Seems it merely went from smaller operations to mega conglomerate(likely a large part of which is government/aka-taxpayer subsidized/funded) industrial mode, much as our farming community has done. Recycling has also increased dramatically in the same time, much of it going back to China(undoubtedly at greatly reduced shipping rates) in what would otherwise be empty ships
http://postcom.org/eco/facts.about.landfills.htm
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