Description of the Indicator
This indicator measures the waste generated in tons for total waste and by type of waste.
Why is it important?
Before the 1968 Solid Waste Management Act, Pennsylvania had over 1,100 unregulated landfills, hundreds of hazardous waste dumping locations, and many Brownfield sites, which are illegal. This act professionalized and regulated the Pennsylvania waste industry.
How is the region performing?
Lackawanna County reported a total of 301,925 tons of waste in 2023 and is a 6.3 percent decrease from the previous year of 322,128 tons. While the county has seen a 7.5 percent decrease in waste from 2018 to 2023, there is an overall increase of 9.9 percent seen from 2000 to 2023.
Luzerne County reported a total of 337,125 tons of waste in 2023 and is a 1.3 percent decrease from the previous year of 341,662 tons. The county has seen a 10.7 percent increase from 2018 to 2023, and a 7.4 percent increase from 2000 to 2023.
Wayne County reported a total of 45,267 tons of waste in 2023, a 74.6 percent increase from the previous year of 25,929 tons. The county has seen over a 100 percent increase from 2018 to 2023, but a decrease of 19.9 percent from 2000 to 2023.
