Recycling Statistics
Key recycling data, recovery rates, and environmental impact metrics. Sources include EPA, UN, and industry associations.
National Overview
Material Recovery Rates
| Material | US Recovery Rate | Environmental Benefit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Cans | 46.1% | 95% less energy than virgin | EPA/Aluminum Assoc. |
| Steel Cans | 70% | 74% energy savings | Steel Recycling Institute |
| Cardboard (OCC) | 91.4% | 3.1 MTCO₂e avoided per ton | EPA/AF&PA |
| Paper | 68% | 60% less energy, 80% less water | EPA/AF&PA |
| Glass | 31.3% | 30% energy savings per ton | EPA |
| Plastics (total) | 5-6% | Varies by resin type | EPA/Beyond Plastics |
| PET Bottles | 29.1% | 75% less energy than virgin | NAPCOR |
| Lead-Acid Batteries | 99% | Most recycled consumer product | Battery Council |
| Tires | 81% | Rubber, fuel, civil engineering | USTMA |
| Electronics | 22.3% | Gold, silver, palladium recovery | UN E-waste Monitor |
Environmental Impact Per Ton Recycled
saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill
saves 14,000 kWh of energy — enough to power a home for 18 months
avoids 3.1 metric tons of CO₂e greenhouse gas emissions
saves 2,500 lbs of iron ore, 1,400 lbs of coal, 120 lbs of limestone
saves 5,774 kWh of energy and 16.3 barrels of oil
recovers more gold than 1 ton of gold ore from mining
Data sourced from EPA Advancing Sustainable Materials Management, UN Global E-waste Monitor, Aluminum Association, American Forest & Paper Association, Steel Recycling Institute, NAPCOR, Battery Council International, and USTMA. Statistics represent most recent available data as of early 2026.
Turn These Statistics Into Your Impact
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