The Overall Picture
The U.S. generates approximately 292 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) per year, according to EPA data. Of that, about 32% is recycled or composted. While that sounds meaningful, it means nearly 70% of waste still goes to landfill or incineration.
Comparison: Germany recycles about 56% of MSW; South Korea recycles 59%; Slovenia and Austria both exceed 55%. The U.S. has room to improve.
Material-by-Material Success Rates
Recycling rates vary dramatically by material. The highest performers: lead-acid batteries (98–99%), corrugated cardboard (88%), steel cans (69%), and aluminum beer and soda cans (46%).
The weakest performers: glass (26%), plastics overall (5–9% depending on measurement method), and textiles (15%). E-waste recovery is estimated at around 17–25% globally, though U.S. data is difficult to measure precisely.
Economic Scale
The U.S. recycling and reuse industry employs over 500,000 people and generates over $100 billion in economic activity annually, according to the EPA. Recycling facilities, scrap dealers, and processors form a significant part of the domestic manufacturing supply chain — they supply raw materials to U.S. mills and manufacturers.
The China Shock and Its Aftermath
In 2018, China implemented its 'National Sword' policy, sharply restricting imports of recyclable materials due to contamination concerns. The U.S. recycling market was severely disrupted — many programs that had relied on Chinese markets for mixed paper and low-grade plastics suddenly had no buyers.
Since 2018, domestic recycling markets have slowly rebuilt. New processing facilities, end markets in Southeast Asia and domestic manufacturers, and cleaner material streams have helped stabilize the industry. The lesson: recycling quality (low contamination, proper sorting) matters more than quantity.