Awhile back when I was doing my close to zero waste challenge, I started becoming hyper-aware of just how much TRASH we generate without really even thinking about it. While the challenge is over, I still make quite a few decisions based on the amount of packaging something has {though, admittedly, my no-buying anything for a year has helped significantly cut-down a lot of my worries}. So, when I stumbled on a Treehugger article that broke down the amount of garbage we generate per person, I was totally floored. {See the original findings from Save on Energy HERE}.
First off, let me just say, way to go Idaho! They are generating waaaay less garbage per person than most states at about 4.1 tons of trash per person per year {followed by North Dakota at 5.2}. Second, I couldn’t help but wonder what the difference is between the states?! What are the different states consuming to create such a HUGE difference in the amount of garbage they are generating? Maybe states with high levels of tourism and industry generate more garbage than states without? Any other ideas?
The article highlights a couple of additional statistics:
- The average American produces about 4.4 pounds of trash per day.
- There are roughly 22 billion plastic bottles thrown out yearly.
- It is estimated recycling “prevented 87.2 million tons” from hitting the landfills in 2013.
There are quite a few more interesting little tidbits, so I totally recommend popping over and checking out the article.
How does your state rate?
~Mavis
Debbie says
Recycling really helps. I recycle what I can and we never completely fill up trash barrel. Our neighbor with the same size family has to pay for extra trash can because they have so much trash.(They don’t usually recycle unless it is something like shipping boxes.)
Sue V says
Some areas allow for burning garbage. Perhaps that what’s happening in Idaho? I think it’s really helpful to have places like Goodwill to recycle clothing, electronics, etc.
Helen in idaho says
We are not allowed to burn trash here in Meridian. When I smell leaves burning somewhere in late October, I think, that’s against the law. Then I remember how wonderful that smell is. We do recycle here every 2 weeks the recycle truck comes, and every week the garbage truck comes.
Tammy says
We moved from Michigan to South Carolina. Both states are right in the middle.
Something that has frustrated me greatly since moving is how hard it is to be “green” in our current town. The town we moved from in Michigan had a pay-per-tip system and we only put our small can out to the curb every 3 or 4 weeks. We also had free recycling and we had a compost bin in our back yard. When we moved to SC we were in an apartment and while the trash was “free” with our rent, the apartment didn’t have recycling and of course no compost. It was a very small apartment with a penchant for roaches (!!!) so I didn’t have room or desire to store recycling till I could take it somewhere. Now we have purchased a house and we have to pay a flat rate for trash service and we have to pay for recycling. We currently are not paying for recycling because we’re trying to keep our bills down. There is a drop off place not too far away but again – we don’t have a super great place to store recycling! And they don’t take glass! So…I’m just trying to figure things out because I hate sending stuff to a landfill when it could be composted or recycled!
Libby says
Interesting that 40% of the states with the least trash are in New England. Connecticut has had a “bottle bill” for over 35 years – meaning a deposit is paid when anything in a can or bottle is purchased and the amount is refunded when the container is returned….I know this because I was MORTIFIED at my high school graduation when my mother stopped to pick up an empty can and put it in her purse – “but dear, it IS a nickel. Would you leave money lying on the ground?!”
Recycling is huge here in CT as is putting stuff at the end of your driveway with a “free” sign on it!
I’m also wondering about the frugal Yankee spirit that hates paying for unnecessary utilities so keep the trash down to keep the trash bill down.
Burning has been outlawed in southern NE states for approximately 45 years due to air quality impact.
Thanks for an interesting article Mavis!
Elise says
Wow. Amazing. Here at our house in California our family of 2 adults and 2 girls age 7 and 10 we generate about 1 paper grocery back of garbage a week. I know that’s low, but I had no idea HOW low.
We do recycle all paper (I pull paper off of plastic packaging when I can and recycle it) and other recyclables, and we have a green can that is composted by the sanitation company (but we also have a disposal, so the compost doesn’t really reduce our garbage haul by much, but it’s a GREAT service!).
We have the 2nd-smallest can possible (32 gallons) and almost NEVER fill it up (remember, it’s just usually one full grocery bag sitting in there all by itself), but we will this week and next week because we just got 2 new lamps, and they were shipped in DISGUSTING white styrofoam that pills everywhere and can’t go anywhere except the black (landfill) can 🙁 Our bill is based only on the size of the black (landfill) can. The recycling and compost/yard waste cans can be any size for the same price, so that makes is a no-brainer to recycle. In a typical week we probably recycle as much or more (paper and plastics/glass combined) than we generate in trash. but I still don’t think it would all fill the black can added together. The key to recycling and compost is OBVIOUSLY making it convenient. As others have said, it’s not convenient, nor budget-friendly, to recycle in some places. My area is very proactive, which I appreciate, but it’s clearly not the norm in my state 🙁
Christy says
I became ‘that person’ last week when I called our local teriyaki place and asked if I could bring in my own containers for take out.. They said Yes! just bring in the next 10 mins or so. I sent the husband down with a load of glass-ware with lids and he came home with probably more food than would have come home in the Styrofoam containers they usually use! I have also learned at my favorite sushi spot to let them know the kids can handle a ‘real’ glass instead of a paper cup with plastic lid and straw for water! trying to find little ways to reduce, recycle, reuse!
bobbi dougherty says
I am seriously surprised at Florida. We have so many theme parks and casimos…not sure they recycle like the normal person would, but who knows.
GardenNut says
I live in Idaho. One of the things that helps, I think, is that for those of us not in the cities, there is no trash man. You take your own trash to the dump when you feel like it. So you are only ever doing dump runs when you need to and not locking into the idea of filling up a can every week or whatever. We drive down once a month or so.
Miriam says
Wait, wait, wait… Oregon with their mandatory recycling has more garbage per capita than Utah, a voluntary recycle state? How does that even work.
I am also surprised to see California near the top of the bad list with all of their policies and regulations.
Carrie says
I love Edward Hume’s book Garbology. I wish you would add it to your reading list and promote it.
https://www.amazon.com/Garbology-Dirty-Love-Affair-Trash/dp/1583335234/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473363113&sr=8-1&keywords=garbology
Idaho Girl says
That book tells how wasteful we are and it’s shocking. I traveled around Idaho, Wyoming and the Dakota’s this summer. There is no place to recycle when you’re on the road. Gas stations and motels should get with it! I ended up with a bag of recycling in my trunk that I took back home to Idaho.
I think Subaru advertises “there is no away” when you throw things away.