San Francisco's diversion rate is the highest in the nation at 69 percent as of fall 2007. Joining the first tier of waste busters this year are New York and Portland, with waste diversion rates of 64 percent and 61.5 percent respectively.

New Orleans temporarily suspended its recycling program in the wake of Katrina (until 2008) so it dropped, temporarily, to last place. Comprehensive data from Virginia Beach was unavailable.

All cities recognize the need to reduce garbage hauling and garbage creation in general. Many cities have already officially adopted "zero waste" goals or plans; others are working on them. As of 2008, major cities include: Austin, Fresno, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle.

As is already happening with electronics companies, consumer product manufacturers of all types will increasingly recognize the need -- and economic opportunity -- of taking back old products for remanufacture or re-use. Many companies already recognize this responsibility and are rethinking the methods and materials used to create "stuff."

Learn More

• Story of Stuff - A film by Annie Leonard
• Wikipedia: Waste

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