Re-TRAC

Re-TRAC Joins Kanopy Technology

Josh Reid — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Re-TRAC Connect |

For more than 20 years, Re-TRAC has helped agencies replace spreadsheets, paper surveys, and scattered email threads with one system for collecting and reporting waste and recycling data. That work isn’t changing. What’s changing is how far it can reach.

Today, Re-TRAC officially joins Kanopy Technology.

Why this moment matters

When I joined Emerge Knowledge in 2013, Re-TRAC was already a decade into serving state and local programs. I’ve since worked in customer success, sales & marketing, and product before stepping into the CEO role in 2024. Across all of those seats, the same challenge kept coming up: our customers don’t just need good data. They need that data connected to everything else happening in their programs, from resident education to what’s actually ending up in the cart.

No single tool has covered all of that. Responsibility is spread across cities, haulers, and state agencies, and each one has been left to stitch together separate vendors on its own.

Kanopy Technology is built to close that gap, and I’m genuinely excited for Re-TRAC to be part of it.

What is Kanopy Technology?

Kanopy is the new parent company behind Recycle Coach, now marking 25 years as a company and 10 years of the Recycle Coach app. It brings together proven waste and recycling tools under one roof, led by CEO Jeff J. Galad.

Recycle Coach reaches residents where participation actually happens.
Re-TRAC turns program activity into the data and reporting that state and local agencies are measured against.
Prairie Robotics, a strategic partner, uses truck-mounted cameras to catch contamination at the point of collection.
Curb Coach, launching soon, is a resident communication app covering every stream a community collects: garbage, organics, yard waste, household hazardous waste, bulk pickup, and more.

Learn more at kanopytechnology.com

What this means for Re-TRAC customers

Re-TRAC continues as Re-TRAC, and I’ll continue to lead our team. Since 2004, we’ve been the reporting backbone for programs at 13 state agencies and dozens of local governments, and that remains our focus.

Same platform you use today for collecting, managing, and measuring materials management data.
Same team supporting your reporting programs day to day.
Same commitments to security and accessibility, including SOC 2 Type II and WCAG 2.2 AA compliance.
More to draw on as Kanopy’s tools and industry expertise grow around the data you already manage in Re-TRAC.

Questions about your account? Contact your Customer Success Manager.

Why this is so important

Reporting requirements for waste and recycling programs keep growing, and so does the number of parties involved. Picture a program where resident education, contamination detection at the curb, and state-level reporting all inform each other instead of living in separate systems. That’s the opportunity in front of us, and it’s why I’m excited about what comes next.

Meet us at RCon

Kanopy makes its first public appearance at SWANA’s RCon in St. Louis on September 29, 2026, including a first look at Curb Coach. If you’re attending, come find us. Trust me, you’ll have no trouble finding us.

Ready to see what’s next for Re-TRAC?
Stop by at RCon or contact your Customer Success Manager to learn more.

Josh Reid
CEO, Re-TRAC

The post Re-TRAC Joins Kanopy Technology appeared first on Re-TRAC.

The Complete Guide to Materials Management Metrics

Josh Reid — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Re-TRAC Connect |

Reliable, high-quality data is the backbone of effective materials management. It empowers policymakers, investors, and program managers to strategically allocate resources, invest where impact is greatest, and confidently track progress. Robust data systems also foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that every stakeholder, from producers to consumers, plays a meaningful role in waste reduction.

In today’s data-driven landscape, accurate data is the key to transforming materials management from reactive to strategic, paving the way for a more circular and resilient system. From right-sizing service schedules to improving diversion rates and tracking material recovery, the right metrics can unlock powerful insights and drive operational excellence.

This guide covers the most critical materials management metrics, including how they’re calculated, what influences them, and why they matter. Whether you’re a sustainability manager, operations lead, or data analyst, understanding these metrics is key to building a smarter, more efficient system.

One note before diving in: definitions and calculation methods for several of these metrics vary across jurisdictions, reporting frameworks, and regulatory bodies. Where meaningful differences exist, they are flagged. When in doubt, always clarify your methodology against the standard your program or regulator requires before reporting.

