Your numbers
Quick answer
What does the Compost diversion calculate?
How much organic waste can be diverted from general waste? This calculator uses organic waste per week, share composted, weeks, and finished compost per kg input to estimate organic waste kept out of trash immediately in your browser.
With the values currently entered, the result is 688 lb — organic waste diverted. It also shows estimated finished compost, and organic waste not composted.
How to use the Compost diversion
- Replace the example values with your own numbers.
- Review the result and supporting figures as they update automatically.
- Check the formula and assumptions before using the estimate for a decision.
Inputs used
- Organic waste per week — entered in kg
- Share composted — entered in %
- Weeks — entered in weeks
- Finished compost per kg input — entered in L/kg
Compost diversion formula
Weekly organic waste × composted share × weeks
Assumptions
- Input weight is measured consistently.
- Finished compost volume varies with material and process.
Practical guide
Compost diversion example and edge cases
How much organic waste can be diverted from general waste? Let's use a concrete example, then look at the assumptions that can move the answer.
Example: A practical compost diversion scenario
For this example, use organic waste per week of 8 kg, share composted of 75 %, weeks of 52 weeks, and finished compost per kg input of 0.6 L/kg. These are starting values, so replace them with numbers that match your situation.
- Organic waste per week
- 8 kg
- Share composted
- 75 %
- Weeks
- 52 weeks
- Finished compost per kg input
- 0.6 L/kg
Calculated result688 lborganic waste diverted
Start with organic waste diverted. Then check estimated finished compost, and organic waste not composted to understand what sits behind the main result.
Example results use the default display profile. The calculator above follows your selected country and units.
How to read the result
- Read the main result first. The supporting figures for estimated finished compost, and organic waste not composted explain how the estimate is built.
- The method is Weekly organic waste × composted share × weeks. Keep the units consistent and use values from the same time period.
Edge cases worth checking
When organic waste per week is unusual
Input weight is measured consistently. Double-check this input before relying on the result.
When finished compost per kg input is uncertain
Finished compost volume varies with material and process. Run a lower and higher value to see a useful range.
What changes the result most
Organic waste per week
Measure organic waste per week with the same unit shown beside the input. Convert first if your source uses another unit.
Share composted
Test a lower and higher share composted. A small percentage change can move the final result more than expected.
Weeks
Keep weeks on the same time basis as the other inputs. Monthly and annual values are easy to mix up.
Try a different scenario
Small changes show whether the answer is stable or sensitive.
Organic waste per week: 10% lower
7 kg602 lborganic waste diverted
Organic waste per week: 10% higher
9 kg774 lborganic waste diverted
Share composted: 10% higher
83 %761 lborganic waste diverted
Common mistakes
Check organic waste per week
Input weight is measured consistently. Make sure this matches the number you enter.
Keep finished compost per kg input consistent
Finished compost volume varies with material and process. Use the same units and time period throughout the calculation.
Do not rely on one compost diversion scenario
Run a cautious case and an optimistic case. The range is often more useful than one exact-looking number.
Use this result well
How much organic waste can be diverted from general waste?
Impact factors vary by source, location, technology, and reporting method.