Recycling should be a well-known phenomenon by now, right? In my community, homeowners receive a recycling bin and I'm surprised how few take advantage of it. When I drive down my neighborhood street, I often see more trash cans than recycling bins on trash collection day. I am appalled that many people do not recycle and throw their items in the trash. One solution to this problem could be for Americans to be more conscious of what they buy and make sure they are not purchasing goods that they will not use or consume. “Average household credit card debt surpassed the $10,000 mark in 2006.” (69) Most of the goods purchased that year were thrown away a few years later, which is a horrible statement. By purchasing only necessary goods and paying greater attention to recycling, the landfills that cover America could be significantly reduced. Most people don't know what happens to their waste, or simply don't care where it ends up. I admit that even I don't give much thought to where my trash goes, but I do my best to recycle, as do most of my friends and family. A large amount of waste thrown into landfills escapes and ends up in the oceans – particularly plastic bags – but it can also be pieces of plastic, glass, etc..