Table of Contents

Capture Rate
Capacity Utilization Rate
Collection Rate
Compliance Rate
Contamination Rate
Cost Per Ton
Disposal Rate
Diversion Rate
GHG Emissions
MRF Throughput
Participation Rate
Permitted Landfill Capacity Remaining
Pounds per Household Recycled
Recycled Commodity Prices
Recycled Commodity Purity
Recovery Rate
Recycling Access Rate
Recycling Rate
Residual Rate
Set Out Rate
Tipping Fees
Waste Composition
Waste Generation

CAPTURE RATE

The percentage of all recyclable materials in the waste stream that are successfully recovered through diversion programs. More precisely, it is the ratio of the quantity of recyclable materials diverted for recovery to the total quantity of recyclable materials available for recovery. (Sources: EPA, SWANA).

Why It Matters

A high diversion rate alone does not tell the full story. Capture rate reveals whether a program is actually reaching the recoverable material in the community. Low capture means valuable commodities, and the revenue they generate, are being lost to disposal.

How To Calculate

Capture Rate = (Recovered Target Material / Total Target Material Generated) x 100

Key Influencing Factors

Public participation and awareness
Bin availability, design, and placement
Collection frequency and convenience
Clarity of accepted materials lists

Use Cases

Evaluating how much recoverable value is being left in the landfill-bound stream
Targeting outreach and education where capture is lowest
Setting realistic diversion improvement goals

CAPACITY UTILIZATION RATE

Expressed as a percentage, the total tons of materials processed by a facility in proportion to the total tonnage that facility is capable of processing. (Source: EPA)

Why It Matters

Facilities operating significantly below capacity are leaving money on the table. Facilities consistently over capacity are at risk of service disruptions. Knowing your utilization rate is the first step toward making the right call on either end.

How To Calculate

Utilization Rate = (Actual Throughput / Maximum Capacity) x 100

Key Influencing Factors

Seasonal fluctuations in waste generation
Equipment downtime and maintenance schedules
Staffing levels and shift structures

Use Cases

Identifying underused infrastructure before investing in new capacity
Planning expansions or consolidations based on real utilization data
Optimizing operational schedules to reduce cost per ton

COLLECTION RATE

The percentage of total recyclable or compostable material generated that is successfully collected by the waste management system.

Why It Matters

Collection rate is a precondition for everything else. Material that is never collected cannot be recycled, composted, or diverted. It is the clearest early signal of whether a program is reaching the households or facilities it was designed to serve.

How To Calculate

Collection Rate = (Material Collected / Material Generated) x 100

Key Influencing Factors

Program participation rates
Bin contamination (which can result in loads being rejected)
Collection logistics and route coverage

Use Cases

Monitoring service coverage across a jurisdiction
Identifying underserved areas or gaps in collection infrastructure
Planning infrastructure investments and route optimization

COMPLIANCE RATE

The percentage of households, businesses, or facilities that adhere to recycling or waste separation guidelines.

Why It Matters

Compliance directly determines the quality of material entering the recovery system. High contamination and poor sortation almost always trace back to low compliance. The data also helps programs justify enforcement investments or pivot toward education-first approaches grounded in what is actually driving behavior change.

How To Calculate

Compliance Rate = (Compliant Property Owners / Total Affected Property Owners) x 100

Note: “Affected property owners” refers to all property owners subject to the requirements of the applicable recycling or waste management ordinance, regardless of whether they are actively participating or have been formally notified. The definition of “compliant” should be established by the administering jurisdiction prior to measurement and applied consistently across reporting periods.

Key Influencing Factors

Education and outreach effectiveness
Enforcement policies and notice programs
Container design and labeling clarity

Use Cases

Evaluating program adherence across a service area
Designing or refining enforcement strategies
Measuring the impact of outreach campaigns over time

CONTAMINATION RATE

The average percentage of materials introduced into a recycling or organics waste stream that are either not accepted under program guidelines, or acceptable materials rendered unsuitable due to excessive residue (such as food-soiled paper or dirty containers).

Contamination can be measured at multiple points in the process: at curbside collection, during waste audits, at transfer stations, through AI-powered sensor technology, or most commonly, at the MRF. For example, if a curbside recycling load delivered to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) contains 85% acceptable recyclables and 15% contaminants (such as plastic bags, food waste, or non-recyclable items), the contamination rate is 15%. (Source: EPA)

Note: Inbound MRF contamination rate and outbound commodity purity are related but distinct metrics. A MRF can receive highly contaminated loads (high inbound rate) and still produce clean commodity bales through effective sorting (high purity). Both should be tracked. See also: Recycled Commodity Purity and Residual Rate.

