Information Sheet 1.

1-4
WASTE DIVERSION

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
1. Define waste diversion and its significance in resource
management
2. Demonstrate proper techniques for sorting recyclables,
compostables and landfill waste
3. Develop a sense of responsibility towards community and
global environmental issues.

Materials/Resources

 Paper
 Ballpen
 PowerPoint projector
 Laptop/PC

What Do You Need To Know?

Read the Information Sheet 1.1-4 very well then find out how much you
can remember and how much you have learned by doing the Self-check
1.1-4.
WASTE DIVERSION is a vital component of not only effective
recycling but also reducing the amount of waste actually produced.
The ultimate goal of waste diversion is to divert wastes from actually
making their way into landfills. Waste diversion can take on a variety
of forms, but may also include several treatment processes in order to
prevent waste from actually going to the landfill.
Waste reduction at the source is one of the most popular
methods for diverting wastes from landfills. This method involves
avoiding the use of materials that are not recyclable, reusable or
disposable. Such materials are referred to as throw-away materials
and may include disposable cups, plates, and cellophanes. These
types of materials are typically designed to be used and then disposed
of. Along with the fact that these materials cannot typically be
Date Developed: Document No. DWNHS-ACP II-017
NOVEMBER 2023 Issued by:
AGRICULTURAL Date Revised:
CROPS DWNHS Page 1 of 10
PRODUCTION NC II Developed by:
RAHIB S. SAMAYATIN
Revision # 00
composted, and usually cannot be recycled. Avoiding the use of such
materials helps to minimize the amount of waste generated and sent
to landfills.
Other methods for waste diversion involve recycling and reusing
materials that are non-biodegradable. Recycling refers to the process
of creating a new product from waste materials. This is not the same
as reusing, which involves either using the material for the same
purpose for which it was originally designed or using it for another
purpose without altering its chemical or physical properties. Common
waste materials that can be reused include empty bottles, plastic
containers, aluminum cans, and plastic bags.
Composting biodegradable wastes offers another option for
waste diversion. When waste materials are converted into soil
additives, the process is known as composting. When biodegradable
materials are not diverted from landfills, they can contribute to
methane emission, which can ultimately result in climate change. The
best method for diverting these wastes is through composting. Along
with preventing gas emissions, composting can also provide an
excellent source of fertilizer for farming.
It should be noted that not all types of wastes are suitable for
diversion from a landfill. There are some wastes that are not able to be
recycled, composted, or reused. Some wastes are referred to as
residual wastes and must be disposed of in the proper manner.
Ultimately, the more waste that a facility is able to divert, lesser
amounts of residual waste will make its’ way to landfills.

About 2,700 liters of water go into

making a single cotton shirt, which the
average person would use for about
two and a half years. The dilemma is
that we wear the shirt for just a few
years, and it ends up in a landfill.
According to an EPA report, Americans
generate about 292.4 million tons of
trash every year, about 325 is recycled
or composted, and 20% of what goes into the recycling bins is actually
recycled. The amount of trash is growing year by year alongside its
environmental and economic impacts.
In the context of waste management, waste diversion is the
process of diverting and redirecting waste from landfills. We can
redirect waste from landfills via recycling or reusing. Recycling is the
process of using used material to make new products and reusing is
the act of utilizing the full potential of a product. The goal of waste
diversion is to ensure that products get to live out their life span and
less waste goes into the landfills.

Date Developed: Document No. DWNHS-ACP II-017

NOVEMBER 2023 Issued by:
AGRICULTURAL Date Revised:
CROPS DWNHS Page 2 of 10
PRODUCTION NC II Developed by:
RAHIB S. SAMAYATIN
Revision # 00
In this article, we will discuss waste diversion, why it’s important, and
how to measure it. We will also explore how you can divert waste from
landfills by recycling, reusing, and reducing.

Waste Diversion
EPA defines waste diversion as:
“The prevention and reduction of generated waste through source
reduction, recycling, reuse and composting. Waste diversion generates
a host of environmental, financial and social benefits, including
conserving energy, reducing disposal costs, and reducing the burden on
landfills and other waste disposal methods.”

The Zero Waste International Alliance defines zero waste as:

“Designing and managing products and processes to
systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste
and materials, conserve and recover all resources, and not burn or bury
them. Implementing Zero Waste will eliminate all discharges to land,
water or air that are a threat to planetary, human, animal or plant
health.”

