Page 58 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

36 BACKGROUND AND FUNDAMENTALS OF SOLID WASTE ANALYSIS AND MINIMIZATION

Trends in total MSW generation (1960 to 2000)
300

250

200
Tons (millions) 150

100

50

0
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Year
Figure 2.3 Annual U.S. trends in total MSW generation.

manufacture, or use of products and materials to reduce the amount and toxicity of
what gets thrown away. Recycling diverts items, such as paper, glass, plastic, and met-
als, from the waste stream. These materials are sorted, collected, and processed and
then manufactured, sold, and bought as new products. Composting decomposes

Trends in per capita MSW generation (1960 to 2000)
5

4.5
Per capita generation (lb/person/day) 3.5
4

3

2.5
2

1.5

1
0.5

0
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Year
Figure 2.4 Annual U.S. trends in per capita MSW generation.