Waste Reduction Calculator: Recycling, Composting & Emissions Savings
Table of Contents
What is the Waste Reduction Calculator
Enter your weekly waste generation and current recycling/composting rates to estimate diversion, landfill amounts, and associated CO2e avoided. Use it to set goals and quantify improvement potential.
Why Reducing Waste Matters
Environmental Impact
- Lower landfill methane emissions (a potent greenhouse gas)
- Reduced extraction of virgin materials and energy use
- Less plastic leakage into waterways and ecosystems
Economic & Social Benefits
- Lower hauling/landfill fees and bin service costs
- Supply chain resilience via recycled feedstocks
- Community engagement and sustainability leadership
Understanding Waste Streams
Recyclables
Paper, cardboard, metals, glass, and certain plastics. Check local acceptance rules.
Organics
Food scraps, yard trimmings, soiled paper. Composting avoids methane from anaerobic decay.
Residuals
Non‑recyclable plastics, composites, and contamination. Target reduction and substitution.
Methodology & Emission Factors
This tool uses simplified weekly diversion estimates and indicative emissions factors to compare a landfill‑only baseline vs. a mixed recycling/composting scenario.
- Landfill emissions factor: 0.79 kg CO2e per kg of mixed waste
- Recycling processing emissions: 0.15 kg CO2e per kg (avoids virgin production)
- Composting emissions: 0.05 kg CO2e per kg
Note: Real impacts vary by material mix, capture efficiency, and regional infrastructure. For detailed analysis, use a material‑specific model (e.g., EPA WARM).
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter your average weekly waste in kilograms.
- Provide recycling and composting rates (percent of total waste).
- Submit to calculate diversion, landfill, and emissions avoided.
- Review your 10‑point improvement potential.
Waste Reduction Strategies
Source Reduction
- • Buy in bulk; avoid single‑use packaging
- • Repair and reuse before replacing
- • Opt‑out of junk mail and freebies
Diversion Improvements
- • Add labeled bins for paper, metals, plastics
- • Start or expand food scrap composting
- • Educate household on accepted materials
Real‑World Examples
Family of Four
Weekly waste 30 kg, 25% recycling, 10% composting → 10.5 kg diverted, ~12.6 kg CO2e avoided per week.
Small Office
Weekly waste 50 kg, 40% recycling, 20% composting → 30 kg diverted, ~27.0 kg CO2e avoided per week.
Key Metrics & Formulas
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I handle contamination?
Use clear signage and education. Remove common contaminants (plastic bags, liquids) and keep lids closed to prevent windblown waste.
What if I don’t have municipal composting?
Consider backyard or community composting for vegetative scraps, and focus on source reduction and recycling until services expand.