The USA generates more waste than any other nation

We produce more than 267 million tons each year of municipal solid waste (MSW) which goes into our landfills, and the landfills are getting full. 75-80% of MSW is comprised of organic waste. When organic waste is disposed into landfills it decomposes over time, creating greenhouse gases that remain in our atmosphere between 50-200 years.   

Plastics are a rapidly growing segment of MSW and are found in non-durable products, such as disposable diapers, trash bags, cups, utensils, medical devices, and household items like shower curtains. Plastic resins are also used in a variety of container and packaging products, such as beverage bottles, milk jugs, water bottles, and grocery bags. Plastic bottles take 450 years to decompose in a landfill, other plastic items may take up to 1000 years to decompose in a landfill.