Final answer:
Municipal solid waste in the U.S. consists of various materials like food waste and plastics, and the main disposal methods are landfill and incineration. The EPA emphasizes waste reduction, reuse, and recycling to mitigate the environmental impact of waste disposal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the United States is diverse, including a variety of materials such as food waste, plastics, papers, and more. Typically, MSW does not include industrial or agricultural wastes, medical waste, radioactive waste, or sewage sludge. The disposal methods primarily used for MSW in the U.S. are landfill and incineration. Modern landfills have sophisticated linings to prevent groundwater contamination, but challenges remain with their maintenance and potential for long-term pollution. Incineration can reduce the volume of waste and generate energy, but it also poses risks of air pollution and requires careful handling of the resulting ash.
The EPA has noted a pressure on solid waste management due to rising volumes of waste, which underscores the importance of the three R's of waste management: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. These practices help decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators, thus promoting a safer and cleaner environment. As of 2017, food waste is reported to comprise 15.2% of all trash sent to landfills in the United States.