The garbage indicator

Measuring the amount of trash at landfills is one of the more interesting economic indicators because it not only shows a pronounced drop-off, but affirms just how much garbage we've been dumping in the first place. LAT reports that much of the decline in trash is due to folks eating fewer meals away from home. Also, contractors are tossing away less drywall and lumber because they have less work to do.

Over the last six months, operators at Puente Hills Landfill, among the nation's largest, have noted a 30% decrease in tonnage from neighboring municipalities. The dump used to close at noon because it would reach its daily tonnage limit; now it stays open all day without hitting that mark. San Francisco is disposing of less in landfills than it has in 30 years. In San Diego, disposal rates at the Miramar Landfill are on track to bring in the lowest total in 15 years.

Speaking of the economy: As Kevin noted over at LAO, I spoke to KPCC's John Rabe about the local employment picture (we were in front of the Circuit City in Hollywood). It made for a segment on John's "Off-Ramp" program over the weekend.