Recycling Rate Calculator
Calculate your recycling rate as the percentage of total waste that is recycled.
Recycling Rate
Amount Recycled
Sent to Landfill
Calculation Steps
Understanding the Recycling Rate
The recycling rate measures the share of your total waste that is diverted from landfill or incineration and sent for recycling. It is one of the simplest and most widely used indicators of waste management performance, used by households, businesses, cities, and entire countries to track progress toward sustainability goals.
The Formula
The recycling rate is calculated by dividing the weight of recycled material by the weight of total waste and multiplying by 100:
Recycling Rate (%) = (Recycled Weight ÷ Total Waste Weight) × 100
How to Improve Your Recycling Rate
- Separate recyclables (paper, glass, metal, plastic) at the source
- Rinse containers so they are not rejected as contaminated
- Compost food and garden waste to reduce what goes to landfill
- Buy products with less packaging and more recycled content
- Learn your local rules, as accepted materials vary by area
References
Note: This calculator measures recycling rate by weight. The amount sent to landfill is calculated as total waste minus recycled material. Make sure both weights use the same unit for an accurate result.