Recycling Impact Calculator

See CO₂ and resource savings from recycling paper, plastic, glass and aluminium.

Paper / cardboard (kg/week)

Plastic (kg/week)

Glass (kg/week)

Aluminium cans (number/week)

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How This Works

CO₂ savings per kg recycled (vs landfill/virgin): paper 1.05kg, plastic 1.53kg, glass 0.31kg, aluminium 8.14kg CO₂e/kg. Source: WRAP UK. Aluminium has the highest benefit because primary smelting is extremely energy-intensive.

Yes, significantly for metals and paper. Aluminium recycling uses 95% less energy than virgin production. Paper recycling saves trees and uses 70% less energy. Plastic recycling is more complex — contamination and material degradation reduce effectiveness. The UK recycles only ~16% of plastic packaging.