How much does recycling save manufacturers?

The amount of energy and resources manufacturers save by recycling varies based on the material being recycled. Aluminum cans are one of the most efficient materials to recycle and saves 95 percent energy compared to manufacturing new cans.

Recycling plastic saves 90 percent energy compared to manufacturing new plastic out of raw materials. There are seven types of plastic used in consumer goods, and most of them are recyclable. The EPA estimates that a recycled paper product requires only 60 percent and half the water used to create new paper. Recycling glass saves 30 percent energy, as glass requires the most processing.