How to Calculate Recycling Impact

What is Recycling Impact?

Recycling saves energy and reduces CO₂ compared to producing materials from virgin resources. Aluminium recycling saves 95% of the energy needed for primary smelting.

Formula

Material composition % | Energy saved by recycling: Aluminum 95%, Paper 60%, Glass 30%, Plastic 30–50%

Step-by-Step Guide

1CO₂ saved = Weight recycled × CO₂e saving factor
2Aluminium: ~9 kg CO₂e saved per kg recycled
3Paper: ~1.1 kg CO₂e per kg
4Plastic: ~1.5 kg CO₂e per kg

Worked Examples

Input

15kg paper + 8kg plastic + 3kg aluminium per year

Result

CO₂ saved ≈ 16.5 + 12 + 27 = 55.5 kg CO₂e/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Recycling Calc?

Recycling saves energy and reduces CO₂ compared to producing materials from virgin resources. Aluminium recycling saves 95% of the energy needed for primary smelting

How accurate is the Recycling Calc calculator?

The calculator uses the standard published formula for recycling calc. Results are accurate to the precision of the inputs you provide. For financial, medical, or legal decisions, always verify with a qualified professional.

What units does the Recycling Calc calculator use?

This calculator works with kilograms, inches, percentages, watts. You can enter values in the units shown — the calculator handles all conversions internally.

What formula does the Recycling Calc calculator use?

The core formula is: CO₂ saved = Weight recycled × CO₂e saving factor. Each step in the calculation is shown so you can verify the result manually.

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