Americans produce a staggering amount of waste each year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

- 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) was generated in the United States in 2018 (the most recent year for full data). This amounts to about 4.9 pounds of trash per person per day.

  The trash includes everyday items like packaging, food scraps, furniture, electronics, and yard trimmings. 

- Recycling: About 32.1% of this waste was recycled.

- Composting: 8.5% of the waste was composted.

- Landfilling: The majority, about 50%, went to landfills.

- Combustion with energy recovery: 11.8% was incinerated in waste-to-energy plants.

Several other countries produce large amounts of trash, often comparable to or exceeding the United States when adjusted for population or waste management systems. Here are some of the top countries that generate significant amounts of waste:

1. China

   - Annual Waste: China produces about 400 million tons of waste per year, more than any other country, given its large population. However, when adjusted per capita, the numbers are lower than the U.S. China's rapid urbanisation and industrialisation contribute significantly to its waste production.

   - Management: China has been implementing aggressive waste management policies, including banning the import of foreign waste in 2018 and focusing on recycling and reducing plastic usage.

2. India

   - Annual Waste: India generates around 277 million tons of waste annually. As with China, the per capita waste generation is lower than that of the U.S., but with a population of over 1.4 billion, the total amount is considerable.

   - Challenges: Waste management in India faces challenges due to the rapid growth of urban areas and limited infrastructure for waste collection and disposal, with a significant amount of waste being untreated.

3. Brazil

   - Annual Waste: Brazil produces around 79 million tons of waste annually, which places it among the top waste-producing countries in the world.

   - Waste Management Issues: Brazil faces issues with landfills and recycling, with a large portion of its waste going to unsanitary landfills or being inadequately treated.

4. European Union (EU)

   - Annual Waste: The European Union, as a whole, generates over 250 million tons of municipal waste each year. Countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France contribute significantly to this figure.

   - Management: The EU has some of the most advanced waste management systems in the world, with many member states implementing strong recycling and composting programs. Germany, for example, has a recycling rate of over 67%.

5. Japan

   - Annual Waste: Japan produces around 45 million tons of waste per year. Despite being smaller in land area, its dense population and high consumption levels lead to considerable waste production.

   - Innovative Solutions: Japan is known for its efficient waste management, including incineration with energy recovery and high recycling rates.

6. Russia

   - Annual Waste: Russia produces roughly 55 million tons of waste each year, with much of it going to landfills.

   - Waste Management Issues: Russia struggles with underdeveloped recycling systems and a reliance on landfills, many of which are reaching capacity.

7. Canada

   - Annual Waste: Canada generates approximately 36 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, with a significant portion going to landfills.

   - High Waste per Capita: Despite its relatively small population, Canada has one of the highest waste production rates per capita, driven by high consumption and disposal rates.

One of the most travelled presidential candidates in U.S. history was Harry S. Truman during his 1948 whistle-stop campaign. Truman travelled an impressive 31,000 miles across the United States, giving 352 speeches in various cities and towns, many of which were small and previously unheard of in presidential campaigning. His tour, mostly by train, helped energise his underdog campaign and ultimately contributed to his surprising victory over Governor Thomas E. Dewey. Truman’s direct interaction with rural voters, where he often spoke from the rear platform of his train, became legendary for its personal touch and effectiveness.