Solid Waste in New England

Solid Waste

We generate 245.7 million tons of solid waste or 4.54 pounds per person per day in the United States. Although the amount of solid waste generated each year has been increasing since 1960, the rate of growth recently has slowed, a result of source reduction, reuse, recycling and composting. In 2005, 32.1% of the waste generated was recycled or composted. (Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2005 Facts and Figures (PDF) (164 pp., 2.45 MB, about PDF)) EPA’s national solid waste goal is to recycle 35% of the waste stream by the year 2008 (Resource Conservation Challenge Action Plan)

At EPA New England, we are working to reduce the amount of solid waste being disposed through the promotion of source reduction, reuse, recycling and composting activities. Our current areas of focus are the diversion and composting of food waste, construction and demolition debris, and electronics (computers, monitors, TVs). We fund grants and disseminate information to many organizations, agencies and citizens to help make our goals a reality.

Use the links and contacts below to access a wide range of useful information.

Contact us:
Christine Beling (beling.christine@epa.gov) Electronics 617-918-1792		Robert Guillemin (guillemin.robert@epa.gov) Environmentally Preferable Products 617-918-1814
The Resource Conservation Challenge is a national program that was launched on September 9, 2002 to increase the national recycling rate to 35% and cut the generation of 31 priority chemicals.

State Programs & Other Organizations State agencies, regional associations, and more   National EPA Solid Waste Programs Web sites and other information             Reuse in New England A resource guide to donation opportunities for businesses, local governments, and residents.   Grants & Cooperative Agreements             Special Topics: • Auto Salvage/Recycling • Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) • Composting • Green Buildings • Construction & Demolition Debris • Scrap Tires • Electronic Waste