Why It Matters

High contamination rates increase processing costs, lower commodity values, damage equipment, and can result in entire loads being landfilled. Reducing contamination is one of the highest-leverage actions a program can take: it improves revenue, reduces operational costs, and builds trust with end markets.

How To Calculate

Contamination Rate = (Weight of Contaminants / Total Weight of Incoming Material) x 100

Key Influencing Factors

Public awareness of accepted materials
Container design, labeling, and signage
Sorting technology and quality control at the MRF
Staff training and inspection protocols

Use Cases

Assessing the quality of incoming loads at the MRF
Targeting contamination reduction campaigns at the household/route level
Evaluating the effectiveness of container redesign or education programs

COST PER TON

The total cost of managing one ton of waste or recyclable material through a specific stage or across the entire waste management system. Cost per ton can be calculated for any waste stream or management activity, including MSW collection, recycling, organics processing, C&D disposal, and transfer station operations. It is most useful when calculated consistently across stream types and compared over time. (Sources: SWANA, EPA)

Why It Matters

Cost per ton is the primary financial lens through which program managers, haulers, and policymakers evaluate the economic performance of waste programs. It makes it possible to compare the true cost of recycling versus disposal, justify diversion investments, and identify where operational inefficiencies are driving up program costs. When tipping fees are low, disposal often appears cheaper than diversion on a cost-per-ton basis, which is why programs that track full costs rather than direct fees make better long-term decisions.

How To Calculate

Cost per Ton = Total Program Cost / Total Tons Managed

The formula applies consistently across stream types, but the inputs change based on what is being measured:

Stream	Numerator	Denominator
MSW collection	Total collection costs (labor, fuel, vehicles, overhead)	Total MSW tons collected
Recycling	Total recycling program costs minus commodity revenue	Total recyclable tons collected
Organics	Total organics processing costs	Total organics tons processed
C&D disposal	Total disposal costs including tipping fees	Total C&D tons disposed
Net cost of diversion	Total diversion program costs minus avoided disposal costs and commodity revenue	Total diverted tons

Note: SWANA’s Full Cost Accounting framework recommends including all direct and indirect costs: labor, capital, equipment, debt service, insurance, regulatory compliance, education and outreach, and overhead. Programs that exclude indirect costs systematically understate the true cost of service.

Key Influencing Factors

Labor, fuel, and equipment costs
Facility tipping fees and transportation distances
Commodity revenue from recycled materials (offsets recycling cost per ton)
Program scale and route density
Waste type and contamination levels

Use Cases

Comparing the economics of recycling vs. disposal
Contract negotiations with haulers and processors
Budget forecasting and rate-setting for municipal programs
Evaluating the ROI of diversion investments over time

DISPOSAL RATE

The percentage of total waste generated that is sent to landfill or incineration rather than diverted through recycling, composting, or reuse.

Why It Matters

Disposal rate is the inverse of diversion rate and often the metric regulators and sustainability certifications focus on most directly. Tracking it consistently over time reveals whether programs are making real progress or simply shifting materials between streams.

How To Calculate

Disposal Rate = (Landfilled + Incinerated Waste / Total Waste Generated) x 100

Note: Total waste generated is typically calculated as the sum of all diverted materials plus all disposed materials. The specific materials counted as “diverted” versus “disposed” may vary by jurisdiction and reporting framework. Confirm scope with your relevant regulatory body before reporting.

Key Influencing Factors

Availability and reach of diversion programs
Contamination rates in recycling streams
Local disposal policies and tipping fee structures

Use Cases

Identifying landfill dependency at the program or jurisdictional level
Planning waste reduction strategies and infrastructure investments
Meeting regulatory reporting requirements

DIVERSION RATE

The percentage of total waste generated that is diverted from landfill or incineration through recycling, composting, or reuse. Diversion rate is a collection-point metric: material is counted as diverted at the moment it is separated from the disposal stream, regardless of what happens to it afterward. (Source: SWANA)

Note: Diversion rate is sometimes used interchangeably with “recycling rate” or “recovery rate,” but these metrics measure different points in the system and can produce meaningfully different numbers. See also: Recycling Rate, Recovery Rate, Capture Rate.

Why It Matters

Diversion rate is the headline metric for most materials management programs. It is the number most commonly cited in regulatory reports, sustainability certifications, and public communications, and for good reason: it is the most straightforward measure of how much waste a program is keeping out of landfill.

