The latest Municipal Solid Waste in Texas: A Year in Review 2024 report from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality delivered some important insights about trash in our state. Texas disposed of 1 million more tons of waste than the previous year. This means that the average Texan is responsible for 7.24 pounds of trash per day.
That’s a lot of garbage. But with awareness and action, every Texan can help reduce waste statewide.
Municipal solid waste consists of everyday items that are thrown away, such as product packaging, yard trimmings, furniture, clothing, bottles and cans, food scraps, newspapers, and appliances. Sources include residential waste, as well as waste from commercial and institutional locations, such as restaurants, grocery stores, businesses, schools, and hospitals.
Texas manages a particularly large and complex waste stream. Facilities in Texas accept waste from other states and even other countries, and it tracks more types of materials as waste than as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Every small action adds up. Together, we can reduce the amount of trash going to landfills.
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle & Compost
Spread the Word
Every pound of waste avoided, reused, or recycled helps extend the life of our landfills and protect Texas’ land, water, and wildlife. Be a part of the solution and sign the pledge to Take Care of Texas.
