The average American generates about 4.6 pounds of solid trash a day, causing serious economic, environmental, and social costs to cities. Many cities, such as Hyattsville, struggle to implement an efficient waste reduction program.

Gemstone Team Green Justice is working in the city to assess the effectiveness of Hyattsville's trash pilot program in reducing waste, promoting recycling, and changing residents' attitudes towards waste management. Additionally, we aim to better understand the relationship between income level and amount of waste generated.

We have gathered quantitative data from the city's Department of Public Works, as well as the  County's Waste  Management Group, and online surveys complemented with qualitative data from  focus groups, and individual interviews with  members of the community.

We plan to present our data not only to Gemstone, but also to the City Council and the Hyattsville Environmental Committee to help provide the city with insight into consumer behavior.  

If you have any further questions or comments, you can contact us at umdgreenjustice@gmail.com.