RUBBISH generation and recycling rates vary among rich countries. Americans are the most wasteful. They churned out 740kg of rubbish per person in 2003. Of this, 31% was recycled or composted. Densely populated Japan, on the other hand, threw out a mere 410kg per person. With land at a premium, nearly 80% was incinerated, and a measly 16% recycled. Only Britain recycled less, burying most of its rubbish in landfill sites instead. By contrast, green-minded Germany recycled 57% of its total municipal waste, including nearly 90% of all glass and over 70% of paper and cardboard.

EPA