An important environmental challenge facing the United States (US) is management of municipal solid waste (MSW). In 1996, the US generated 210 million tons of MSW; 1 per-capita MSW generation rates have risen throughout most of the last decade. At the same time, the US recognizes climate change as a potentially serious issue, and is embarking on a number of actions to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) that can cause it. This report examines how the two issues MSW management and climate change are related, by presenting material specific GHG emission factors for various waste management options. Among the efforts to slow the potential for climate change are measures to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from energy use, reduce methane emissions, and change forestry practices to promote long-term storage of carbon in trees. Different management options for MSW provide many opportunities to affect these same processes, directly or indirectly. This report integrates, for the first time, a wealth of information on GHG implications of various MSW management options for some of the most common materials in MSW and for mixed MSW and mixed recyclables. The report's findings may be used to support voluntary reporting of emission reductions from waste management practices.

"September 1998." Prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under EPA Contract No. 68-W6-0029. "EPA530-R-98-013."--Cover. Includes bibliographical references and statistics.