The U.S. EPA's 2018 report highlights major progress in waste management and recycling. The nation generated 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste, recycling over 69 million tons -- with paper and paperboard making up nearly 67% of total recycling. Recycling rates for paper reached 68.2%, cutting 155 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions, equal to removing 33 million cars from the road. While plastics and food waste still dominate landfills, overall recycling and energy recovery have grown, and landfilling has dropped to 50%, marking steady progress toward sustainability.
Ottawa, Nov. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2018 data on materials, waste, and recycling reveals significant progress and shifting trends in how the nation generates and manages municipal solid waste (MSW). The report showcases growing recycling efforts, improved resource recovery, and notable environmental benefits, particularly from paper and paperboard recycling, according to research conducted by Towards Packaging, a sister firm of Precedence Research.
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Evolving Waste Generation and Management Trends
Over the past several decades, the landscape of waste generation and management in the U.S. has changed dramatically. Total MSW generation rose from 88.1 million tons in 1960 to 292.4 million tons in 2018, reflecting population growth and changing consumption patterns.
Although there was a slight 1% decline between 2005 and 2010, waste generation rebounded by 7% from 2010 to 2017, largely due to the inclusion of new food management pathways added by the EPA.
On a per capita basis, the generation rate increased from 2.68 pounds per person per day in 1960 to 4.9 pounds per person per day in 2018 an 8% rise from 2017.
Recycling and composting have seen consistent growth, expanding from 6% of total MSW in 1960 to 35% in 2017, before slightly dipping to 32.1% in 2018. Meanwhile, energy recovery from waste has become more common, growing from virtually zero in 1960 to 12% in 2018. Landfilling has steadily declined, falling from 94% of total waste in 1960 to just 50% in 2018, underscoring the nation's progress toward waste diversion and sustainability.
The recycling landscape has improved significantly over the decades:
These improvements reflect advances in recycling systems, broader consumer participation, and growing environmental awareness.
Paper and Material Recycling Performance and Environmental Impact in 2018
Recycling these materials led to a reduction of over 155 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO₂E) the greatest impact among all material categories. To put this into perspective, this reduction is equivalent to removing more than 33 million cars from the road for one year, demonstrating the strong environmental benefits of paper recycling.
The 2018 data underscores the importance of sustained efforts in waste management and recycling. As recycling infrastructure improves and public participation grows, the U.S. continues to make progress toward reducing landfill dependence, conserving resources, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
The success of paper and metal recycling illustrates how targeted material recovery efforts can yield substantial climate and sustainability benefits. Continued investment in recycling technology, public awareness, and circular economy strategies will be key to building a cleaner, more resource-efficient future.
Towards Packaging is a global consulting and market intelligence firm specializing in strategic research across key packaging segments including sustainable, flexible, smart, biodegradable, and recycled packaging. We empower businesses with actionable insights, trend analysis, and data-driven strategies. Our experienced consultants use advanced research methodologies to help companies of all sizes navigate market shifts, identify growth opportunities, and stay competitive in the global packaging industry.
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