The United States generated 243 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2009, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s new “Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2009 Facts and Figures.” That total represents a decline of 8 million tons, or 3.2 percent, from the amount of MSW generated in 2008.

2009 marked the second straight year that the amount of MSW generated in the United States has declined.

The recycling rate increased slightly, reaching 33.4 percent last year, up from 33.4 percent in 2008.

For the full report, visit the EPA's website.