What is the formula for calculating waste generation?

The formula for calculating waste generation focuses on the balance between the materials that are discarded and those that are recovered. This is essential because waste generation is not merely about the amount discarded; it also considers the efficiency and effectiveness of recovery efforts.

The correct approach, which is encapsulated in the answer provided, reflects the concept that waste generation can be determined by taking the total amount of materials recovered and subtracting the total discards. This measures how much material is generated as waste after considering what has been successfully recovered for reuse or recycling.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent this balance:

• The first option suggests adding discarded and recovered materials, which doesn’t give a true measure of net waste generation.

• The third option implies a ratio which does not directly address the total waste output.

• The fourth option also describes a ratio that fails to effectively communicate the net waste generation when accounting for recovery.

By focusing on the difference between discarded materials and those that have been successfully recovered, the chosen formula provides a clearer and more accurate understanding of overall waste generation.