292.4M
tons of municipal solid waste generated in the U.S.
EPA reports this total for 2018, the agency’s latest national materials dataset.
Source: U.S. EPA, 2018Reference guide
Junk removal, recycling & landfill statistics
Key U.S. and Florida figures for writers, homeowners, and anyone looking for a clear picture of where unwanted materials go.
Last updated October 7, 2026. Each figure names the reporting year from its original source.
The big picture
Useful numbers, with the source right beside them.
Junk removal is about more than getting a crowded room or garage back. It sits inside a much bigger system of reuse, recycling, composting, energy recovery, and landfill disposal. This page brings together the latest published national figures and Florida’s newest state report in one place.
These totals describe broad material streams, not the outcome of any one pickup or cleanout. Local rules and accepted materials still matter.
4.9 lb
of municipal solid waste generated per person, per day
This is the EPA’s 2018 per-person national figure.
Source: U.S. EPA, 201894M
tons recycled or composted in the U.S.
That equals a 32.1% recycling and composting rate in EPA’s 2018 national data.
Source: U.S. EPA, 2018146.1M
tons of municipal solid waste sent to landfills
EPA says this was 50% of U.S. municipal solid waste generated in 2018.
Source: U.S. EPA, 201863.1M
tons of food waste generated in the U.S.
Food waste made up 21.6% of municipal solid waste generation in EPA’s 2018 data.
Source: U.S. EPA, 2018600M
tons of construction and demolition debris generated in the U.S.
EPA’s 2018 estimate is more than twice the nation’s municipal solid waste total. Construction and demolition debris is counted separately from municipal solid waste.
Source: U.S. EPA, 201854.5M
tons of municipal solid waste collected in Florida
Florida’s 2024 materials report covers the state’s collected municipal solid waste.
Source: Florida DEP, 202427.2M
tons recycled in Florida
Florida Department of Environmental Protection reports this as 50% of municipal solid waste collected in 2024.
Source: Florida DEP, 202460%
Florida construction and demolition debris recycling rate
Florida reported 19,997,489 tons collected and 12,078,474 tons recycled for this material group in 2024.
Source: Florida DEP, 2024What this means at home
One pile can contain several different material paths.
Furniture, boxes, appliances, yard debris, construction leftovers, and everyday household items do not all belong in the same place. Before a cleanout, set aside anything you may want to keep, donate, or handle through a local program. Then ask about the items you need removed so the job starts with a clear plan.
See D&D servicesMethod and sources
How to read these statistics.
Every figure above comes from a named government source and links to the original publication or data page. U.S. municipal solid waste figures are from the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest national Facts and Figures dataset, which reports calendar year 2018. Florida figures are from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s 2024 reporting.
Municipal solid waste and construction and demolition debris are separate categories in the EPA’s reporting. That distinction is important when comparing national figures.
Suggested citation
D&D Junk Removal. “Junk Removal, Recycling & Landfill Statistics.” Updated October 7, 2026. Accessed [date].
Need to make room?
Start with a straightforward conversation about what needs to go.
For unwanted household items and home cleanouts in Ocala, call D&D Junk Removal for an estimate.