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Recycling Rate
To determine the recycling rate, the amount recycled is divided by the total waste stream. The total waste stream is the sum of waste and recyclables generated for a given period of time.
How to Estimate the Recycling Rate
Recycling Rate = Recyclables Generated ÷ (Waste Generated + Recyclables Generated)
Example of Calculating the Recycling Rate:
Building A (yearly): 525 tons of waste hauled away and 200 tons of materials recycled
Total Waste Stream = 525 + 200 = 725 tons
Recycling Rate = 200 ÷ 725 = 28%
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See the links in this section for determining the amount of recyclables and waste generated in an office building. Also, the EPA website provides detailed worksheets for determining the recycling rate for municipalities.
Counting WTE in Waste Diversion Goals and Rates
When establishing and measuring progress toward waste diversion goals under Executive Order 13423, “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management,” agencies cannot count waste diverted from landfills to waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities. “Waste diversion” means source reduction and recycling. Additional information is found in "Counting Waste-to-Energy in Waste Diversion Goals".
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