Some states are known for their healthy air quality (good job, Alaska), others are hailed for their environmental friendliness (hey there, Vermont), and a few choice states—well, one in particular—is known for its crystal clear waters (we're looking at you, Hawaii). But the truth is, every person in every state produces waste; it's just that some of us create a lot more than others. You may know about the tragic water crisis in cities like Flint, Michigan, or assume densely populated states like Delaware are filled with pollution, but there are a lot of factors that go into figuring out how clean or dirty a state is. So we crunched the numbers to determine which state in the U.S. is the absolute dirtiest.
We dug into data from a number of sources to get the full picture of a particular state's cleanliness, including its air quality, landfill use, and the volume of garbage and toxins it produces. This included a number of eye-opening stats from the Environmental Protection Agency's Landfill Methane Outreach Program and Landfill Gas Energy Project Database, as well as the U.S. Census. We factored in how many tons of trash a state has buried per capita, as well as how much new waste it is producing per year (also in tons) and what percentage of a state's total landmass is dedicated to landfills. We also took into account the "dirtiness" of the state's air, drawing on the amount of carbon dioxide it produces (in million metric tons) according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as well as each state's air pollution ranking, according to the United Health Foundation. Together, we put these numbers through our exclusive algorithm to determine the Dirty State Index score for each state.
Taking all of this data into account, there is one state that stands out from the rest for all the wrong reasons. The state produces 1.28 tons of new waste per capita and has 29 tons of trash buried within its borders. But what really puts this state at the top of the garbage pile is that it has the highest percentage of land dedicated to landfills. While 0.04 percent may not sound like much, that's double, triple, or even quadruple the amount of space compared to almost any other state. Its carbon dioxide emissions are also among the highest in the country and its air pollution score is abysmal, too. Let's just say, it's earned its nickname. Read on to discover the dirtiest state in the nation, and find out where your state falls as we rank all 50 states from cleanest to filthiest. And for more state superlatives to learn about, read up on The Unfriendliest State in the U.S.
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 14 million metric tons
Trash buried per capita: 21.4 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 0.66 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0007 percent
Air pollution level: 5.1 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 7.82
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Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 18 tons
Trash buried per capita: 19.7 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.03 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0008 percent
Air pollution level: 6.8 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 8.73
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Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 15 tons
Trash buried per capita: 21.9 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.29 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0013 percent
Air pollution level: 5.9 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 9.46
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 30 tons
Trash buried per capita: 26 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.47 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0004 percent
Air pollution level: 6.6 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 10.19
Curious about which states lack some excitement? Here's The Most Boring State in the U.S.
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 61 tons
Trash buried per capita: 16.6 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 0.48 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0004 percent
Air pollution level: 5 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 10.34
And for particularly bright states like this one, check out The Smartest State in the U.S.
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 6 tons
Trash buried per capita: 21.8 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 0.91 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0026 percent
Air pollution level: 5.1 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 10.47
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 56 tons
Trash buried per capita: 20.3 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 0.58 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0007 percent
Air pollution level: 4.6 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 10.94
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Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 49 tons
Trash buried per capita: 33.3 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1 ton
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0013 percent
Air pollution level: 6 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 14.13
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 38 tons
Trash buried per capita: 37 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.64 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0019 percent
Air pollution level: 7.8 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 15.65
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 58 tons
Trash buried per capita: 27.8 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.16 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0019 percent
Air pollution level: 8.4 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 15.82
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 48 tons
Trash buried per capita: 37.6 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.83 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0016 percent
Air pollution level: 7.1 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 15.91
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 36 tons
Trash buried per capita: 45.7 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.67 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0016 percent
Air pollution level: 9 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 16.84
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 88 tons
Trash buried per capita: 16.7 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 0.56 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0028 percent
Air pollution level: 6.6 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 17.17
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 64 tons
Trash buried per capita: 26 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 0.97 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0035 percent
Air pollution level: 7.1 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 18.19
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 18 tons
Trash buried per capita: 28.6 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 0.66 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0060 percent
Air pollution level: 5.4 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 18.29
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 58 tons
Trash buried per capita: 40.6 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.48 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0032 percent
Air pollution level: 7 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 19.76
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 67 tons
Trash buried per capita: 35.3 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.2 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0035 percent
Air pollution level: 7.7 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 20.27
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 78 tons
Trash buried per capita: 28.3 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.08 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0038 percent
Air pollution level: 8 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 20.58
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 76 tons
Trash buried per capita: 27.4 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.05 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0045 percent
Air pollution level: 7.1 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 21.12
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 93 tons
Trash buried per capita: 34.4 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.22 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0034 percent
Air pollution level: 8.2 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 22.29