Its limitation is equally important to understand. Diversion rate captures what left the disposal stream, not what was ultimately recovered. Material counted as diverted can still end up landfilled if it is rejected at the MRF due to contamination, fails to meet end-market specifications, or cannot be sold due to weak commodity markets. Programs that rely solely on diversion rate may be overstating their actual environmental performance without knowing it.

A program reporting a 40% diversion rate and a program reporting a 40% recovery rate are not necessarily performing equally. The diversion rate program may be losing a significant share of that material downstream.

How To Calculate

Diversion Rate = (Recycled + Composted + Reused Material / Total Waste Generated) x 100

Note: What counts as a diversion activity varies among local, state, provincial, and national governments. Whether energy recovery, source reduction, or backyard composting are included depends on the applicable reporting framework. Confirm your methodology before reporting.

Key Influencing Factors

Availability and reach of recycling and composting programs
Public participation rates
Material recovery infrastructure capacity
Contamination levels in collection streams

Use Cases

Measuring progress toward zero waste and sustainability goals
Evaluating overall program effectiveness
Reporting for sustainability certifications (e.g., Zero Waste certification)
Regulatory compliance reporting

GHG EMISSIONS

Greenhouse gas emissions resulting from waste generation, processing, and disposal, including methane released from organic decomposition in landfills and CO2 from transportation and processing operations.

Why It Matters

Landfills are a significant source of methane, a greenhouse gas roughly 80 times more potent than CO2 over a 20-year period. Every ton diverted from landfill has a measurable climate benefit. For programs with climate commitments, this metric translates operational performance into climate outcomes.

How To Calculate

The EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM) is the standard tool for calculating GHG emissions reductions from waste management practices. WARM calculates impacts from source reduction, recycling, anaerobic digestion, combustion, composting, and landfilling.

Reference: EPA WARM Model

Key Influencing Factors

Waste type and treatment method
Whether landfill gas capture systems are in place
Recycling and composting rates (which reduce landfill methane)
Transportation distances and fleet efficiency

Use Cases

Climate action planning and carbon neutrality reporting
Sustainability reporting (e.g., GHG inventories, ESG disclosures)
Evaluating the climate benefit of diversion investments
Public-facing environmental equivalence metrics

MRF THROUGHPUT

The amount of material a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) processes over a given time period, typically measured in tons per day or tons per hour.

Why It Matters

Throughput is the most direct measure of a MRF’s operational efficiency. It reflects the facility’s ability to keep pace with incoming volumes and is essential data for contract negotiations, infrastructure planning, and cost-per-ton analysis.

How To Calculate

MRF Throughput = Total Tons Processed / Operating Time

Key Influencing Factors

Facility size and level of automation
Staffing levels and shift schedules
Material mix and incoming contamination levels

Use Cases

Capacity planning and operational benchmarking
Identifying bottlenecks in processing lines
Justifying investment in equipment or facility upgrades

PARTICIPATION RATE

The percentage of eligible households that actively use a recycling or collection service over a defined period. The most common standard, drawn from the EPA and The Recycling Partnership’s State of Curbside definitions, is the percentage of eligible households that set out a cart at least once over two to three consecutive collection opportunities. (Sources: EPA, The Recycling Partnership, SWANA)

Why It Matters

A program can have strong infrastructure and excellent MRF performance, but if households are not participating, none of it matters. Participation rate is the demand-side signal that tells you whether residents are actually using the system you have built. It also interacts directly with contamination: programs with low participation often see higher contamination rates because the households that do participate are less aware of program guidelines.

How To Calculate

Participation Rate = (Households That Set Out at Least Once / Total Eligible Households) x 100

Key Influencing Factors

Program awareness and education investments
Convenience of collection (frequency, container type, accessibility)
Subscription model vs. automatic enrollment
Demographics and population density

Use Cases

Benchmarking community engagement levels
Targeting outreach to low-participation areas or demographics
Evaluating the impact of program changes (e.g., switching to automated collection)

PERMITTED LANDFILL CAPACITY REMAINING

The estimated remaining permitted airspace in a landfill, expressed either in cubic yards or converted to years of remaining capacity based on current disposal rates. (Sources: EPA)

Why It Matters

When a landfill runs out of permitted capacity, the consequences are expensive: materials must travel further, tipping fees rise, and municipalities can face service disruption. Tracking remaining capacity in years, not just cubic yards, makes the timeline concrete for planners and decision-makers.

