Which waste management practice is excluded from the diversion rate calculation?

The diversion rate calculation is a key metric used in waste management to measure the effectiveness of practices aimed at reducing waste sent to landfills. It typically includes practices that directly prevent waste from reaching landfills and encourage the recovery of materials.

Waste-to-Energy (WTE) is not included in the diversion rate calculation because it is considered a disposal method rather than a recovery method. WTE processes involve the incineration of waste to generate energy, which transforms the waste into ash and gases. While WTE can produce energy, it does not recycle or repurpose the materials in a way that maintains their usefulness, as recycling and composting do.

In contrast, recycling and composting both contribute positively to the diversion rate as they involve recovering materials for reuse or converting organic waste into beneficial products, thereby preventing these materials from being disposed of in landfills. Reduction strategies also aim to decrease the amount of waste generated, fitting into the diversion framework as they help minimize the overall waste entering the waste stream.

Therefore, the reasoning behind excluding Waste-to-Energy from the diversion rate calculation lies in its classification as a disposal method rather than a diversion method, differentiating it from other sustainable waste management practices.