Work out waste recycling rate instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Recycling rate counts only recycled material against the total, while diversion rate adds composting. With 420 kg recycled, 180 kg composted and 500 kg landfilled, the recycling rate is 38.2% but diversion reaches 54.5%. The distinction matters because targets are set against one or the other and the difference can exceed fifteen points.
Recycling rate
rate = recycled / total waste x 100
Diversion rate
rate = (recycled + composted) / total x 100
Because definitions differ - some count incineration with energy recovery as diversion, others exclude construction waste, and some measure at the kerb rather than after sorting.
Yes. Material rejected at the sorting facility should be counted as residual, and contamination rates of 15-25% are common in kerbside collections.