 |
Solid WasteThis indicator tracks the amount of solid waste produced in Washington each year. Solid Waste includes all of the discards from homes and businesses, and also other waste types from activities such as manufacturing, construction and environmental clean-ups. Solid wastes are either landfilled, incinerated, or diverted to other uses such as recycling. Some end up as litter or otherwise illegally dumped. 
Download data: Solid Waste Generated in Washington: 1999-2005.xls The amount of Solid Waste generated in Washington State increased steadily between 1999 and 2005. The average amount of garbage (including recyclables) produced by each person in the state increased by 5.3 percent from 2004 to 2005 (from an average of 7.5 pounds of waste per person each day in 2004, to an average of 7.9 pounds a day in 2005). In 2005, residents and businesses in Washington generated almost 18 million tons of solid waste. Why should we be concerned about how much solid waste is generated?The amount of solid waste generated represents wasted energy and resources and money spent on goods and services that may have provided a benefit in their useful life, but ultimately end up as an environmental and economic cost. What are the benefits of reducing the amount of solid waste generated?
What are some Beyond Waste Actions being taken to decrease solid waste generation in Washington?Ecology (in partnership with other organizations) is:
Want more information on Solid Waste Generation in Washington?Department of Ecology's Solid Waste and Recycling Data Beyond Waste Plan - Current Solid Waste Issues Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Solid Waste and Recycling Indicator |
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
|
|
