What is the primary component of municipal waste?

The primary component of municipal waste is primarily paper products. This is largely due to the significant amount of packaging material, newspapers, office paper, and other paper-based items generated by households and businesses. Paper is produced in large quantities and is a common part of daily life, making it a major contributor to the waste stream.

Food waste, while substantial and often highlighted due to its environmental implications, typically comprises a smaller percentage of municipal waste compared to paper. Metal materials and glass waste are also important components of municipal waste, but they constitute a smaller fraction relative to paper. This hierarchy highlights why paper products are considered the predominant type in the landscape of municipal waste management.