.calc-row { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; }
.calc-col { flex: 1; min-width: 250px; }
.calc-label { display: block; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 5px; color: #333; }
.calc-input { width: 100%; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 4px; font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; }
.calc-input:focus { border-color: #2ecc71; outline: none; }
.calc-btn { background: #27ae60; color: white; border: none; padding: 12px 25px; border-radius: 4px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; transition: background 0.3s; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; }
.calc-btn:hover { background: #219150; }
.calc-reset { background: #95a5a6; margin-top: 10px; }
.calc-reset:hover { background: #7f8c8d; }
.result-box { background: white; padding: 20px; border-radius: 4px; margin-top: 20px; border-left: 5px solid #27ae60; display: none; }
.result-row { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 5px; }
.result-row:last-child { border-bottom: none; margin-bottom: 0; padding-bottom: 0; }
.result-label { color: #555; }
.result-value { font-weight: bold; color: #333; }
.final-score { font-size: 24px; color: #27ae60; text-align: center; margin-top: 15px; padding-top: 15px; border-top: 2px dashed #eee; }
.unit-note { font-size: 12px; color: #777; margin-top: 5px; }
function calculateDiversionRate() {
// Get inputs
var recycled = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weightRecycled').value);
var composted = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weightComposted').value);
var reused = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weightReused').value);
var landfill = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weightLandfill').value);
// Validate inputs
if (isNaN(recycled)) recycled = 0;
if (isNaN(composted)) composted = 0;
if (isNaN(reused)) reused = 0;
if (isNaN(landfill)) landfill = 0;
// Logic
var totalDiverted = recycled + composted + reused;
var totalGenerated = totalDiverted + landfill;
var diversionRate = 0;
if (totalGenerated > 0) {
diversionRate = (totalDiverted / totalGenerated) * 100;
} else {
diversionRate = 0;
}
// Display Results
document.getElementById('displayDiverted').innerText = totalDiverted.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 0, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('displayGenerated').innerText = totalGenerated.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 0, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('displayRate').innerText = diversionRate.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resultsArea').style.display = 'block';
// Dynamic Message
var messageEl = document.getElementById('calcMessage');
if (diversionRate >= 90) {
messageEl.innerText = "Excellent! You are approaching Zero Waste standards.";
messageEl.style.color = "#27ae60";
} else if (diversionRate >= 50) {
messageEl.innerText = "Good job! You are diverting the majority of your waste.";
messageEl.style.color = "#f39c12";
} else {
messageEl.innerText = "There is room for improvement. Look for more recycling opportunities.";
messageEl.style.color = "#c0392b";
}
}
function resetCalculator() {
document.getElementById('weightRecycled').value = ";
document.getElementById('weightComposted').value = ";
document.getElementById('weightReused').value = ";
document.getElementById('weightLandfill').value = ";
document.getElementById('resultsArea').style.display = 'none';
}
Waste Diversion Rate Calculator
Paper, plastic, glass, metal, cardboard
Food scraps, yard trimmings, organic waste
Furniture, electronics, surplus supplies
Non-recyclable waste sent to disposal
Total Waste Diverted:
0
Total Waste Generated:
0
Diversion Rate: 0%
Understanding Waste Diversion Rate
The Diversion Rate is a critical metric in sustainability and waste management. It measures the percentage of waste materials that are prevented from ending up in a landfill or incinerator through alternative methods such as recycling, composting, or reuse.
Tracking this metric is essential for businesses seeking LEED certification, municipalities monitoring recycling programs, or organizations aiming for "Zero Waste" status. A higher diversion rate indicates a more efficient resource management system and a lower environmental footprint.
The Formula
The diversion rate is calculated by dividing the weight of diverted materials by the total weight of all waste generated, then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage.
Diversion Rate % = (Weight of Diverted Waste ÷ Total Waste Generated) × 100
Where:
- Diverted Waste: The sum of Recycled + Composted + Reused materials.
- Total Waste Generated: The sum of Diverted Waste + Landfill (Trash) Waste.
Calculation Example
Let's look at a practical example for a small office building over the course of one month:
- Cardboard & Paper Recycled: 1,200 lbs
- Food Scraps Composted: 300 lbs
- Electronics Donated (Reused): 100 lbs
- Trash Sent to Landfill: 900 lbs
Step 1: Calculate Total Diverted
1,200 + 300 + 100 = 1,600 lbs
Step 2: Calculate Total Generated
1,600 (Diverted) + 900 (Landfill) = 2,500 lbs
Step 3: Calculate Rate
(1,600 ÷ 2,500) × 100 = 64%
This office has a diversion rate of 64%, meaning nearly two-thirds of their waste is being kept out of landfills.
What is a Good Diversion Rate?
Benchmarks vary by industry, but generally:
- 0% – 30%: Low diversion (Standard for many households without strict sorting).
- 30% – 50%: Average diversion (Typical for municipalities with established recycling programs).
- 50% – 89%: High diversion (Common for green-focused businesses).
- 90%+: Zero Waste (The international definition of Zero Waste usually requires a diversion rate of 90% or higher).
Tips to Improve Your Diversion Rate
- Conduct a Waste Audit: Physically sort through trash to identify what recyclable items are being thrown away.
- Improve Signage: Clear, color-coded signs on bins reduce contamination and confusion.
- Start Composting: Organic waste is heavy; diverting food scraps can drastically improve your rate by weight.
- Reduce Source Waste: The best way to manage waste is not to generate it. Switch to reusable dishware or double-sided printing.