Landfilling vs. recycling in the U.S.: A policy and systems perspective on carbon footprint and end-of-life uncertainty

This study compares the environmental impacts of landfilling and recycling in the U.S., focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, predictability, and circular economy outcomes. Using qualitative thematic analysis of secondary data from EPA reports, peer-reviewed articles, and case studies, the research highlights that landfills provide predictable methane emissions under regulatory monitoring, while recycling outcomes vary due to contamination, downcycling, and global trade dependencies. Findings indicate that recycling offers significant potential for emissions reduction and economic benefits, but these gains require infrastructure investment and policy support. The paper concludes that integrating predictable landfill management with optimized recycling strategies is essential for achieving sustainability goals.