How To Calculate

Remaining Capacity in Years = (Remaining Cubic Yards of MSW Landfill Airspace / 2 cubic yards per ton conversion factor) / MSW tons landfilled per year

Note: The 2 cubic yards per ton conversion factor represents compacted MSW waste. This is an EPA-standard approximation; actual compaction rates vary by facility.

Key Influencing Factors

Annual disposal volumes and trends
Landfill compaction rates and operational practices
Regulatory constraints on capacity expansion or permitting

Use Cases

Long-range planning for disposal infrastructure
Assessing the urgency of diversion investments
State and regional solid waste planning

POUNDS PER HOUSEHOLD RECYCLED

The average weight of recyclable material recovered per household eligible for curbside service over a given time period, typically reported annually. Calculated against all eligible households, not just those that participate, making it a true service-level benchmark. (Source: The Recycling Partnership)

Note: This metric is sometimes reported as kilograms per household in Canadian jurisdictions.

Why It Matters

This metric normalizes recovery performance across programs of different sizes, making comparison meaningful. A community recovering 300 lbs per eligible household per year is performing very differently from one recovering 180 lbs, even if their total tonnage looks similar due to population size. Measuring against eligible households rather than participating ones also keeps the denominator honest.

How To Calculate

Pounds per Household = (Annual Curbside Tons Recycled x 2,000) / Total Eligible Households

Key Influencing Factors

Materials accepted in the program
Participation and set-out rates
Household size and waste generation patterns
Seasonal variation in material types

Use Cases

Benchmarking program performance against peer communities
Tracking the impact of program changes (adding materials, expanding service areas)
Budgetary planning when scaling or adjusting curbside programs
Regulatory or grant reporting

RECYCLED COMMODITY PRICES

The market value of materials that have been recovered and processed through recycling systems, including paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass, and are ready to be sold as feedstock for manufacturing new products. Prices are typically expressed in dollars per ton or cents per pound.

Why It Matters

Commodity prices reflect the economic viability of recycling. When prices for materials such as PET, HDPE, OCC, or aluminum are strong, MRFs invest and programs expand. When prices fall, programs may reduce accepted materials or increase landfill diversion. Tracking prices helps programs understand market conditions before they affect operations, not after.

How To Calculate

Recycled commodity prices are published by several industry platforms, including Northeast Recycling Council (NERC), RecyclingMarkets.net, Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), and Recycler’s World.

Key Influencing Factors

Material quality and contamination levels
End-market demand from manufacturers seeking recycled feedstock
Geopolitical events such as import bans or trade restrictions
Regulatory policies including recycled content mandates and packaging taxes
Fuel and transportation costs
Advances in sorting and processing technology

Use Cases

Municipal revenue forecasting for recycling programs
Operational and investment decisions at MRFs
Policymaker assessment of recycling market health
Business evaluation of recycled vs. virgin material costs

RECYCLED COMMODITY PURITY

The percentage of a sorted output stream that consists of clean, uncontaminated target recyclable material. Also called outbound commodity quality or commodity grade.

Why It Matters

End markets have minimum purity thresholds. Material that fails to meet grade gets rejected or sold at a significant discount. Higher purity directly translates to better commodity prices, lower rejection rates, and more stable relationships with buyers.

How To Calculate

Purity Rate = (Weight of Clean Recyclables / Total Weight of Sorted Output) x 100

Key Influencing Factors

Sorting technology and automation level at the MRF
Incoming material quality (which reflects upstream contamination)
Staff training and quality control protocols

Use Cases

Assessing MRF performance against commodity grade specifications
Determining marketability of sorted streams
Informing contamination reduction strategies upstream

RECOVERY RATE

The percentage of material that was diverted from the disposal stream and successfully processed into a usable secondary material or product. Unlike diversion rate, recovery rate is an end-point metric: material is only counted as recovered if it completed the full journey from collection through processing and re-entered commerce as a secondary input. (Sources: Eunomia, EPA)

Eunomia defines this as the tonnage of recycling process output as a proportion of total material placed on the market. Under this framework, recovery rate and collected-for-recycling rate are related but distinct: the gap between them represents material lost at the reprocessor to contamination, residuals, and processing inefficiency.

Note: Recovery rate, recycling rate, and diversion rate are frequently used interchangeably in practice. In formal definitions, they measure different points in the system. Recovery rate sits between collection-point measures and end-market measures: it captures what the processing system actually produced, not what was collected or what was ultimately sold.