Waste diversion and zero waste are similar concepts. Zero waste
is a goal that cannot be achieved overnight. Companies like Microsoft
are committing to achieve zero waste by 2030. Even universities are
taking the initiative as Cal State LA commits to a sustainability plan
with goals like achieving 90% waste diversion by 2026.

Why is Waste Diversion Important?

There are two important benefits of waste
diversion:
 Less garbage goes into landfills, which has
significant environmental impacts.
 Recycling and repurposing
products reduce the need to extract new
material and make new products.

How to Measure Waste Diversion Rate?

Measuring your waste diversion rate is a simple two-step
process. In the first step, you conduct a waste audit and use the
obtained data to calculate the waste diversion rate.

Step 1: Conduct a Waste Audit

The first step in measuring waste diversion is conducting
a waste audit – a method of analyzing an organization’s regular waste
stream. It helps you gather data about what’s currently being thrown
Date Developed: Document No. DWNHS-ACP II-017
NOVEMBER 2023 Issued by:
AGRICULTURAL Date Revised:
CROPS DWNHS Page 3 of 10
PRODUCTION NC II Developed by:
RAHIB S. SAMAYATIN
Revision # 00
away and how you can optimize the process via waste management
strategies.
You can conduct a waste audit in four ways:
 Use a recycling smart bin such as TrashBot for an on-demand
waste audit
 Conduct an internal waste audit with your team
 Ask your waste hauler to conduct the waste audit
 Outsource the waste audit to a third-party audit company
Here’s what a general trash stream looks like in a waste audit:
 36% organics
 14% glass, metals, and plastic
 10% paper
 1% cardboard
 < 1% of electronic waste
Step 2: Calculate the Waste Diversion Rate
Once you have the data from the waste audit including the total
weight of recycling, compost, and garbage, the next step is to put the
values in the following formula:
Waste Diversion Rate = Weight of Recycling x 100
(Weight of Recycling + Weight of Garbage)

Step 3: Set Diversion Rate Target for Your Organization

After calculating the current waste diversion rate, you can set
up a target waste diversion rate for your organization. It’s important to
ensure that the program is communicated across your organization
and that the custodial staff is also on board. With your team on board,
you can evolve and improve to eventually meet the ultimate zero waste
goals.

How to Divert Waste using the 3Rs of Recycling

We can divert waste using the 3Rs of recycling:
 Reducing waste involves choosing
everyday products with care to
minimize waste. For example, using
silverware instead of plastic utensils or
trading fast fashion for natural and
durable.

Date Developed: Document No. DWNHS-ACP II-017

NOVEMBER 2023 Issued by:
AGRICULTURAL Date Revised:
CROPS DWNHS Page 4 of 10
PRODUCTION NC II Developed by:
RAHIB S. SAMAYATIN
Revision # 00
  Reusing means utilizing one product in many different ways.
For example, turning an old tire into a swing for kids or using
old bottles for decoration and growing plants.
 Recycling is the act of separating items
such as paper, plastic, and metal from
your regular garbage so that they can be
processed into new products.

Automate Waste Diversion with TrashBot

Measuring waste diversion manually
takes a long time. You have to start by
creating a team to conduct a waste audit,
then using the data to calculate your waste
diversion rates. Each process requires a long
time and considerable resources. The
solution to this is recycling technology such
as TrashBot.
TrashBot is a smart recycling bin that
uses AI to sort and categorize trash and put
it into the respective bins via robotic automation. The TrashBot is
equipped with an analytics dashboard where users can monitor the
bin’s capacity, diversion rates, and trends, and use the data to make
strategic decisions. The best part of the smart recycling bin is that it
provides real-time data that considerably reduces the cost, time, and
resources.

Date Developed: Document No. DWNHS-ACP II-017

NOVEMBER 2023 Issued by:
AGRICULTURAL Date Revised:
CROPS DWNHS Page 5 of 10
PRODUCTION NC II Developed by:
RAHIB S. SAMAYATIN
Revision # 00
 How Much Have You Learned?

Self-Check 1.1-4

TRUE OR FALSE: Read and understand the statements. Write TRUE

if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is wrong by writing
the
answer on the space provided before the number.

__________ 1. Waste Diversion is a vital component of not only effective

recycling but also reducing the amount of waste actually
produced.
__________ 2. Less garbage goes into landfills, which has significant
environmental impacts.
__________ 3. Reducing is one of the waste diversions in recycling
__________ 4. Reusing means utilize many products in many different
ways.
__________ 5. Measuring waste diversion manually takes a short time.

