How is the recycling rate calculated?

The recycling rate is calculated by determining the proportion of materials that are recycled in relation to the total amount of waste generated, which includes both recycled materials and disposed solid waste. Therefore, the correct approach is to take the total recycling and divide it by the sum of total recycling and total solid waste disposed. This formula gives a clear picture of how much of the overall waste stream is being diverted from landfills and into recycling efforts.

By expressing total recycling as a portion of total waste (recycling plus solid waste), you gain the recycling rate as a percentage, allowing for effective tracking of recycling efforts and achievements. This metric is crucial for public works managers, as it helps gauge the effectiveness of recycling programs and informs future waste management strategies.

Other methods for calculation may give misleading figures and fail to account for the total amount of waste, thereby not providing an accurate picture of recycling efforts. The correct method ensures that all relevant components of waste management are considered in calculating the recycling rate.