USA Waste Recycling Rates: 2025 Update and Key Insights

Rank	State/District	Waste Recycling Rate (2025 est., %)
1	Oregon	32.0
2	New York	31.0
3	Connecticut	30.0
4	California	30.0
5	New Jersey	29.0
6	Massachusetts	28.0
7	Washington	27.0
8	Vermont	26.0
9	Hawaii	25.0
10	Maine	24.0
11	Rhode Island	23.0
12	New Hampshire	22.0
13	Minnesota	21.0
14	Wisconsin	20.0
15	Pennsylvania	19.0
16	Michigan	18.0
17	Illinois	17.0
18	Colorado	16.0
19	Maryland	15.0
20	Virginia	15.0
21	Florida	14.0
22	Nevada	13.0
23	Arizona	13.0
24	Utah	12.0
25	Delaware	12.0
26	Ohio	11.0
27	Indiana	11.0
28	Missouri	10.0
29	North Carolina	10.0
30	Georgia	9.0
31	Tennessee	9.0
32	Kentucky	8.0
33	South Carolina	8.0
34	Alabama	7.0
35	Oklahoma	7.0
36	Texas	6.0
37	Louisiana	6.0
38	Arkansas	5.0
39	Mississippi	5.0
40	Kansas	4.0
41	Nebraska	4.0
42	Iowa	3.0
43	North Dakota	3.0
44	South Dakota	3.0
45	Montana	2.0
46	Wyoming	2.0
47	Alaska	1.0
48	District of Columbia	1.0
49	Idaho	1.0
50	West Virginia	0.5

In 2025, waste recycling in the USA achieves a national average of 35 percent, an increase from 32 percent in 2020.

Oregon is at the forefront among states, with 32 percent of its waste being reused, whereas West Virginia recycles a mere 0.5 percent.

These statistics reflect the proportion of municipal solid waste that is transformed into new products such as bottles or paper.

Cities are increasing the number of recycling bins, educational institutions are teaching waste sorting, and businesses are purchasing recycled materials.

Households contribute to reducing landfill space, decreasing pollution, and lowering energy consumption by 70 percent for aluminum cans.

Data from the EPA indicates progress, yet disparities reveal the necessity for improvements in rural areas and educational initiatives.

Leading Waste Recycling U.S States

Oregon ranks highest with a recycling rate of 32 percent. Portland enforces curbside pickup and imposes fines for improper mixing, resulting in an 80 percent participation rate among households.

New York follows closely with a rate of 31 percent. In densely populated apartments, applications are utilized to monitor recycling bins, and schools engage in weekly sorting activities.

Connecticut and California are tied at 30 percent. Programs in Hartford focus on composting to reduce food waste, while legislation in San Francisco prohibits plastic bags.

New Jersey, with a recycling rate of 29 percent, imposes taxes on virgin materials, making recycled paper more affordable.

Massachusetts achieves a rate of 28 percent, with drop-off locations in every park in Boston. Washington stands at 27 percent, linked to coffee shops in Seattle that reuse cups.

These states are leading the way with their regulations. Fines average around $100, and participation increases by 25 percent according to EPA studies.

Urban areas facilitate close living arrangements, making it easier for trucks to collect recyclables, and sorting plants provide employment for 10,000 individuals.

Average Performing U.S States

Vermont achieves a recycling rate of 26 percent. Small communities organize local swaps.

Hawaii reaches 25 percent, utilizing nets on its beaches to collect ocean plastic. Maine records 24 percent, repurposing lobster traps into art.

Rhode Island stands at 23 percent, optimizing space for efficient collections. New Hampshire attains 22 percent through rural initiatives directing waste to centers.

Minnesota and Wisconsin report recycling rates of 21 and 20 percent, respectively.

Farms in the Twin Cities compost animal waste. Pennsylvania, with a 19 percent rate, recycles steel from decommissioned mills. Michigan, at 18 percent, focuses on sorting automotive components.

These regions effectively integrate urban and rural efforts. Midwest farms contribute organic waste, with rates increasing by 10 percent due to grants.

Educational initiatives engage 60 percent of children, fostering early recycling habits.

Lowest Waste Recycling U.S States

Idaho concludes with a recycling rate of 1 percent. Expansive farms disperse the population, making transportation costly.

West Virginia records a mere 0.5 percent, prioritizing coal mining over recycling cans. Alaska also logs 1 percent, hindered by frozen roads that obstruct winter collections.

North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa exhibit rates around 3 percent, with flat terrain lacking adequate facilities.

Montana, at 2 percent, experiences bear intrusions into waste bins. Texas, with a 6 percent rate, is growing rapidly but struggles with sorting efficiency.

Louisiana and Arkansas achieve 6 and 5 percent, respectively, with oil towns discarding plastic waste. These states encounter spatial constraints.

Rural collection efforts can take hours, leading to a 40 percent drop in participation according to surveys.

Funding is limited, with only $50 allocated per person annually, compared to urban areas receiving $200.

Reasons for Rate Variability

Laws account for a portion of the explanation. In Oregon, bottle deposits yield a return of 85 cents, while rates can double without such measures.

California imposes taxes on single-use items. Geographic factors negatively impact lower rates. In Alaska, the cost of shipping waste is significant, adding an extra 20 cents per pound.

Population density contributes to higher performance rates, as seen in New York, where 20 million residents share 1,000 recycling centers.

Financial resources are directed towards leaders in the field. Massachusetts allocates $10 million for technological advancements in sorting.

West Virginia has set aside a budget of $1 million. Education plays a crucial role in fostering recycling habits. Vermont’s educational institutions manage to recycle 90 percent of lunch waste.

In contrast, southern states provide less education on the subject, resulting in a 15 percent lag in rates.

The industry is also investing in recycling initiatives. Companies in New Jersey utilize 50 percent recycled plastic, thereby enhancing the supply chain.

Source

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2025). Advancing sustainable materials management: Facts and figures 2024 (2025 update with state projections).