SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Greenhouse gas emissions from waste-related activities in the United States remained largely unchanged between 2023 and 2024, according to a new report by the University of Maryland Center for Global Sustainability.

The analysis, which follows the methodology of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions inventory, estimated total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at 6,205.3 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2024. The waste sector accounted for 166 million metric tons, showing little year-over-year change.

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The report comes amid uncertainty around federal emissions reporting after the Trump administration previously blocked the release of the full EPA inventory. Environmental groups, including the Environmental Defense Fund, have since worked to fill data gaps, emphasizing the importance of transparent, science-based reporting.

Despite flat annual figures, long-term trends show a decline in waste sector emissions since 1990, driven largely by improved landfill gas collection systems that reduce methane output. However, sub-sector data reveals mixed trends. Landfill methane emissions remained stable, while wastewater methane emissions dipped slightly. In contrast, nitrous oxide emissions rose due to increased wastewater treatment activity and growing composting volumes.

The findings highlight ongoing challenges in emissions monitoring and policy, even as the sector demonstrates gradual environmental progress.