When organic materials such as wood and cardboard break down in landfills, they produce methane, which is 20 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Landfills account for 34% of methane emissions in the United States, so reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Recycling 1 ton of cardboard boxes, for example, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 4 tons of carbon dioxide.

Deconstructing instead of demolishing a 2,000 sq. ft. house reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking three cars off the road for a year. (Source: ReBuilding Center)

Learn more: 

• Recycling C&D Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions poster/fact sheet
• Adding Up the Climate Benefits of C&D Recycling article from C&D World magazine highlights use of the GreenPoint Rated Climate Calculator to account for recycling's role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions