When diversion data is estimated or inaccurate:
In construction, waste and recycling data is not just a formality. It directly impacts project compliance, sustainability goals, and owner confidence.
1. LEED Documentation issues
Delays or rejections during review that impact project timelines
2. Reduced diversion rates
Reported percentages that don't reflect actual material recovery
3. Lost credibility
Damaged relationships with owners, auditors, and sustainability teams
4. Missed targets
Sustainability goals compromised by assumptions instead of verified data
The real issue: Process, not intent.
In many cases, the issue is not intent, but process. Without facility-level tracking, diversion reporting becomes an estimate rather than a defensible record.
Common Industry Shortcuts
The IDS Approach
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Recycling claims based on assumed diversion percentages
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Limited visibility into where material goes after haul-off
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Mixed debris sent to facilities with minimal sorting capability
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Generic reports with little material-level detail
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Recycling treated as a marketing claim rather than an operational process
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Recycling claims based on assumed diversion percentages
​
-
Limited visibility into where material goes after haul-off
​
-
Mixed debris sent to facilities with minimal sorting capability
​
-
Generic reports with little material-level detail
​
-
Recycling treated as a marketing claim rather than an operational process
