Publication

This article discusses the recycling rate as an indicator reflecting the proportion of materials recycled or the rate of inclusion of recycled materials in products. It argues that the indicator has several different aspects and definitions referring to the ratio of recycled materials at the production stage, recovered from waste products, the collection rate, or waste diversion rate. It concludes by advocating caution when inter-country comparisons are made on one definition or interpretation of recycling, since policy priorities vary.