Waste Diversion Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the waste diversion calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Diversion Rate
diversion_rate = diverted / total_waste_lbs * 100Annual Waste Diverted
annual_diverted = diverted * 52Annual to Landfill
annual_landfill = landfill * 52CO2 Saved by Diversion
co2_saved = diverted * 52 * 0.5 / 2204.6Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
total_waste_lbs | Total Weekly Waste(lbs) | 50 |
recycled_lbs | Recycled Waste(lbs) | 15 |
composted_lbs | Composted Waste(lbs) | 10 |
reused_lbs | Reused/Donated(lbs) | 3 |
diverted | Derived value= recycled_lbs + composted_lbs + reused_lbs | calculated |
landfill | Derived value= total_waste_lbs - diverted | calculated |
How It Works
How to Calculate Waste Diversion Rate
The waste diversion rate measures what percentage of waste is kept out of landfills.
Formula
Diversion Rate = (Recycled + Composted + Reused) / Total Waste * 100
Benchmarks
Worked Example
A household producing 50 lbs/week total, recycling 15 lbs, composting 10 lbs, reusing 3 lbs.
- 01Diverted: 15 + 10 + 3 = 28 lbs
- 02Landfill: 50 - 28 = 22 lbs
- 03Diversion rate: 28 / 50 * 100 = 56%
- 04Annual diverted: 28 * 52 = 1,456 lbs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a waste diversion rate?
Waste diversion rate is the percentage of waste kept out of landfills through recycling, composting, reuse, and other recovery methods. Higher rates mean less landfill impact.
What are the easiest ways to increase diversion?
Start composting food scraps (30-40% of household waste), recycle all accepted materials, donate usable items, and choose products with less packaging.
What is zero waste?
Zero waste aims to divert 90%+ of waste from landfills. It requires redesigning products, maximizing recycling and composting, and reducing consumption. Several cities have adopted zero-waste goals.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Waste Diversion Calculator