CPRG - Waste and Materials Management Sector Infographic
The waste and materials management sector includes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from significant sources such as landfills and wastewater treatment facilities. In addition to emissions from management of waste, the production, transportation and consumption of consumer products also results in emissions (e.g., from fuel use for transport, electricity, etc.).
- In 2022, the waste sector contributed 2.6% of total U.S. GHG emissions.
- Landfills are the third largest contributor (17%) of methane emissions.
- 58% of the methane emissions released from municipal solid waste landfills are from food waste.
View or download the English version CPRG Waste and Materials Management Infographic (pdf) or Spanish version Gases de efecto invernadero procedentes del manejo de residuos y materiales (pdf) .
Ways to Reduce GHGs in the Waste and Materials Management Sector
Below are some examples of ways states, local governments, Tribes and territories can reduce GHG emissions in the Waste and Materials Management sector:
- Develop and expand programs to minimize food waste going to landfills.
- Capture methane gas at landfills and wastewater treatment facilities and use it to replace fossil fuels.
- Develop and implement programs to prevent waste and reuse products and materials.
Benefits to the Public
- New green jobs
- Improved waste management
- Increased use of renewable energy by public utilities
About CPRG
Authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program provides nearly $5 billion in grants for states, local governments, Tribes, and territories to develop and implement ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution and benefit low income and disadvantaged communities.
More Information
- Refer to EPA's Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
- Learn about ways states, local governments, Tribes and territories can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in other sectors (en español: Programa de Subvenciones para la Reducción de la Contaminación Climática).