In industrialized nations, including the United States, the majority of raw materials ultimately become waste, contributing to a significant rise in municipal solid waste (MSW) throughout the twentieth century. A study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation found that between 1980 and 1985, 14 of 16 member countries experienced increased waste generation, with the U.S. producing nearly twice as much garbage per capita as Western Europe or Japan. Over time, the composition of waste has shifted from primarily renewable materials like paper, glass, and wood to nonrenewable substances such as plastics. Despite reductions in the weight of plastic used in individual products, plastic waste in the U.S. grew by an average of 14% annually from 1960 to 1988. By 1989, plastics made up approximately 8% of the total weight and 25% of the volume of U.S. solid waste. These trends highlight the growing environmental challenge posed by plastic consumption and disposal in modern economies.