1. What is Diversion Rate?

Diversion Rate measures the percentage of waste materials diverted from landfills through recycling, composting, and other waste reduction methods. It's a key sustainability metric for organizations and communities.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Diversion Rate formula:

Where:

• \( DR \) — Diversion Rate (%)
• \( RD \) — Recycled/Diverted Waste (tons)
• \( TW \) — Total Waste Generated (tons)

Explanation: The formula calculates the proportion of waste diverted from landfills relative to the total waste generated, expressed as a percentage.

3. Importance of Diversion Rate Calculation

Details: Tracking diversion rate helps organizations measure their environmental impact, set waste reduction goals, comply with regulations, and demonstrate sustainability commitments to stakeholders.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter recycled/diverted waste and total waste in tons. Both values must be positive numbers, and recycled waste cannot exceed total waste.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What counts as diverted waste?
A: Diverted waste includes materials recycled, composted, reused, donated, or processed through waste-to-energy facilities instead of being sent to landfills.

Q2: What is a good diversion rate?
A: Rates vary by industry, but generally 50%+ is good, 75%+ is excellent, and 90%+ is considered outstanding waste diversion.

Q3: How often should diversion rate be calculated?
A: Typically calculated monthly or quarterly for ongoing monitoring, and annually for sustainability reporting.

Q4: What are common challenges in calculating diversion rate?
A: Accurate waste measurement, tracking all waste streams, and accounting for contamination in recycled materials are common challenges.

Q5: How can organizations improve their diversion rate?
A: Implement comprehensive recycling programs, reduce waste generation, educate staff, source separate materials, and establish partnerships with recycling facilities.