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Calcimator

Recycling Impact Calculator

Calculate the environmental impact of recycling. See how much CO2, energy, and water you save by recycling.

Inputs

Results

CO₂ Saved Per Year

520 kg

≈ 7 adults

Energy Saved Per Year2,600 kWh
Water Saved Per Year10,400 L
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the monthly weight of each material you recycle: paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal.
  2. Review the estimated CO₂ savings, water savings, and landfill diversion per material.
  3. Sum the totals to see your overall annual recycling impact.
  4. Compare recycling weights to your overall waste production to calculate your diversion rate.
  5. Aim for a diversion rate above 50% as a household sustainability target.

How the result changes with Items Recycled Per Week

Items Recycled Per WeekCO₂ Saved Per Year
1002,600 kg
3509,100 kg
65016,900 kg
90023,400 kg

What each input means

Items Recycled Per Week
Average number of items you recycle per week.
CO₂ Saved Per Item
Average CO2 saved per recycled item (kg).
Energy Saved Per Item
Average energy saved per recycled item (kWh).
Water Saved Per Item
Average water saved per recycled item (liters).

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Items Recycled Per Week = 20, CO₂ Saved Per Item = 0.5, Energy Saved Per Item = 2.5, Water Saved Per Item = 10 = 4 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate CO₂ Saved Per Year
    CO₂ Saved Per Year
    520 = 520
  3. Calculate Energy Saved Per Year
    Energy Saved Per Year
    2600 = 2600
  4. Calculate Water Saved Per Year
    Water Saved Per Year
    10400 = 10400

Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.

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