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.

50 | South Dakota

ShutterstockCarbon 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

For better news for South Dakotans, see how they rank among The States Where You Can Make the Most Money.

49 | Idaho

Sun Valley, Idaho White Christmas in America

ShutterstockCarbon 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

And if you're curious about a certain lakeside oasis in Idaho, find it among The Most Mispronounced Towns in the U.S.

48 | Maine

ShutterstockCarbon 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

47 | Montana

wildflowers in front of flathead lake in montana

ShutterstockCarbon 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.

46 | Wyoming

Grand Tetons reflected in still water of the Snake River at Oxbow Bend

iStockCarbon 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.

45 | Vermont

iStockCarbon 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

44 | North Dakota

ShutterstockCarbon 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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43 | New Mexico

ShutterstockCarbon 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

42 | Oregon

iStockCarbon 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

41 | Utah

ShutterstockCarbon 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

40 | Nebraska

ShutterstockCarbon 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

39 | Nevada

Reno, happiest cities, drunkest cities, fittest cities, best singles scenes, worst drinking water

ShutterstockCarbon 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

38 | Minnesota

ShutterstockCarbon 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

37 | Arkansas

ShutterstockCarbon 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

36 | Hawaii

ShutterstockCarbon 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

35 | Kansas

field of wheat in central Kansas is nearly ready for harvest.

iStockCarbon 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

34 | Mississippi

ShutterstockCarbon 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

33 | Washington

ShutterstockCarbon 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

32 | Iowa

ShutterstockCarbon 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

31 | Oklahoma

ShutterstockCarbon 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

30 | Arizona

Antelope Canyon lights and rocks arizona

Andrea Izzotti / ShutterstockCarbon 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

29 | New Hampshire

ShutterstockCarbon 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

28 | Colorado

ShutterstockCarbon 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

27 | Connecticut

ShutterstockCarbon 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

26 | Missouri

ShutterstockCarbon 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

25 | West Virginia

Housing Congestion. Wheeling, West Virginia. Compressed houses in the foreground.

iStockCarbon 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

24 | Alaska

ShutterstockCarbon 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

23 | Alabama

river with boats and boathouses in alabama

Jon Lovette / AlamyCarbon 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

22 | Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin, USA downtown skyline at dusk on Lake Monona.

iStockCarbon 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

21 | South Carolina

palm trees line storefronts and a church in charleston

ShutterstockCarbon 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

20 | Tennessee

ShutterstockCarbon 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

19 | Kentucky

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

18 | North Carolina

ShutterstockCarbon 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

17 | Michigan

iStockCarbon 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

16 | Georgia

Atlanta, happiest cities, drunkest cities, fittest cities, best singles scenes, best cities to buy a mansion, flip a house, rent, property

ShutterstockCarbon 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

15 | Virginia

ShutterstockCarbon 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

14 | Louisiana

ShutterstockCarbon 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

13 | New York

ShutterstockCarbon 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

12 | Massachusetts

ShutterstockCarbon 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

11 | Florida

ShutterstockCarbon 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

10 | Maryland

ShutterstockCarbon 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

9 | Illinois

ShutterstockCarbon 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

8 | Ohio

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ShutterstockCarbon 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

7 | Indiana

ShutterstockCarbon 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

6 | Pennsylvania

ShutterstockCarbon 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

5 | California

ShutterstockCarbon 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

4 | Rhode Island

providence rhode island state capitol buildings

ShutterstockCarbon 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

3 | Delaware

Saturated early morning light hits the buildings and architecture of downtown Wilmington Delaware

iStockCarbon 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

2 | Texas

san antonio's beautiful nightlife at the river walk

ShutterstockCarbon 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

1 | New Jersey

ShutterstockCarbon 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

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