Public misperceptions about solid waste abound. For example, people often mistakenly believe food packaging is a major contributor to the problem. In a report entitled Solid Waste: State and Federal Efforts to Manage Nonhazardous Waste, the Government Accounting Office found that municipal solid waste accounted for only one percent of solid waste in the U.S. in 1992. Industrial solid waste contributed 58% of the waste stream and "special wastes" another 39%. Even more startling, of the one percent contributed by municipal solid waste, foodservice disposables accounted for only one percent of the total. That means the myriad of proposed regulations targeting foodservice disposables and packaging would affect only one percent of one percent of the overall solid waste stream-the proverbial elephant gun to kill a fly.
Wasting more myths
Solid waste management is a serious and growing problem for many cities and municipalities, leading to a host of proposed regulations that often negatively affect packagers.
Nov 30, 1995
Machinery Basics
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Automation & Robotics
What's in store for CPGs in 2025 and beyond? <i>Packaging World</i> editors explore the survey responses from 118 brand owners, CPG, and FMCG <i>Packaging World</i> readers for its new Annual Outlook Report.
Download