A Ton of Glass
A ton of glass produced from raw materials creates 384 pounds of mining waste. Using 50% recycled glass cuts it by about 75% (The EarthWorks Group Recycler's Handbook).
On a national average, American garbage consists of:
- 37% paper and paperboard
- 5% glass
- 8% metals
- 11% plastics
- 11% food
- 12% yard trimmings
- 15% other (textiles, rubber, leather, wood...)
Environmental Protection Agency, 2000