Date Developed: Document No. DWNHS-ACP II-017

NOVEMBER 2023 Issued by:
AGRICULTURAL Date Revised:
CROPS DWNHS Page 6 of 10
PRODUCTION NC II Developed by:
RAHIB S. SAMAYATIN
Revision # 00
 Let Us Check!

Answers Key: 1.1-4

1. TRUE
2. TRUE
3. TRUE
4. FALSE
5. FALSE

How Do You Apply What You Have Learned?

Date Developed: Document No. DWNHS-ACP II-017

NOVEMBER 2023 Issued by:
AGRICULTURAL Date Revised:
CROPS DWNHS Page 7 of 10
PRODUCTION NC II Developed by:
RAHIB S. SAMAYATIN
Revision # 00
Show that you learned something by doing this
activity
JOB SHEET 1.1-4
Title:
DEMONSTRATION OF PROPER TECHNIQUES FOR SORTING
RECYCLABLES, COMPOSTABLES AND LANDFILL WASTE

Performance Objective: Given

___________________________ ,you should be
able to demonstrate proper techniques for
sorting, recyclables, compostables and
landfill waste following OSHS.

Supplies/Materials :
 Waste Bins/Containers
 Educational Posters and Signs
 Sample Materials
 Gloves and safety gear
 Sorting tables
 Compostable bags and liners
 Documentation Materials
 Training Materials
 Trash bags for landfills waste
 Cleaning supplies
 Recycling ang compost symbols

Equipment :
 Personal Protective Equipment
 scale of weighing

Steps/Procedure:
1. Arrange clearly labeled bins or containers for recyclables,
landfill waste.
2. Ensure that the sorting area is well-lit and easily
accessible.
3. Provide a brief introduction to waste sorting and explain
the purpose of each waste stream.
4. Share educational materials or posters illustrating
examples of items for each category.
5. Hand-out gloves and any other necessary safety equipment
to participants.
6. Show participants how to identify and separate recyclables,
Date Developed: Document No. DWNHS-ACP II-017
NOVEMBER 2023 Issued by:
AGRICULTURAL Date Revised:
CROPS DWNHS Page 8 of 10
PRODUCTION NC II Developed by:
RAHIB S. SAMAYATIN
Revision # 00
 compostables, and landfill waste.
7. Use sample items to reinforce proper sorting techniques.
8. Emphasize the importance of avoiding contamination in
each waste stream.
9. Weigh and measure the amount of waste diverted to
highlight the impact of proper sorting
10. Dispose of the sorted waste properly according to local
guidelines
11. Clean and sanitize the sorting area and any equipment
used.

Assessment Method:
Demonstration with oral questioning

Performance Criteria Checklist 1.1-4

CRITERIA
YES NO
Did you….

Date Developed: Document No. DWNHS-ACP II-017

NOVEMBER 2023 Issued by:
AGRICULTURAL Date Revised:
CROPS DWNHS Page 9 of 10
PRODUCTION NC II Developed by:
RAHIB S. SAMAYATIN
Revision # 00
 Correctly recognize recyclable materials such as
paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal.
 Effectively separate recyclables from non-
recyclable items in a waste stream.
 Minimize contamination by avoiding mixing non-
recyclables with recyclable materials.
 Identify organic waste suitable for composting,
including food scraps and yard waste.
 Properly separate compostable materials from
non-compostable items in the waste stream.
 Implement measures to prevent contamination of
compostable materials by non-compostable
items.
 Recognize materials that cannot be recycled or
composted and should be sent to landfill.
 Ensure items designated for landfill are disposed
of correctly, avoiding contamination of other
waste streams.
 Adhere to local waste disposal guidelines and
regulations for specific items that must go to
the landfill.
 Demonstrate the ability to sort waste efficiently,
minimizing errors and maximizing the proper
disposal of materials.
 Consistently apply proper sorting techniques
across different waste categories.
 Prioritize safety by using appropriate equipment
and following guidelines for handling
potentially hazardous materials.

Reference:
http://www.spinnakerrecycling.com/waste-diversion-ontario.html
https://cleanrobotics.com/waste-diversion-101-what-is-it-and-how-
to-i-measure-it/ by CleanRobotics | May 6, 2022
https://www.swamplandfill.ca/single-post/2016/06/01/
understanding-waste-diversion

Date Developed: Document No. DWNHS-ACP II-017

NOVEMBER 2023 Issued by:
AGRICULTURAL Date Revised:
CROPS DWNHS Page 10 of 10
PRODUCTION NC II Developed by:
RAHIB S. SAMAYATIN
Revision # 00