CRP Data Tracking, Reporting & Program Evaluation

Question 1

What is a 'diversion rate' in recycling program reporting, and how is it typically calculated?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of total waste generated that is diverted from landfill through recycling, composting, or reuse — calculated as diverted tons divided by total waste generated tons

Answer

The number of tons recycled per collection route per day

Answer

The ratio of residential to commercial recycling tonnage in a program

Answer

The fraction of collected recyclables that successfully reach end-markets

Question 2

Which data collection method is used to determine the composition of a community's waste stream for recycling program planning?

Accepted Answer

Waste characterization study (waste sort)

Answer

Hauler tonnage report

Answer

Material recovery facility (MRF) bale weight log

Answer

Consumer survey on recycling habits

Question 3

A state requires recyclers to report annual recycling tonnage. What is the most accurate data source for this report?

Accepted Answer

Certified scale weight tickets from MRFs and processing facilities

Answer

Hauler vehicle load counts multiplied by estimated average load weight

Answer

Residential survey data on recycling participation frequency

Answer

Container set-out counts multiplied by average bin weight

Question 4

What is the purpose of tracking 'material-specific recovery rates' separately for each commodity (paper, plastics, metals, glass)?

Accepted Answer

To identify which materials are being over- or under-recovered and target program improvements or outreach to specific materials

Answer

To comply with EPA national reporting requirements for MRF operators

Answer

To calculate per-material commodity revenue for budget forecasting

Answer

To satisfy ISO 14001 environmental management documentation requirements

Question 5

Which performance benchmark is SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) most associated with providing for the recycling profession?

Accepted Answer

Industry benchmarking data for cost per ton, diversion rates, and MRF efficiency metrics across North American programs

Answer

Mandatory certification standards for all MRF operators in the US

Answer

Legal compliance templates for state recycling regulations

Answer

Annual rankings of best-performing recycling programs by city size

Question 6

What is the difference between 'gross diversion' and 'net diversion' in recycling program evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Gross diversion counts all material collected for recycling; net diversion subtracts residue and contaminants that ultimately go to disposal after MRF processing

Answer

Gross diversion includes composting; net diversion counts only recycling

Answer

Gross diversion counts residential tonnage; net diversion adds commercial tonnage

Answer

Gross diversion is reported before processing; net diversion is reported after end-market rejection rates are applied