Tons of stuff that's now sold in blow-molded plastic was in glass or aluminum back then. Stuff that's now sold in styrene and/or plastic wrap was wrapped in waxed paper. And, of course, people made and consumed food at home way more often. So, more of the waste was in the form of of cars dumped down ravines, and less in the form of shopping bags and granola bar wrappers blowing in the wind.
Also, from personal observation, I'm inclined to say that a significant amount of trash these days is due to the rolling trash bins and the hydraulic arms used to gather them. Many people don't bag their trash, and I always see a significant increase in 'litter' after trash day.
> now sold in blow-molded plastic was in glass or aluminum back then.
and how much "greener" is it to use aluminum, whose cost is mostly due to the energy required to separate it from its oxide, than to use plastic that is a natural (yes, it comes from the earth) byproduct of oil production?
> more of the waste was in the form of of cars dumped down ravines,
that can percolate down into the waterways and ground water, versus dump in a landfill with a 4ft clay liner specifically designed to catch contaminants.
Trash-to-energy is also a thing now. Plasma from an electric arc can (somehow) incinerate trash without harmful byproducts and actually results in a surplus of energy [1]. Not to mention methane recovery from landfills that's been a thing for over a decade [2]
Also, from personal observation, I'm inclined to say that a significant amount of trash these days is due to the rolling trash bins and the hydraulic arms used to gather them. Many people don't bag their trash, and I always see a significant increase in 'litter' after trash day.