Descriptor of Indicator
This indicator examines residential recycling in tons, including residential single stream, plastics, metals, glass, and organics.
Why is it important?
Measuring recycling volume can help contextualize environmental changes and related economic impacts. It can also highlight the effectiveness of recycling programs and identify areas for improvement, with the goal of enhancing overall environmental health.
How is the region performing?
From 2022 to 2023, Lackawanna County has slightly decreased its total output of residential recyclable materials by 1.8 percent. Recycling of residential single stream substances decreased by nearly five percent, and recycling of metals decreased by 92.0 percent, but recycling of organics increased by 4.7 percent. The county has seen an overall decrease of 37.0 percent from values recorded a decade before. Lackawanna County accounted for 1.2 percent of the Commonwealth’s total recycled materials in 2023.
Luzerne County also experienced a decrease in residential recycling from 2022 to 2023 (by 6.2 percent). Recycling of residential single stream substances decreased by 13.9 percent, metals decreased by 3.8 percent, and organics decreased by 2.4 percent. However, recycling of glass increased by 17.7 percent. Overall, Luzerne County has seen an overall decrease of 12.0 percent from values recorded a decade prior. Overall, Luzerne County accounts for three percent of the Commonwealth’s total recycled materials.
Wayne County has experienced an increase in residential recycling from 2022 to 2023 (by 17.8 percent). Recycling of residential single stream substances increased by 18.7 percent, recycling of metals increased by 5.8 percent, and recycling of glass increased by 39.1 percent. However, the recycling of plastics decreased by 29.6 percent. Wayne County’s total residential recycling activity has more than doubled from values recorded a decade prior. Overall, Wayne County accounts for 0.2 percent of the Commonwealth’s total recycled materials.