The recycling rate is a calculation that is used to determine the percentage of diverted refuse is recyclable. The reason some items may not be recyclable could be that the have been contaminated or the community’s processing centre may not be able to handle certain recyclables.

In a community that has a diversion rate of 30 percent, there may only be a recycling rate of 10 to 15 percent. The advantage of using a recycling rate is that it helps in determining how much refuse that you are trying to divert from the landfill is recyclable.

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Other Sources

United States Environmental Protection Agency. “What is the difference between a recycling rate and a waste diversion rate?” EPA. https://waste.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/212349257-What-is-the-difference-between-a-recycling-rate-and-a-waste-diversion-rate-. Accessed August 19, 2016.

Waste Diversion Ontario. “Glossary.” http://wdo.ca/learn/glossary. Accessed August 19, 2016.