Waste Reduction & Composting

Why Composting Yard & Kitchen Wastes Helps

Pennsylvania's goal is to recycle 35% of municipal waste – composting helps!

Fast Facts

  • The National Composting Council estimates the average U.S. household generates 650 pounds of compostables every year.
  • Limited landfill space should be reserved for materials that cannot be recycled or composted.
  • Garbage handling is the fourth-largest expense for many cities. Composting can help reduce these costs.
  • 34% of landfilled waste in Pennsylvania is food and another 30% is paper.
Solid Waste Production Graph (PDF)