Water & environment · Calculator companion · By K Imports
Waste diversion and cost: practical guide
This guide explains how to use the Count.ie waste diversion and cost. Measure material recovery and compare entered disposal prices. Follow the inputs, method and worked example below, then compare your own scenario.
Guide written .
Open the Waste diversion and cost calculatorWhat to prepare
- Record the relevant area, volume, mass, rainfall or usage measurement.
- Identify the source and period of any entered factor.
- State the assessment boundary: what activity is included and what is outside the model.
Understand the inputs
The calculation method
Diversion = recovered mass ÷ total mass. Treatment cost combines residual and recovery masses at their entered prices.
Worked example
Illustrative inputs and their result.
Example inputs
- Residual landfill/disposal mass (kg)
- 500
- Recycled mass (kg)
- 300
- Composted mass (kg)
- 100
- Reused mass (kg)
- 100
- Residual treatment price (€/tonne)
- 180
- Average recovery treatment price (€/tonne)
- 80
Calculated example result
- Diversion Percent
- 50%
- Estimated Saving
- €50.00
How to interpret the result
An entered-factor estimate is not an audited footprint or certification. Results depend on the selected boundary, factor, units and local conditions.
Use the same boundary and factor source for each scenario. Report assumptions alongside savings or changes so the comparison can be reproduced.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not present an assumed factor as a measured local result.
- Avoid counting an activity in two categories of the same assessment.
- Distinguish potential collection or diversion from the quantity actually achieved.
Assumptions and sources
Reuse, recycling and composting are combined as diversion only. Prices should include relevant charges; contamination, collection costs and actual final destinations are excluded.
If your case falls outside this scope, use a more suitable calculator or contact us about an unclear method.