Local Government Central

Statewide Diversion and Per Capita Disposal Rate Statistics

In 2010, California's estimated 37.2 million residents disposed about 30.4 million tons of solid waste for an estimated statewide per capita disposal rate of 4.5 pounds/person/day. Per resident disposal is currently the lowest since disposal reporting began in 1989, and is down 1.8 pounds from the recent peak of 6.3 pounds per resident per day in 2005.

More information on statewide per capita disposal:

• Disposal Per Capita Rate and Diversion Rate Statistics 1989-2010. Includes an explanation of the method used to determine the rate, as well as a discussion of factors impacting statewide solid waste generation, diversion and disposal rates: 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | Table that contains 1989-1998.
• California Per Capita Disposal Table. Reflects CalRecycle's statewide goal measurement system that began with 2007, explains how California counts disposal, describes the population data source and its accuracy, and provides the per capita disposal calculation formula and a sample calculation.
• California's Estimated Statewide Diversion Rates Graph. Charts historical statewide estimated diversion rates for California.
• California's Population and Employment. Charts historical statewide totals in population and employment for California since 1995.

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