Why It Matters

Collection does not equal recovery. A program can collect large volumes of material and still have a poor recovery rate if contamination losses at the MRF are high. This metric closes the loop between what is put out for collection and what actually becomes a usable secondary material.

Consider a program that diverts 10,000 tons of recyclables from landfill. If that material arrives at the MRF with a 15% contamination rate, 1,500 tons become residuals sent to disposal. If a further 500 tons are rejected by end markets, only 8,000 tons actually become new products. The diversion rate for that material is 100%. The recovery rate is 80%. The 20% gap represents real material, real cost, and a real environmental impact that the diversion rate never captures.

For programs with strong diversion rates but persistent contamination problems, tracking recovery rate is how you find out whether diverted material is actually being recycled, or simply taking a longer route to the landfill.

The gap between collected-for-recycling rate and recovery rate also varies significantly by material type. Eunomia’s research for the Global Beverage Can Circularity Alliance found that PET bottles exhibited loss rates of approximately 23% between collection and reprocessor output, while aluminum cans showed minimal loss between the two stages, reflecting stronger end-market demand and more mature processing infrastructure.

How To Calculate

Recovery Rate (Market-based definition) = (Tonnage of Recycling Process Output / Total Material Placed on Market) x 100

Recovery Rate (Processor output definition) = (Tons of Secondary Materials Produced at Processor / Total Tons of Material Generated) x 100 (EPA)

Key Influencing Factors

MRF processing efficiency and residual rates
Contamination levels in incoming material
End-market specifications and rejection rates
Material type and processing infrastructure maturity

Use Cases

Evaluating processing system performance independent of collection performance
Identifying material-specific loss points within the recycling system
Regulatory reporting where recovery is the prescribed metric
Producer responsibility and EPR program reporting

RECYCLING ACCESS RATE

The percentage of households in a jurisdiction that have access to at least one recycling collection program on par with trash collection services. (Source: EPA)

Why It Matters

You cannot participate in a program you cannot access. Recycling access rate is the foundational equity metric in materials management. Programs that report strong diversion rates while serving only a fraction of their jurisdiction are presenting an incomplete picture.

How To Calculate

Recycling Access Rate = (Households with Access to Recycling / Total Households in Jurisdiction) x 100

Key Influencing Factors

Program coverage in urban, suburban, and rural areas
Multi-family housing inclusion (a common access gap)
Whether drop-off services count toward access

Use Cases

Identifying service gaps, particularly in rural or multi-family contexts
Supporting equity and environmental justice analyses
Setting targets for program expansion

RECYCLING RATE

The percentage of waste material that is recycled. Straightforward in concept, inconsistent in practice.

Recycling rate is the most variably defined metric in materials management. Four definitions are in active use, each measuring a different point in the system:

End-to-end definition (The Recycling Partnership): Material is only counted as recycled if it was collected, processed at a MRF, and sold to an end market as a secondary commodity. Material lost at any stage reduces the rate.

Collected for recycling rate (Eunomia): Tonnage of material sent to a reprocessor as a proportion of total material placed on the market. This definition is more commonly used in producer responsibility and extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks than in municipal reporting.

Collection-point definition (EPA): Material is counted as recycled when it is separated from the waste stream and collected for recycling. This is the most widely used definition in U.S. federal reporting.

Composting-inclusive definition (state regulatory frameworks): Recycling rate includes both recycled and composted material as a share of total MSW generated, composted, landfilled, and incinerated. Under this framework, recycling rate and diversion rate can produce nearly identical figures.

Note: Recycling rate is one of the most inconsistently defined metrics in materials management. It is frequently used interchangeably with diversion rate and recovery rate, but those terms measure different points in the system and can produce meaningfully different numbers from the same waste stream. Some jurisdictions define recycling rate to include composting; others do not. Some measure at the collection point; others measure at the reprocessor output or end market. EPA’s reported national recycling rates are calculated at the collection point and will read substantially higher than rates calculated using end-to-end methodologies. Programs should confirm which definition their regulatory or certification framework requires before reporting. Canadian programs should reference their applicable provincial framework or Statistics Canada methodology.

Why It Matters

The same waste stream can produce very different recycling rate figures depending on which definition is applied. The Recycling Partnership’s 2024 data puts the U.S. residential recycling rate at 21% under their end-to-end methodology. EPA collection-point figures for the same period read substantially higher. Neither number is wrong: they are measuring different points in the same system.

For program managers and regulators, the practical implication is straightforward: confirm which definition your reporting framework requires before calculating or publishing a recycling rate. Comparing recycling rates across jurisdictions or programs is only meaningful if the same methodology is being applied consistently.

