wastes.
Since the first allocation in 1994, major appliances and rubber tires were
reallocated primarily to the commercial sector, because that is typically where they enter
the solid waste management system. For example, a refrigerator would be used in a
private residence, but typically would be picked up by a dealer when a new refrigerator is
installed. It then would typically go to a scrap dealer for shredding and recovery of
metals.
Based on the analysis, a range of 55 to 65 percent of total generation for residential
wastes and 35 to 45 percent for commercial wastes is shown
157
-------
Appendix D: Estimates of Residential/Commercial Wastes
Table D-l
WORKSHEET FOR ESTIMATES OF
RESroENTIAL/COMMERCIAL FRACTIONS OF MSW, 1997
Durable Goods
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets and Rugs
Rubber Tires
Batteries, lead acid
Miscellaneous Durables
Total Durable Goods
Nondurable Goods
Newspapers
Books
Magazines
Office Papers
Directories
Standard (A) Mail*
Other Commercial Printing
Tissue Paper and Towels
Paper Plates and Cups
Plastic Plates and Cups
Trash Bags
Disposable Diapers
Other Nonpackaging Paper
Clothing and Footwear
Towels, Sheets and Pillowcases
Other Miscellaneous Nondurables
Total Nondurable Goods
Containers and Packaging
Glass Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Bottles
Wine and Liquor Bottles
Food and Other Bottles & Jars
Total Glass Packaging
Steel Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Food and Other Cans
Other Steel Packaging
Total Steel Packaging
Aluminum Packaging
Beer and Soft Drink Cans
Other Cans
Foil and Closures
Total Aluminum Packaging
1997
Generation
Thousand tons
3,610
830
7,510
2,330
4,260
1,780
12,910
33,230
13,490
1,120
2,160
7,000
470
4,850
6,920
3,100
970
860
810
3,140
4,250
5,760
750
3,450
59,100
4,960
1,820
3,830
10,610
0
2,860
240
3,100
1,530
50
360
1,940
Residential
'ercent
10
95
80
80
5
5
80
85
80
65
25
60
65
65
60
20
20
95
90
50
60
90
50
80
80
85
80
85
5
80
50
90
Tons
361
789
6,008
1,864
213
89
10,328
19,652
11,467
896
1,404
1,750
282
3,153
4,498
1,860
194
172
770
2,826
2,125
3,456
675
1,725
37,252
3,968
1,456
3,256
8,680
0
2,431
12
2,443
1,224
25
324
1,573
Commercial
'ercent
90
5
20
20
95
95
20
15
20
35
75
40
35
35
40
80
80
5
10
50
40
10
50
20
20
15
20
15
95
20
50
10
Tons
3,249
42
1,502
466
4,047
1,691
2,582
13,579
2,024
224
756
5,250
188
1,698
2,422
1,240
776
688
41
314
2,125
2,304
75
1,725
21,849
992
364
575
1,931
0
429
228
657
306
25
36
367
(continued on next page)
158
-------
Appendix D: Estimates of Residential/Commercial Wastes
Table D-l (continued)
WORKSHEET FOR ESTIMATES OF
RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL FRACTIONS OF MSW, 1997
Paper & Paperboard Pkg
Corrugated Boxes
Milk Cartons
Folding Cartons
Other Paperboard Packaging
Bags and Sacks
Wrapping Papers
Other Paper Packaging
Total Paper & Board Pkg
Plastics Packaging
Soft Drink Bottles
Milk Bottles
Other Containers
Bags and Sacks
Wraps
Other Plastics Packaging
Total Plastics Packaging
Wood Packaging
Other Misc. Packaging
Total Containers & Pkg
Total Product Wastes
Other Wastes
Food Wastes
Yard Trimmings
Miscellaneous Inorganic Wastes
Total Other Wastes
Total MSW Generated
Range
1997
Generation
Thousand tons
30,160
460
5,420
220
1,870
50
1,270
39,450
750
670
1,540
1,520
2,130
2,820
9,430
7,030
190
71,750
164,080
21,910
27,730
3,250
52,890
216,970
Residential
Percent
10
50
60
50
90
90
70
80
95
80
90
80
80
0
70
50
90
50
57
55-65
Tons
3,016
230
3,252
110
1,683
45
889
9,225
600
637
1,232
1,368
1,704
2,256
7,797
0
133
29,850
86,753
10,955
24,957
1,625
37,537
124,290
Commercial
Percent
90
50
40
50
10
10
30
20
5
20
10
20
20
100
30
50
10
50
43
35-45
Tons
27,144
230
2,168
110
187
5
381
30,225
150
34
308
152
426
564
1,634
7,030
57
41,900
77,327
10,955
2,773
1,625
15,353
92,680
* Formerly called Third Class Mail by the U.S. Postal Service.
Source: Franklin Associates
159
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United States
Environmental Protection Agency
(5305W)
Washington, DC 20460
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
$300
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