Program Evaluation, Data Reporting & Performance Metrics Flashcards

What is a 'baseline measurement' and why is it essential before launching a recycling program change?

Answer: A pre-change measurement of current performance metrics that allows you to objectively measure the impact of the change

Without a baseline, you cannot demonstrate whether a program change (like adding a new material or running an education campaign) actually improved performance.

What does 'cost per ton' measure in recycling program economics?

Answer: The total program cost divided by tons diverted, expressing how much it costs to divert one ton of material from disposal

Cost per ton diverted is the standard metric for comparing recycling program efficiency; it includes all program costs (collection, processing, administration) minus commodity revenues, divided by tons diverted.

What is 'net cost per ton' as distinguished from 'gross cost per ton' in recycling finance?

Answer: Net cost subtracts commodity revenues from total costs; gross cost includes all program expenses before commodity revenue offsets

Net cost per ton reflects what a program actually spends after commodity sales revenues are applied, while gross cost reflects total spending before revenue offsets are considered.

What is a 'residential capture rate' in recycling program measurement?

Answer: The percentage of a target material in the residential waste stream that is actually captured in the recycling program

Capture rate measures how well the program is recovering available materials; a 40% capture rate for glass means 60% of glass available to recycle ends up in the trash.

What is the purpose of a 'contamination study' in MRF operations and program management?

Answer: To measure the types and quantities of non-target materials in the recycling stream to identify sources and guide education efforts

Contamination studies identify which materials are being incorrectly placed in recycling and in what quantities, allowing targeted education to reduce specific contaminants at their source.

What is the difference between 'outputs' and 'outcomes' in recycling program evaluation?

Answer: Outputs are direct, measurable program products (tons collected, events held); outcomes are the broader changes achieved (reduced landfill, behavior change)

Outputs measure what the program directly produces (tons diverted, households served), while outcomes measure the intended changes those outputs create (reduced GHG emissions, increased participation).