The Environment | How Much Garbage Does The Average American Generate?
How much garbage does the average American generate?
According to one study, each American produces about 230 million tons of refuse a year. That's 5.1 pounds (2.3 kilograms) per person a day or about 1,900 pounds (863 kilograms) per year. Another survey reported that a typical suburban family of three generated 40 pounds (18 kilograms) of garbage weekly, with the percentages of various components presented below:
| Type of solid waste | Percent |
| Aluminum | 1 |
| Polystyrene meat trays, cups, egg cartons, and packing | 3 |
| Disposable diapers | 3 |
| Wood, textiles, old clothing | 5 |
| Metal cans and nails | 5 |
| Plastic soda bottles and bags | 5 |
| Glass | ...
[The entire page is 511 words long]
Navigate
