As an environmental expert with a focus on waste management, it's important to note that the statistics on waste production can vary depending on the source and the year of data collection. However, I can provide a detailed analysis based on the information available up to my last update in April 2023.

Waste Production in the United States

The United States is one of the largest economies in the world and has a significant impact on global waste production. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2018, the U.S. generated about 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW), which is the waste collected by local waste collection programs. This figure is an increase from the 254 million tons mentioned in the 2007 data provided by PlanetThoughts.

Daily Waste Generation

The average American generates a considerable amount of waste daily. While the PlanetThoughts figure of nearly 7 pounds per person per day is alarming, it is essential to consider that waste generation rates can vary greatly depending on factors such as lifestyle, consumption habits, and recycling efforts. It's also worth noting that the U.S. has made strides in waste reduction and recycling over the years.

**Resource Consumption and Waste Production**

The U.S. does consume a significant portion of the world's resources, with estimates suggesting that it accounts for about 30 percent of global resource consumption. This high level of consumption inevitably leads to a high volume of waste production. However, it's important to differentiate between resource consumption and waste production. While the U.S. may consume a large percentage of resources, the percentage of global waste production attributed to the U.S. may not be directly proportional due to various factors such as recycling rates, waste management practices, and the types of waste generated.

Global Waste Production

Globally, waste production is a complex issue influenced by numerous factors including population size, economic development, industrialization, and waste management infrastructure. It's challenging to pinpoint an exact percentage of global solid waste produced by the U.S. without the most current and comprehensive data. However, considering the U.S. population makes up approximately 4.25 percent of the world's population, it's reasonable to assume that its contribution to global waste might be higher than its population share due to its high per capita waste generation.

Efforts to Reduce Waste

It's also important to highlight the efforts being made to reduce waste in the U.S. There has been a growing awareness of the need for sustainable waste management practices. Initiatives such as recycling programs, waste-to-energy projects, and policies aimed at reducing, reusing, and recycling waste have been implemented across the country. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the environmental impact of waste and are part of a broader global movement towards more sustainable practices.

Conclusion

While it's difficult to provide a precise percentage of the world's solid waste produced by the U.S. without the most recent data, it's clear that the country plays a significant role in global waste production due to its high levels of consumption and waste generation. However, the U.S. is also actively engaged in efforts to reduce its waste footprint and improve its waste management practices.

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In 2007, the United States produced 254 million tons of garbage. Alarmingly, the average American throws away nearly 7 pounds of trash on a daily basis, according to PlanetThoughts. The U.S. consumes 30 percent of the world's resources despite making up only 5 percent of the world's population.read more >>