Waste Diversion Rate Calculator
Calculate your diversion rate with the standard waste diversion formula: recycled plus composted material divided by total waste generated. Track landfill diversion, recycling performance, and zero-waste progress.
Paper, plastic, glass, metal, etc.
Food scraps, yard waste (optional)
Non-recyclable trash
Waste diversion formula
Waste diversion rate measures the share of total waste that avoids landfill disposal through recycling, composting, reuse, donation, or other recovery methods. The basic formula is:
Diversion Rate = (Recycled Weight + Composted Weight) ÷ Total Waste Weight × 100
For example, if your household produces 100 pounds of waste in a month and recycles or composts 45 pounds, your landfill diversion rate is 45%. Businesses and schools can use the same waste diversion calculator for weekly, monthly, or annual reporting.
What Is in the Waste Stream
Knowing what makes up everyday trash shows where to focus. Paper, food, and plastics dominate the stream, so capturing those materials moves your diversion rate the most.
Waste diversion calculator FAQ
What is a good waste diversion rate?
A good diversion rate depends on the setting. Households often aim for 50% or higher, while mature business, campus, and school programs may target 75% to 90% through recycling, composting, and reuse.
What counts as diverted waste?
Diverted waste usually includes materials that are recycled, composted, reused, donated, repaired, or otherwise kept out of landfill disposal. This calculator uses recycled plus composted weight for a clear baseline.
Related Resources
Construction Waste Recycling Guide
Plan material recovery and landfill diversion for construction and demolition projects.
Complete Home Recycling Guide
Build a household system that boosts your diversion rate.
Carbon Footprint Calculator
Translate diverted waste into CO2 saved from the atmosphere.
Decomposition Time Lookup
See how long items linger in landfills when you don't divert them.