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How much waste sent to a landfill does the EPA estimate to be re-useable?

A) 2-5%
B) 6-8%
C) 7-10%
D) 10-12%
E) 14-16%

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The EPA does not provide a specific estimate for the percentage of landfill waste that is reusable in the information provided.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates a significant portion of waste sent to landfills could be reused or repurposed. Information specific to the percentage of reusable or recyclable material is not provided in the given references, but the EPA does underline the considerable amount of food waste generated, which forms a significant percentage of the total trash. In 2017 alone, more than 40 million tons of food waste were generated, comprising 15.2% of all municipal solid waste.

It is noteworthy that typical municipal solid waste contains various materials such as food residue, paper, and plastics, which can often be recycled or composted. The two primary methods of waste disposal are landfill and incineration. Additionally, the EPA emphasizes the economic benefits of the recycling industry, which supports numerous jobs, wages, and tax revenues in the United States.

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