How much of waste is recycled?

recycle-binGrade level: 5th

Skills: Multiplication (fraction)

Related environmental issues: Reduce, reuse & recycle

Area level: Household

On average,  1  1/2 pounds of waste generated from one person is recycled in the United States a day.

  1. How much of waste generated from an American is recycled in a week?
  2. There are 5 people in your family.  How much of waste generated from your family is recycled in a day?
  3. How much of waste generated from your family is recycled in a week?

Source: US Energy Information Administration

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Answer keys

  1. 6 pounds (3/2 x 4 = 12/2 = 6)
  2.  7  1/2 pounds (3/2 x 5 = 15/2 = 7  1/2)
  3.  52  1/2 pounds (15/2 x 7 = 105/2 =52  1/2)