Economy in the dumps means less trash in the landfill

The Orlando Sentinel reports:

from October 2007 through last July, the average amount of trash per month dumped into the Orange County landfill has dropped by more than 24 percent, or about 26 pounds per person. It's the same story across Central Florida — Seminole, Volusia and Lake counties also have seen a sharp drop in the amount of household and commercial waste collected.

The lousy economy means people are likely being more frugal and buying less of everything, including toys, clothes, electronics, decorations and knickknacks. That translates into fewer boxes, wrapping papers and older items that are not being tossed out in favor of newer ones.

"People are just throwing out less stuff," said Johnny Edwards, solid waste manager for Seminole County. "Businesses also have closed, and a closed business doesn't produce waste."

A good indication that less consumption is going on in certain areas.