Americans generate trash at a rate of four pounds per day, per person. This translates to staggering 600,000 tons per day and 210 million tons per year, which is almost twice as much per person as most other countries. So what happens to all that trash? One of three things:
The next time you throw something away, consider where it’s going and how long it will be there. Remember, if you can recycle or reuse, you’re not just saving materials, you’re saving the environment and valuable landfill space. Check out Advanced Disposal's Recycling Facts and Trivia and see what you can do to help. You can also learn more about Landfills and where your trash goes after it leaves your house.
Compost
When organic material decomposes, it changes into a soil-like material called compost. Composting is a natural form of recycling that reduces the amount of waste requiring disposal, while also creating nutrient-rich soil that improves soil structure, texture, aeration, water retention, erosion control, soil fertility, proper pH balance and healthy root development.
Since yard and food waste make up 30 percent of the waste stream in the United States, composting organic waste leaves a lot of much-needed room in landfills for other waste.
For information on how to create your own compost pile, click here.