1. Set a consistent boundary
Choose the sites, materials, and reporting period included in the program. Record quantities with consistent units and distinguish measured weights from estimates. Keep electronics, products, packaging, paper, and organics separate enough to support different treatment decisions.
2. Put restrictions next to the opportunities
A reusable item may still be restricted by data, branding, contamination, ownership, or a recall. Capture those conditions before promising a recovery route. Explore prevention and internal reuse as well as downstream treatment; avoiding an unnecessary disposal can be a meaningful improvement.
3. Separate the outcomes
Use distinct categories for reuse, recycling, organics treatment, energy recovery, and disposal when those routes are relevant. Show pending or unverified quantities separately. If you calculate a diversion rate, document which outcomes are included, the total quantity used, and the evidence behind each figure.
4. Improve one constraint at a time
Review a recurring stream and ask what prevents a better outcome: mixed packaging, poor segregation, missing information, or a restricted downstream route. Set a specific action and review period. Report the measured change and remaining limitations rather than treating a target as an achieved result.