Composition of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States and Implications for Carbon Sequestration and Methane Yield

Abstract

Eleven statewide waste characterization studies were compared to assess variation in the quantity and composition of waste after separation of recyclable and compostable materials, i.e., discarded waste. These data were also used to assess the impact of varying composition on sequestered carbon and methane yield. Inconsistencies in the designation of waste component categories and definitions were the primary differences between study methodologies; however, sampling methodologies were consistent with recommended protocols. The average municipal solid waste (MSW) discard rate based on the statewide studies was