Zero Waste Calculator
Track your waste reduction progress and discover personalized strategies to minimize your landfill contributions
Did You Know? The average person generates 4.5 pounds of waste per day. Small changes can reduce this by 50% or more!
Household Information
Weekly Waste Audit
Estimate how much of each waste type your household generated this week:
Spoiled food, scraps, etc.
Plastic, boxes, wrappers
Mail, tissues, paper towels
Textiles, electronics, etc.
Diversion Efforts
What percentage of your waste did you divert from landfill this week?
Your Waste Reduction Report
Weekly Waste Summary
Waste Breakdown
Personalized Recommendations
Environmental Impact
- You've diverted 0 lbs from landfill this week
- Equivalent to saving 0 kg of CO₂ emissions
- Your landfill waste would fill 0 standard trash bags annually
Progress Over Time
Waste Reduction Tips
The Zero Waste Journey
Why Zero Waste Matters
The average American generates 1,642 pounds of waste per year, contributing to:
- Climate change from methane emissions in landfills
- Ocean pollution with 8 million tons of plastic entering oceans yearly
- Resource depletion as we extract new materials instead of reusing
- Toxic exposure from landfill leachate contaminating groundwater
Reducing your waste by just 25% can eliminate 400+ pounds of landfill contribution annually.
5 Rs of Zero Waste
Refuse
Say no to unnecessary items like single-use plastics, junk mail, and freebies you don't need.
Reduce
Cut down on consumption and choose products with minimal packaging.
Reuse
Opt for reusable containers, bags, and items instead of disposables.
Recycle
Properly recycle materials that can't be refused, reduced, or reused.
Rot
Compost organic waste to return nutrients to the soil.
Zero Waste Starter Kit
Kitchen Essentials
- Reusable grocery bags
- Glass food storage
- Beeswax wraps
- Stainless steel straws
- Cloth napkins
- Compost bin
Bathroom Swaps
- Bamboo toothbrush
- Safety razor
- Bar shampoo
- Reusable cotton rounds
- Menstrual cup
- Bidet attachment
On-the-Go Items
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel mug
- Stainless steel utensils
- Foldable container
- Produce bags
- Handkerchief
Zero Waste FAQs
Is zero waste living expensive?
While some zero waste products have higher upfront costs, most people save money in the long run by:
- Buying in bulk (10-40% cheaper than packaged goods)
- Using reusables (eliminating recurring purchases of disposables)
- Consuming less overall (more mindful purchasing)
- Repairing instead of replacing items
Tip: Start with free/low-cost changes like refusing single-use items, then gradually invest in reusables.
How do I handle non-recyclable waste?
For items that can't be recycled traditionally:
Specialty Recycling Programs
Many communities offer drop-off for electronics, batteries, light bulbs, and other special waste.
Mail-Back Services
Companies like TerraCycle accept hard-to-recycle items through prepaid mailers.
Creative Reuse
Repurpose items (glass jars for storage, fabric scraps for crafts) before discarding.
Last Resort
If no other options exist, ensure proper landfill disposal to prevent environmental contamination.
What if my community doesn't have good recycling/composting?
You still have options without municipal services:
- Backyard composting: Even apartment dwellers can use small-space methods like bokashi or worm bins
- Community drop-offs: Farmers markets or community gardens often accept compostables
- Private services: Some areas have paid compost pickup services (typically $10-20/month)
- Advocacy:
- Petition local government for better recycling
- Organize neighborhood recycling cooperatives
- Partner with local businesses to host collection bins
How do I get my family on board with zero waste?
Make waste reduction easy and rewarding:
For Kids
- Make it a game (waste-free challenge with rewards)
- Involve them in DIY projects (making reusable items)
- Connect it to nature (explain how waste affects animals)
- Start with fun swaps (cool reusable lunch gear)
For Adults
- Focus on cost savings first
- Make one change at a time
- Share success metrics (like this calculator's results)
- Lead by example without pressure
Remember: Progress over perfection. Even small reductions make a meaningful difference.
Ready to Reduce Your Waste?
Join our 30-day zero waste challenge for daily tips, community support, and progress tracking.
We'll send you a free zero waste starter guide when you sign up!