According to the EPA, almost 75 % of the trash we generate is recyclable. Yet, in 2013, of the 254 million tons of trash produced by Americans, only about a third was recycled or composted. Landfill space is limited, and the breakdown of compostable materials in landfills is a major source of methane – a potent greenhouse gas. Plastic and polystyrene foam containers leach toxic chemicals that can cause problems for human health.