Glossary of Terms

Understand our waste & recycling terminology quickly and easily.

What is the difference between Diversion Rate and Recycling Rate?

  • Diversion rate measures the percentage of total waste diverted from landfill or incineration through recycling, composting, or other recovery methods.

  • Recycling rate measures the percentage of waste specifically sent for recycling, excluding other diversion methods like composting or energy recovery.

Want to Know More

Diversion rate provides a broader view of how effectively a community or organization reduces landfill disposal, including recycling, composting, and other recovery programs. Recycling rate focuses only on materials processed into new products. For example, if a city recycles 40% of its waste and composts another 20%, the recycling rate is 40% while the diversion rate is 60%. Both metrics are used to track sustainability performance and guide waste management strategies.

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