| Abstract |
This report describes the national municipal solid waste (MSW) stream based on data collected from 1960 through 1999. The historical perspective is useful for establishing trends in types of MSW generated and in the ways it is managed. In this Executive Summary, we briefly describe the methodology used to characterize MSW in the United States, and provide the latest facts and figures on MSW generation, source reduction, recycling, and disposal. Details regarding the characterization of municipal solid waste are presented in Chapters 2 through 4. In this report, we are providing estimates for source reduction (waste prevention) for the first time. Also, we are providing additional detail on generation, recycling, and disposal of consumer electronics products. This consumer electronics information is briefly summarized in the Executive Summary and in Chapter 2, with additional detail in Appendix B. |
