The two pie charts compare the proportions of different types of waste disposed of in a country in 1960 and 2011.
Overall, plastic and food waste increased considerably over the period, whereas paper waste declined. By 2011, food and plastic together made up the largest share of total waste.
In 1960, paper was the dominant category at 25%. Textiles and food followed, accounting for 17% and 12% respectively. Plastic, glass, wood, and metal each represented under 10% of waste.
By contrast, in 2011, food waste rose to 21%, becoming the largest category. Plastic waste more than doubled to 18%, while paper fell to 15%. Other waste types experienced only modest changes.
