Formula
Waste Recycling Rate = (Recycled Waste ÷ Total Waste Generated) × 100
Calculation Example
If a company generates 10,000 tons of waste and recycles 6,000 tons, Recycling Rate = (6,000 ÷ 10,000) × 100 = 60%
Data Source
ESG Reports, Waste Management Systems, Supplier Reports
Tracking Frequency
Monthly, Quarterly, Annually
Optimal Value
Higher is better; above 50% is ideal.
Minimum Acceptable Value
A low recycling rate suggests poor waste management.
Benchmark
Industry benchmarks: Manufacturing ~50-80%, Retail ~40-70%, Tech ~60-90%
Recommended Chart Type
Bar chart (to compare waste categories), Line chart (to track improvements)
How It Appears in Reports
Displayed in sustainability reports to measure waste management performance.
Why Is This KPI Important?
Indicates corporate commitment to environmental sustainability.
Typical Problems and Limitations
Recycling infrastructure may vary by region, affecting feasibility.
Actions for Poor Results
Reduce waste at the source, improve recycling programs, work with sustainable suppliers.
Related KPIs
Carbon Footprint, ESG Score, Supply Chain Efficiency
Real-Life Examples
A company increased recycling rates from 45% to 75% by implementing a zero-waste policy.
Most Common Mistakes
Focusing on recycling without reducing overall waste generation.