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 86 tons
Trash buried per capita: 33.9 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.38 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0038 percent
Air pollution level: 9.7 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 22.84
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 13 tons
Trash buried per capita: 40.9 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 2.03 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0079 percent
Air pollution level: 4.4 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 23.21
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 87 tons
Trash buried per capita: 44.6 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 2.06 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0039 percent
Air pollution level: 6.7 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 24.10
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 33 tons
Trash buried per capita: 8.7 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 0.41 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0111 percent
Air pollution level: 7.2 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 25.24
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 122 tons
Trash buried per capita: 30.1 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.19 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0046 percent
Air pollution level: 7.5 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 25.75
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 91 tons
Trash buried per capita: 29.9 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.16 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0067 percent
Air pollution level: 7.6 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 26.65
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 34 tons
Trash buried per capita: 30.1 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.13 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0100 percent
Air pollution level: 6.4 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 27.03
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 108 tons
Trash buried per capita: 37.7 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.61 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0058 percent
Air pollution level: 8.1 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 28.19
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 98 tons
Trash buried per capita: 47 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.52 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0058 percent
Air pollution level: 6.8 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 28.44
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 69 tons
Trash buried per capita: 32.6 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.21 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0105 percent
Air pollution level: 7.4 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 31.55
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 98 tons
Trash buried per capita: 36.8 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.4 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0095 percent
Air pollution level: 7.4 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 33.07
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 114 tons
Trash buried per capita: 43.9 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.75 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0086 percent
Air pollution level: 8.1 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 34.43
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 115 tons
Trash buried per capita: 27.5 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.25 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0119 percent
Air pollution level: 7.2 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 36.82
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 152 tons
Trash buried per capita: 62.4 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 2.27 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0079 percent
Air pollution level: 8 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 39.66
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 132 tons
Trash buried per capita: 33.7 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.67 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0122 percent
Air pollution level: 8.3 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 40.27
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 98 tons
Trash buried per capita: 40.3 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.48 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0136 percent
Air pollution level: 6.9 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 40.34
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 226 tons
Trash buried per capita: 38.7 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.51 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0072 percent
Air pollution level: 7.9 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 40.42
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 157 tons
Trash buried per capita: 24.5 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 0.9 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0146 percent
Air pollution level: 6.6 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 44.00
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 63 tons
Trash buried per capita: 16.2 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 0.88 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0205 percent
Air pollution level: 6.3 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 44.51
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 227 tons
Trash buried per capita: 25.1 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.03 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0166 percent
Air pollution level: 7.4 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 53.58
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 52 tons
Trash buried per capita: 20.9 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 0.66 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0263 percent
Air pollution level: 7.7 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 54.44
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 201 tons
Trash buried per capita: 52.4 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 2.03 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0160 percent
Air pollution level: 9.3 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 55.93
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 204 tons
Trash buried per capita: 48.8 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 2.04 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0165 percent
Air pollution level: 8.5 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 56.15
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 176 tons
Trash buried per capita: 56.1 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 2.35 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0174 percent
Air pollution level: 8.4 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 56.60
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 215 tons
Trash buried per capita: 52.3 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.73 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0191 percent
Air pollution level: 9.2 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 62.11
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 359 tons
Trash buried per capita: 47.8 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.58 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0153 percent
Air pollution level: 12.8 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 68.18
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 10 tons
Trash buried per capita: 37.2 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 0.91 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0375 percent
Air pollution level: 7.3 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 72.27
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 12 tons
Trash buried per capita: 33.7 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.31 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0399 percent
Air pollution level: 8.3 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 76.32
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 707 tons
Trash buried per capita: 36.7 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.37 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0083 percent
Air pollution level: 8.3 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 82.09
Carbon dioxide emissions produced: 101 tons
Trash buried per capita: 29 tons
New waste produced per capita annually: 1.28 tons
Percentage of state occupied by landfills: 0.0421 percent
Air pollution level: 8.1 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter
Dirty State Index: 86.54
