What is the amount of MSW generated by the average U.S. citizen and how much of it is suitable for combustion?
Americans generate about 1.31 short tons of MSW per person, each year. The 2002 Bio- Cycle/Columbia University national survey showed that Americans recycle about 19.5% of the MSW generated, compost an additional 9%, combust in WTE facilities 8% and landfill about 63%. The Earth Engineering Center of Columbia University has estimated that of the present MSW generated in the U.S., at the most 40% can be recycled or composted. Therefore, the maximum possible MSW available for combustion in modern WTE facilities will be 60%, instead of the present 8%.
