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In 2005, 245.7 million tons of municipal solid
waste or MSW (more commonly known as trash or garbage) were
generated in the United States. Organic materials—comprised
of yard
trimmings, food
scraps, wood
waste, and paper
and paperboard products—are the largest component
of our trash and make up more than two-thirds of the solid
waste stream.
Reducing, reusing, recycling, and rebuying—the four "Rs"—is key to diverting organic materials from landfills or incinerators and protecting human health and our land, air, and water. Waste reduction and recycling prevents greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, reduces pollutants, saves energy, conserves resources, and reduces the need for new disposal facilities.
This Web site provides information on organic materials, including
- Yard Trimmings — information about collection and recovery of yard trimmings
- Food Scraps — information about environmentally sound food waste management
- Wood Waste — information about wood waste recovery, reuse, and recycling
- Reducing & Recycling — creative ways to reduce and better manage organic materials
- Voluntary Initiatives — several partnerships and projects geared toward reducing and recycling organic materials.
- Resources — additional sources of information, including publications and case studies.