Waste is a global issue. From electronic devices to unused food, a lot of what is thrown away ends up in a landfill. While concerted efforts are being made across the globe to incorporate recycling initiatives, these endeavors can quickly go astray when rubbish isn’t handled with the correct care and attention.
This comprehensive guide takes a closer look at the question posed in the headline: how much do we waste? The article also details where it ends up, how recycling and other solutions can help with the problem and how businesses can manage waste. With how waste continues to mount up, tacking the problem head-on is crucial–otherwise, the environmental impact it provokes will have further consequences for the planet.
How Much Do We Throw Away?
To get a greater idea about waste and the concern it poses, it’s essential to take a closer look at just how much is thrown away. There are many different forms of waste, with some of the main culprits including:
- Electronic devices
- Hazardous materials
- Discarded food
- Plastic
- Paper and paperboard
- Textiles
- Metal
- Wood
If this waste isn’t correctly managed, there’s ultimately only one destination it will end up: a landfill. Add in factors such as population growth, the continued demand for disposable products and the short shelf life for everything from smartphones to sneakers, and there are many reasons why waste continues to build at an alarming rate.
The following statistics help to illustrate the worrying picture.
Waste Statistics
Whether you’re analyzing global figures or centering on the United States, the situation is far from healthy—and that’s putting it mildly. Waste is a massive issue, and the following statistics demonstrate why this is the case.
Read more: How Much Do We Waste? A Data-Driven Guide to Waste and Landfills
