Final answer:
The statement that the US has more municipal waste than anywhere else is true, especially per capita. Americans generate significant amounts of waste, including over 40 million tons of food waste annually. The country's high consumption and throw-away culture contribute greatly to its waste issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about the US having more municipal waste than anywhere else in the world is generally considered true. The United States generates a considerable amount of waste, especially when compared on a per capita basis with other countries. Garbage creation and control is a significant issue in the United States. Americans are known to buy, use, and then dispose of products at a high rate, contributing to the country's waste generation.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 40 million tons of food waste were generated in 2017, making up a sizeable percentage of the trash sent to landfills. Moreover, the composition of municipal solid waste can vary, with developed municipalities showing more intractable wastes like plastics due to a more robust recycling system. However, it should be noted that the term municipal solid waste does not include industrial wastes, agricultural wastes, medical waste, radioactive waste, or sewage sludge.
Therefore, while the United States certainly generates a large volume of municipal solid waste, a comparison with other countries would also have to consider population size, economic activity, waste management practices, and cultural factors.