Researchers in Florida have noticed a gradual increase in contamination rates in recent years. | Blueee77/Shutterstock
Materials recovery facilities in Florida have historically landfilled about one-quarter of the weight that comes in the door, according to a study commissioned by the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation.
Yale University researchers estimate 32 million metric tons of plastic were landfilled in the U.S. in 2015, significantly more than the estimates from federal officials.