Calculate the impact of recycling your e-waste and its carbon footprint

UpcyclIT Calculator

Calculate the environmental impact of your Upcycling

Enter the products you plan to upcycle to calculate an estimated offset if the following items were disposed of through traditional means.


Purpose of the calculator

E-waste disposal and carbon footprint are closely tied together, as improper/traditional means of disposal for electronic devices can release hazardous chemicals and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to our carbon footprint. By properly disposing of e-waste, we can reduce its carbon footprint and minimize any negative environmental impact.


Upcycling helps save harmful decompositions and energy consumption, since it reduces the amount of e-waste that must be disposed of and minimizes its environmental impact.

  • How to use the calculator

    1. Use the unit dropdown to select the type of equipment.
    2. Select the unit of measurement; Quantity, Weight (lbs.), or Gaylords.
    3. Click Add to Calculation.
    4. Repeat 1 through 3 to add all the equipment you want included in the calculation.
    5. After adding each item, the updated results will be shown immediately, with results for Total Carbon Footprint, Total Energy Consumption, and Total Methane Production.
    6. Click 'Send Me The Results'. Complete and submit the form to receive the following estimated carbon offset through email.

What does the calculator measure?

  • C02e

    The EPA defines C02e as “Carbon dioxide equivalent means the number of metric tons of C02 emissions with the same global warming potential as one metric ton of another greenhouse gas.” 


    In other words, with reference to greenhouse gas emissions, C02e compares the extent to which the given emissions contribute to global warming. C02e is a largely encompassing measurement to determine our contribution towards reducing climate change.

  • Methane Production

    Methane is a hazardous greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Comprising of carbon and hydrogen, it’s released during e-waste disposal can have detrimental environmental consequences.


    According to the EPA, it affects climate change by contributing to global warming. 


    When e-waste is disposed of into a landfill, its byproduct of decomposition creates gases, methane and C02.

  • Energy Consumption

    E-waste disposal requires a great deal of energy because the process requires heat.


    Furthermore, electronic waste often contains hazardous materials which must be safely disposed of, through specific methods to avoid environmental harm. This includes data devices that are required to be disposed of through responsible means. Traditionally, breaking down and recycling electronics requires a considerable amount of energy, particularly if the e-waste isn't properly sorted beforehand.


    Furthermore, many e-waste disposal methods involve burning or incinerating it, another high energy consuming step.

Sources: EPA, United Nations University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Silicon Valley Toxins Coalition, Journal of Environmental Management.

UpcyclIT Calculator

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