Recycling Savings Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the recycling savings calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Recycling Savings Calculator

Formulas Used

Annual CO2 Saved

total_co2_saved = paper_co2 + plastic_co2 + glass_co2 + aluminum_co2

Equivalent Trees Planted

trees_equivalent = (paper_co2 + plastic_co2 + glass_co2 + aluminum_co2) / 48

Total Recycled Weight

annual_weight = (paper_lbs_week + plastic_lbs_week + glass_lbs_week + aluminum_lbs_week) * 52

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
paper_lbs_weekPaper/Cardboard Recycled(lbs/week)5
plastic_lbs_weekPlastic Recycled(lbs/week)2
glass_lbs_weekGlass Recycled(lbs/week)3
aluminum_lbs_weekAluminum Recycled(lbs/week)0.5
paper_co2Derived value= paper_lbs_week * 52 * 3.0calculated
plastic_co2Derived value= plastic_lbs_week * 52 * 2.5calculated
glass_co2Derived value= glass_lbs_week * 52 * 0.6calculated
aluminum_co2Derived value= aluminum_lbs_week * 52 * 10.0calculated

How It Works

How Recycling Reduces Emissions

Recycling avoids emissions from manufacturing new materials from raw resources.

Approximate CO2 Savings Per Pound Recycled

  • Paper/Cardboard: ~3.0 lbs CO2/lb
  • Plastic: ~2.5 lbs CO2/lb
  • Glass: ~0.6 lbs CO2/lb
  • Aluminum: ~10.0 lbs CO2/lb

    • Aluminum recycling is the most impactful per pound because smelting new aluminum is extremely energy-intensive.

    Worked Example

    Weekly: 5 lbs paper, 2 lbs plastic, 3 lbs glass, 0.5 lbs aluminum.

    paper_lbs_week = 5plastic_lbs_week = 2glass_lbs_week = 3aluminum_lbs_week = 0.5
    1. 01Paper CO2 saved = 5 x 52 x 3.0 = 780 lbs
    2. 02Plastic CO2 saved = 2 x 52 x 2.5 = 260 lbs
    3. 03Glass CO2 saved = 3 x 52 x 0.6 = 93.6 lbs
    4. 04Aluminum CO2 saved = 0.5 x 52 x 10.0 = 260 lbs
    5. 05Total = 780 + 260 + 93.6 + 260 = 1,394 lbs CO2
    6. 06Equivalent trees = 1,394 / 48 = 29.0 trees

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is aluminum recycling so impactful?

    Producing aluminum from raw bauxite ore requires enormous amounts of electricity. Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than making it new.

    How much does the average household recycle?

    The average American generates about 4.5 lbs of waste per day, recycling about 1.5 lbs of that. Increasing recycling rates has significant environmental impact.

    What cannot be recycled curbside?

    Typically: plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-soiled paper, ceramics, and certain plastics (check local guidelines). Contamination in recycling bins can cause entire loads to be landfilled.

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Recycling Savings Calculator