Which material accounts for the majority of waste generated in the United States by weight?

The material that accounts for the majority of waste generated in the United States by weight is paper. This is largely due to the extensive use of paper in various sectors, including packaging, newspapers, office supplies, and other consumer products. Even though there has been a significant push towards digitalization and the reduction of paper use, paper products still constitute a substantial portion of municipal solid waste.

In addition to its prevalence, paper is also relatively lightweight compared to materials like metal or glass, which can skew perceptions of waste generation. However, when considering volume and weight combined, paper remains the leading category. Efforts to recycle and reduce paper use are ongoing as it can be repurposed effectively, leading to a decrease in waste and helping to conserve natural resources.