History
How much trash does an American produce a day?
The average American generates about 4.9 pounds (2.2 kg) of trash a day, over 800 kg a year.
Source: US EPA, Facts and Figures (2018 data) (2018).
Context
About 4.9 pounds, or 2.2 kg, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency's figures for 2018. Over a year that is more than 800 kg per person.
The figure counts municipal solid waste: household rubbish, not industrial or construction waste. Some of it is recycled or composted; the rest is landfilled or burned.
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