Going Green - State Ranking for Waste Handling

Which states are trying to cut down on landfill waste, and which are just burying the problem? To mark leaf season and October as Zero Waste Month, LawnStarter ranked the Best States for Waste Management in 2026. We compared all 50 states across 27 metrics spanning recycling policy, disposal infrastructure, recycling and composting performance, and total waste output.

How does Minnesota stack up in some key metrics (1st = Best)? Number of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) Laws - 5th Recycling Facilities per 100,000 Residents - 6th Share of Production-Related Waste Recycled - 2nd Why does LawnStarter care about waste management? Yard waste, like grass clippings, leaves, and branches, takes up about 12.11% of the total waste generated in America — nearly the same amount as plastics (12.20%) — and when it comes to yard trimmings, they can usually be recycled right back into your lawn.  Read the full story here: https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/studies/best-worst-states-waste-management/  Other helpful links: Ask the Experts: Is Recycling a Scam? One Woman’s Small Backyard Project Turns into Meaningful Mission How to Handle Yard Waste and Old Lawn Care Equipment More from LawnStarter:  The Great Leaf Debate: Mulch, Bag, or Just Ignore Them? LawnStarter’s Fall Lawn Care Checklist Top Cities for Composting in 2026 How to Dispose of a Lawn Mower States That Waste the Least Food: 2026 Rankings How Lawn Care Pros Make Seasonal Income Last All Year Long Gas Prices: How Lawn Care Pros Can Show You How to Save