What is a common method for assessing the efficiency of a recycling program?

Measuring the tonnage of materials recycled versus materials treated is a widely recognized method for assessing the efficiency of a recycling program because it provides quantifiable data on how much material is effectively being diverted from landfills and processed through recycling streams. By comparing the amounts of materials recycled with those that are still being treated—such as being sent to landfills or incineration—program managers can identify the program's performance and identify areas for improvement.

This method allows for a clear understanding of the total materials handled and ensures that there is an actual benefit to the recycling program in terms of waste management. If the tonnage of materials recycled is significantly higher than that of treated materials, it indicates a successful recycling initiative.

Other methods, while valuable, do not directly measure the core output of the recycling process to the same degree. For instance, surveying community participation rates provides insight into engagement but doesn’t directly assess the outcomes of the recycling efforts. Similarly, calculating cost savings from recycling or comparing rates to state averages gives context to the program's performance but lacks the direct measurement of material flow and effectiveness that tonnage comparisons provide.