Measuring Paper Reductions
Method: Calculating the paper reduction from duplex copying.
The first step is to determine the rate that duplex images are made on a copier during a given period of time. This
information can be obtained from:
•
•
•
A duplexing image rate counter, if available. This counter may be inside your machine and not be apparent.
Consult your service representative about its availability and ask if they can take readings when they service the
machine.
Conducting an employee survey. One method involves posting a sheet by the copier to mark the number of
double-sided copies made. Alternatively, issue a short employee questionnaire about duplexing.
Track the amount of paper loaded into the copier and compare it to the total images made. If a paper contracted
service or central copying center is available, it may be able to provide the duplexing image rate.
1. Record the total number of images made by the copier indicated on the counter. This information should be recorded
during the same period of time as above.
2. Record the total reams of paper used for copying (per week, month, or year). This figure may be available from
purchasing records or inventory control.
3.
To measure results of a duplexing policy conduct a baseline survey to measure the level of duplexing prior to the
policy and a follow-up survey to calculate the waste diversion from implementing the duplexing program.
Assumptions. In order to accurately calculate paper conserved over one year, you should collect survey data for
several months. In addition, be sure that your measurements for paper used include only paper used in the copy machines.
Dual purpose or bond papers may also be used in plain paper fax machines, laser printers, and in other machines. If
paper used is heavier or larger than standard 20 lb., 8.5” x 11”, adjust weight or number of reams to reflect this
difference.
This equation does not account for other factors that may affect waste reduction results. For example, if the level of
activity in your office increases due to a good business climate, you may generate additional paper even though your
company or organization implemented a number of waste reduction activities. To make more meaningful comparisons,
you may want to compare paper usage on a "per employee" or "per dollar sales" basis. Doing so will help you account for
changes in productivity.
Paper Reduction from Two-Sided Copying:
Duplexing Rate = (No. duplex images) ÷ (Total no. images)
Annual Reduction (in lbs) = (No. reams paper used/year x 5 lbs./ream) x [Duplexing Rate ÷ ( 2 - Duplexing Rate)]
Example:
A department with 29 employees has a copier with a counter. It recorded that 2,544 images were made during a one-week
period. In the same time period, employees estimated making 422 doubled-sided copies. The department estimates it uses
approximately 4 - 5 reams of copy paper per week.
1. The weekly amount has to be converted into years:
[4.5 reams/week x 52 weeks/year] = 234 reams per year
2. Annual reduction can be calculated as:
(234 reams x 5 lbs./ream) x [(422 images ÷ 2,544 images) ÷ (2 - (422 images ÷ 2,544 images))]
= 106 lbs. ÷ 2,000 lbs./ton = 0.05 tons per year
Adapted from “Measuring the Success of Office Paper Reduction Efforts,” published by the California Integrated Waste Management
Board, http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/bizwaste/officepaper/measure.htm, 1999.