Problem: Why does the per - capita generation curve level off between 1990 and 2010 ? MSW Generated in the United States , 1960-2015 10 300- 262.4 2537 2511 243.5 250- 8 217.3 208.3 200- 6 166.3 151.6 Total MSW generation ( millions of tons per year ) Per capita generation ( pounds per person per day ) 150 4.74 4.45 4 4.57 4.52 127.8 121.1 1044 88.1 100 3.66 3.83 3.25 3.25 2.96 2.68 50 -Total MSW generation 2 Per capita generation 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 1960 Year a ) The upstream waste generated before the products reach consumers has decreased The overall number of households that produce garbage has decreased . The quantity and capacity of sanitary landfills has steadily increased . The participation in household recycling and composting efforts has expanded .