1. What is a Waste Index Calculator?

Definition: This calculator measures the waste index (WI) which represents the amount of diverted waste per person in kilograms.

Purpose: It helps environmental professionals and communities track waste management efficiency and recycling performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( WI \) — Waste Index (kg per person)
• \( DW \) — Diverted Waste (kilograms, kg)
• \( P \) — Population (number of people)

Explanation: The total diverted waste is divided by the population to determine the waste index per person.

3. Importance of Waste Index Calculation

Details: Tracking waste index helps communities measure recycling success, set waste reduction goals, and compare performance with other regions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total diverted waste in kilograms and the population size. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What counts as "diverted waste"?
A: Diverted waste includes materials recycled, composted, or otherwise kept out of landfills.

Q2: Why measure waste per person?
A: Per capita measurement allows fair comparison between communities of different sizes.

Q3: What's a good waste index value?
A: Higher values indicate better waste diversion. Compare with regional averages for context.

Q4: Should I use annual or monthly data?
A: Typically annual data is used for consistent comparisons.

Q5: How can we improve our waste index?
A: Implement recycling programs, composting initiatives, and waste reduction education.