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Calculates cash returns in 'bottle bill' states (e.g. 5-10 cents per container) for aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic containers.
Redemption Cash = (Aluminum Cans + Glass Bottles + Plastic Bottles) × State Refund RateBy recycling, you can downgrade your municipal trash bin size (e.g., from 96-gallon to 32-gallon), significantly lowering monthly collection fees.
Annual Utility Savings = (Large Bin Rate - Small Bin Rate) × 12Tracks the total physical weight of aluminum, plastic, paper, and glass diverted from municipal landfills over a year.
Diverted Landfill Weight (lbs) = Aluminum lbs + Plastic lbs + Paperboard lbs + Glass lbsUpdated: July 2026
An active family in Oregon collecting and returning 150 cans and plastic bottles per month under the state's 10-cent container refund program.
→ Monthly refund: $15.00; Annual cash back: $180
A household recycling cardboard and plastic, allowing them to downgrade from a 96-gallon trash can ($48/month) to a 32-gallon bin ($18/month).
→ Monthly savings: $30; Annual utility savings: $360
An individual dropping off old copper tubing (60 lbs) and aluminum siding (120 lbs) at a commercial scrap metal recycling yard.
→ Scrap metal cash payout: $246.00
Recycling reduces municipal garbage volume, lowers municipal trash hauling fees, and can generate cash rebates through aluminum, paper, and bottle redemption programs. This calculator estimates your annual savings and landfill volume reduction.