Beyond Recycling: Understanding Diversion Rate for TRUE Certification
When measuring waste management success, two common metrics are used: recycling rate and diversion rate. While recycling rate measures only the percentage of materials that are recycled, diversion rate provides a more comprehensive view by measuring the percentage of materials that are recycled, reused, or reduced. TRUE certification focuses on diversion rate as it aligns with the waste hierarchy and provides a more accurate measure of sustainable waste management practices.
Recycling Rate
Recycling rate measures only the percentage of materials that are recycled. The numerator of the calculation includes materials that are recycled, while the denominator includes all materials generated. For example, if an organization generates 1,000 pounds of waste and recycles 400 pounds, the recycling rate would be 40%.
Recycling rate is a useful metric, but it does not provide a complete picture of waste management practices. Recycling alone only addresses one aspect of the waste hierarchy, which is the least preferred option after reduction and reuse.
Diversion Rate
Diversion rate measures the percentage of materials that are diverted from landfill or incineration through recycling, reuse, or reduction. The numerator of the calculation includes materials that are recycled, reused, or reduced, while the denominator includes all materials generated. For example, if an organization generates 1,000 pounds of waste and diverts 800 pounds through recycling, reuse, or reduction, the diversion rate would be 80%.
Diversion rate provides a more comprehensive view of waste management practices, as it considers not only recycling but also reuse and reduction. By focusing on diversion rate, organizations can identify opportunities for improvement in waste reduction and reuse in addition to recycling.
TRUE Certification
TRUE certification focuses on diversion rate as it aligns with the waste hierarchy and provides a more accurate measure of sustainable waste management practices. Organizations seeking TRUE certification must achieve a diversion rate of at least 90%. This means that 90% or more of the materials generated must be recycled, reused, or reduced, and not sent to landfill or incineration.
Sample Calculation
Let’s consider the same hypothetical scenario as before. An organization generates 1,000 pounds of waste and collects 400 pounds of materials for recycling. In addition, the organization reuses 200 pounds of materials and reduces waste generation by 100 pounds through source reduction initiatives. The remaining 300 pounds of waste are sent to landfill or incineration.
Recycling Rate Calculation:
Recycling Rate = (400 ÷ 1,000) x 100% = 40%
Diversion Rate Calculation:
Diversion Rate = [(400 + 200 + 100) ÷ 1,000] x 100% = 70%
As you can see, the diversion rate provides a more comprehensive view of waste management practices by considering all materials that were recycled, reused, or reduced. In this example, the diversion rate is 70%, which is not enough to meet the minimum diversion rate requirement for TRUE certification.
| Material Type | Quantity Generated (kg) | Quantity Recycled (kg) | Quantity Diverted (kg) | Recycling Rate (%) | Diversion Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | 500 | 300 | 450 | 60% | 90% |
| Cardboard | 400 | 200 | 360 | 50% | 90% |
| Plastics | 225 | 45 | 68 | 20% | 30% |
| Glass | 90 | 10 | 45 | 11% | 50% |
| Metal | 135 | 50 | 122 | 37% | 90% |
| Food Waste | 500 | 0 | 400 | 0% | 80% |
| Other Organics | 135 | 0 | 45 | 0% | 33% |
| Other Non-Recyclable | 180 | 0 | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Total | 2,160 | 605 | 1,490 | 28% | 69% |
In this example, the recycling rate and diversion rate are both calculated for each material type, as well as the overall totals. The recycling rate provides insight into how much of the generated material is being recycled, while the diversion rate takes into account recycling, reuse, and reduction. By considering both metrics, the building can identify areas for improvement in waste reduction and sustainable waste management practices.
While recycling rate is a useful metric, diversion rate provides a more comprehensive view of waste management practices. TRUE certification focuses on diversion rate as it aligns with the waste hierarchy and provides a more accurate measure of sustainable waste management practices. By achieving a diversion rate of at least 90%, organizations can become leaders in sustainable waste management practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.