See also: Diversion Rate, Recovery Rate.

How to Calculate

Recycling Rate (End-to-end definition) = (Recyclable Material Successfully Recycled / Total Recyclable Material Generated) x 100

Recycling Rate (Collected for recycling definition) = Collected for Recycling Rate = (Tonnage Sent to Reprocessor / Total Material Placed on Market) x 100

Recycling Rate (Collection point definition) = (Tons Collected for Recycling / Total Tons Generated) x 100

Recycling Rate (Composting-inclusive definition) = (Total Tons MSW Recycled + Composted / Total Tons MSW Recycled + Composted + Landfilled + Incinerated) x 100

Key Influencing Factors

Recycling access rate (the starting point for any material entering the system)
Household participation and engagement
MRF processing efficiency and residual rates
End-market availability and commodity specifications
Contamination at each stage of the system

Use Cases

Regulatory compliance reporting (confirm which definition applies in your jurisdiction)
Sustainability certification reporting
Benchmarking program performance against national or regional averages
Tracking system performance over time within a consistent methodology

RESIDUAL RATE

The percentage of materials coming out of the MRF that are sent to combustion facilities or landfills rather than to end markets as recovered commodities. (Source: EPA)

Why it Matters

Even well-run recycling programs generate residuals. A high residual rate means a significant share of what is being called “recycled” is actually being disposed of downstream. Tracking this metric closes the gap between collection performance and actual material recovery.

How to Calculate

Residual Rate = (Tons Sent to Disposal / Total Tons Received at MRF) x 100

Key Influencing Factors

Incoming contamination levels
Sorting technology capabilities
End-market specifications and rejection rates
Material mix and presence of difficult-to-sort items

Use Cases

Benchmarking MRF operational performance
Evaluating the true disposal impact of a recycling program
Justifying equipment investments to reduce residuals

SET OUT RATE

The number of homes with recycling placed curbside at any given collection opportunity, expressed as a percentage of total homes on a route.

Why It Matters

Set out rate is participation rate measured at the route level, on a specific day. It is one of the most operational metrics in this list and one of the easiest to collect systematically. Programs that track set out rates over time can identify participation trends before they show up in diversion data.

How to Calculate

Set Out Rate = (Homes with Recycling at the Curb on a Given Collection Day / Total Homes on Route) x 100

For example, if there are 100 homes on a route and 40 have recycling out, the set-out rate is 40%.

Key Influencing Factors

Collection frequency and schedule awareness
Seasonal patterns (e.g., lower rates in winter months)
Neighborhood demographics and housing density
Program design (automatic enrollment vs. opt-in)

Use Cases

Route-level participation monitoring
Identifying low-engagement zones for targeted outreach
Operational planning for collection vehicle sizing and scheduling

TIPPING FEES

The per-ton fee charged to dispose of waste at a landfill, transfer station, or processing facility. Also known as gate rates or gate charges. For the purpose of this entry, tipping fees refer to publicly posted self-hauling rates rather than contracted rates, which are negotiated privately and typically lower. (Source: EREF)

Why It Matters

Tipping fees are a direct economic lever on diversion behavior. When disposal costs rise, diversion programs become more cost-competitive. When they are low, the financial case for diversion weakens.

National average MSW tipping fees have increased 29% since 2016, reaching $62.28/ton in 2024, the largest single-year increase since 2022. That trend is driven primarily by inflation and rising labor costs, which show the strongest correlation with tip fee increases of any economic indicator tracked by EREF. Programs that are not monitoring tipping fee trends are likely to encounter budget surprises when disposal contracts come up for renewal.

Regional variation is substantial. In 2024, the Northeast averaged $80.67/ton while the South Central region averaged $44.87/ton. Individual states vary even more: New Hampshire averaged $110.46/ton while Kansas averaged $34.78/ton. The national average is a useful benchmark but should not substitute for regional or state-level data when budgeting or negotiating contracts.

