The diversion rate is the proportion by weight of all material diverted from disposal (e.g., landfill or incineration) to the total mass of all waste material generated, expressed as a percentage. 

The diversion rate is separate and different from a recycling rate.  The recycling rate is the amount of material that was diverted that was actually recycled.  Due to contamination, not all materials that is diverted for recycling can be processed.  

The following activities are considered diversion actions: actions to prevent waste materials from being generated, actions to reduce material generation, reuse (internal or external,) source-separated recycling, composting (on-site or off-site).