Nationally, the US generates more than 243 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) each year, of which 34 million tons are food waste. In other words, food waste accounts for more than 14 percent of the total municipal solid waste (MSW) generated as seen in the graph.
Of that 34 million tons of food waste generated in 2009, only three percent (3%) was recovered and recycled. The rest -33 million tons- was thrown away leaving food waste as the single largest component of MSW entering landfills across the country.
Locally, in Charleston County, food waste is no different. It accounts for more than 19 percent of the total MSW generated and is in line with the national figures as the least likely material to be recycled; thereby making it the single largest component going in the landfill. You, along with Food Waste Disposal, can change that.