Program Evaluation, Data Reporting & Performance Metrics Flashcards
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What is the primary purpose of 'program evaluation' in recycling management?
Answer: To systematically assess whether a recycling program is achieving its goals and to identify areas for improvement
Program evaluation uses data collection and analysis to measure outcomes against goals, supporting evidence-based decisions about program design, resource allocation, and reporting to stakeholders.
What does 'tons per household' measure in a recycling program?
Answer: The average weight of recyclables generated per participating household over a given period
Tons per household (or pounds per household) measures recycling program productivity by normalizing collection data to individual household participation, enabling comparisons across programs of different sizes.
What is a 'Key Performance Indicator (KPI)' in recycling program management?
Answer: A specific, measurable metric used to evaluate whether a program is meeting its critical success factors
KPIs translate program goals into trackable numbers (e.g., diversion rate, cost per ton, contamination rate) that managers can monitor over time to assess performance and drive improvement.
What does 'material-specific diversion rate' measure that an overall diversion rate does not?
Answer: The recovery rate for a single material type (e.g., glass, plastics), showing performance for specific commodity streams
Material-specific diversion rates reveal which materials are being effectively recovered and which have gaps, enabling targeted program improvements rather than only tracking overall performance.
What is 'benchmarking' in recycling program evaluation?
Answer: Comparing your program's performance metrics against those of comparable programs to identify relative strengths and gaps
Benchmarking allows program managers to understand how their performance compares to similar programs (by size, demographics, or service type), motivating improvement and sharing best practices.
What is a 'tonnage report' in recycling program administration?
Answer: A periodic summary of the weight of recyclable materials collected, processed, and marketed during a reporting period
Tonnage reports document program output (tons collected and by material type), forming the core data used for performance evaluation, grant reporting, and regulatory compliance.