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This calculator helps determine the positive environmental impact of recycling various materials. The results include annual energy savings, water savings, carbon emissions reduction, trees saved, and energy saved in hours for the amount of material recycled each year. The values are based on standard estimates for each material type.

Here's how the calculations are made:

• Energy Saved: The energy savings are determined using average energy-saving data associated with each material type when recycled. For example:
  • Mixed Paper: 0.10 kWh per lb
  • Commingled Materials: 0.15 kWh per lb
  • Scrap Metal: 0.20 kWh per lb
  • Electronics: 0.25 kWh per lb
• Water Saved: Water savings are based on research and industry averages. For instance:
  • Mixed Paper: 3 gallons per lb
  • Commingled Materials: 5 gallons per lb
  • Scrap Metal: 2 gallons per lb
  • Electronics: 4 gallons per lb
• Carbon Emissions Reduced: The reduction in carbon emissions is estimated using data on the amount of CO2 typically saved per pound of each material when it undergoes recycling. For example:
  • Mixed Paper: 0.05 lbs per lb
  • Commingled Materials: 0.10 lbs per lb
  • Scrap Metal: 0.07 lbs per lb
  • Electronics: 0.12 lbs per lb
• Trees Saved: The number of trees saved is estimated by considering how much paper recycling contributes to reducing the need for new paper. For example:
  • Mixed Paper: 0.001 trees per lb
  • Commingled Materials: 0.0008 trees per lb
  • Scrap Metal: 0 trees saved (not applicable)
  • Electronics: 0 trees saved (not applicable)
• Energy Saved in Hours: This value represents how many hours of energy the saved energy can power. For example:
  • Mixed Paper: 0.12 hours per lb
  • Commingled Materials: 0.14 hours per lb
  • Scrap Metal: 0.18 hours per lb
  • Electronics: 0.22 hours per lb

After entering the material amounts, click the Calculate Annual Recycling Impact button. The result will show the total impact in terms of energy saved, water saved, carbon emissions reduced, trees saved, and energy saved in hours, all based on the annual recycling of each material type.