Work out recycling diversion rate instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Recycling rate should be measured on material actually reprocessed, not collected, because 5-15% of kerbside recyclate is rejected as contamination at the sorting facility. Diversion from landfill adds energy recovery, which counts as recovery rather than recycling under most waste hierarchies.
Recycling rate
Rate % = collected recyclate x (1 - reject rate) x 100 / total waste
Diversion
Diversion % = (recycled + energy recovery) x 100 / total waste
Because contaminated material collected as recycling but rejected at the sorting plant ends up in landfill or incineration. Reporting collected tonnage overstates genuine performance.
No. Under the waste hierarchy recycling ranks above energy recovery, and statutory recycling targets exclude it. Diversion and recycling are distinct metrics that must not be conflated.