2014-7-15 · Recycling and composting diverted nearly 70 million tons of material away from landfills and incinerators in 2000, up from 34 million tons in 1990-doubling in just 10 years.: Every ton of paper that is recycled saves 17 trees.: The energy we save when we recycle one glass bottle is enough to light a light bulb for four hours.: Recycling benefits the air and water by creating a net reduction in ...