The United States generated approximately 73 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2019. Plastic waste generation in the U.S. is projected to reach almost 90 million metric tons by 2030, and more than 140 million metric tons by 2060. This will see plastic waste generation per capita in the U.S. rise to 350 kilograms annually.
Plastic waste generation in the United States in 2019, with projections for 2030 and 2060
(in million metric tons)
Figures have been rounded. Includes MSW as well as microbeads, waste from road markings and industrial waste, which includes waste from construction and transport activities.
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OECD. (June 3, 2022). Plastic waste generation in the United States in 2019, with projections for 2030 and 2060 (in million metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved March 28, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1339223/us-plastic-waste-generation-outlook/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
OECD. "Plastic waste generation in the United States in 2019, with projections for 2030 and 2060 (in million metric tons)." Chart. June 3, 2022. Statista. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1339223/us-plastic-waste-generation-outlook/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
OECD. (2022). Plastic waste generation in the United States in 2019, with projections for 2030 and 2060 (in million metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: March 28, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1339223/us-plastic-waste-generation-outlook/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
OECD. "Plastic Waste Generation in The United States in 2019, with Projections for 2030 and 2060 (in Million Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 3 Jun 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1339223/us-plastic-waste-generation-outlook/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
OECD, Plastic waste generation in the United States in 2019, with projections for 2030 and 2060 (in million metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1339223/us-plastic-waste-generation-outlook/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed (last visited March 28, 2025)
Plastic waste generation in the United States in 2019, with projections for 2030 and 2060 (in million metric tons) [Graph], OECD, June 3, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1339223/us-plastic-waste-generation-outlook/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