How To Calculate

Average Tipping Fee = Total Disposal Cost / Total Tons Disposed

Key Influencing Factors

Facility type and ownership (private landfills averaged $74.75/ton in 2024 vs. $55.89/ton for public facilities)
Regional regulations, taxes, and environmental compliance costs
Waste type (MSW vs. C&D vs. special waste)
Presence of waste-to-energy infrastructure (WTE states averaged $71.28/ton vs. $55.57/ton in non-WTE states)
Labor costs and inflation (strongest economic correlate of tip fee changes per EREF regression analysis)

Note: C&D waste is accepted at MSW landfills in 41 states and is often assumed to carry higher tipping fees than MSW. In practice, 55% of facilities charge identical rates for both waste streams, and the national average C&D fee of $65.84/ton is not statistically different from the $62.28/ton MSW average. Programs should confirm local C&D rates directly rather than assuming a premium.

Use Cases

Budgeting for municipal waste and diversion programs
Evaluating the economic case for landfill diversion investments
Contract negotiations with haulers and facility operators
Long-range solid waste planning

WASTE COMPOSITION

The breakdown of a waste stream by material type, typically expressed as a percentage of total weight. A waste composition study (also called a waste characterization study or waste audit) measures what is actually in a given waste stream at a specific point in time. (Sources: EPA)

Why It Matters

Waste composition is the foundational dataset that makes every other metric more meaningful. You cannot design an effective recycling program without knowing what materials are in the stream. You cannot set realistic capture rate or diversion rate targets without knowing what share of the stream is theoretically recoverable. Composition data also reveals mismatches between what a community is generating and what its collection program accepts, which is often where significant diversion opportunity is hiding.

Waste loads are physically sampled at a facility, sorted manually into predefined material categories, and weighed. Results are expressed as a percentage of total sample weight by material type.

How To Calculate

Material Category (%) = (Weight of Material Category / Total Sample Weight) x 100

Note: Sample size, seasonal timing, and source type (residential vs. commercial vs. institutional) all affect results significantly. ASTM D5231 provides the standard methodology for conducting defensible field studies.

Key Influencing Factors

Geographic region and local consumption patterns
Seasonal variation (food waste increases in summer; packaging increases around holidays)
Source type (residential, commercial, institutional, C&D)
Existing diversion programs (which remove certain materials before sampling)

Use Cases

Designing or redesigning collection programs and accepted materials lists
Identifying the highest-value diversion opportunities in a waste stream
Setting realistic diversion and capture rate targets
Evaluating potential for new programs (organics, film plastic, textiles)
Sizing waste-to-energy and processing infrastructure

WASTE GENERATION

The total amount of waste produced by a population, business, or facility over a specific period. (Source: SWANA)

Why It Matters

Waste generation is the denominator that gives every other metric its context. Diversion rate, recycling rate, and disposal rate all require an accurate measure of total generation to be meaningful. Programs that under-count generation appear to be performing better than they are.

How To Calculate

Waste Generation = Total Diverted Material + Total Disposed Material

Per Capita Waste Generation = Total Waste Generated / Population Served

Key Influencing Factors

Population size, density, and household size
Consumption patterns and economic activity
Seasonal variation (e.g., higher generation during holidays)

Use Cases

Planning collection services and fleet sizing
Setting realistic reduction targets
Benchmarking performance against peer communities or national averages

Putting Your Metrics to Work

Knowing your metrics is step one. Having a system that calculates them for you, consistently and without manual effort, is step two.

Re-TRAC is built for large-scale data collection, aggregation, and analysis. If you’re still tracking materials management data in spreadsheets or piecing together reports from multiple sources, there’s a better way: explore sample Re-TRAC reports.

Definitions and data in this article draw from the following sources: SWANA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Recycling Partnership, Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF), Eunomia, the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC), ASTM International (D5231), and Re-TRAC’s internal standardization research. Tipping fee data is sourced from EREF’s Analysis of MSW Landfill Tipping Fees, 2024 (published July 2025). Recycling rate and pounds per household data are sourced from The Recycling Partnership’s State of Curbside Recycling Report. Where definitions vary across frameworks, the applicable source is noted inline. Definitions in this guide are intended as a general reference. Always confirm calculation methodology against the standard required by your specific regulatory or reporting context before reporting.

The post The Complete Guide to Materials Management Metrics appeared first on Re-TRAC.

Tracker is Back and Better Than Ever.

Josh Reid — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Re-TRAC Connect |

For years, organizations have relied on spreadsheets, paper forms, shared folders, and long email chains to piece together their waste and recycling data. But as operations grow and reporting requirements evolve, these tools quickly become unwieldy, and small teams are left chasing data instead of learning from it.

That’s why we completely rebuilt Tracker from the ground up.

📅Book a free demo to see the new & improved Tracker

Why We Rebuilt Tracker

The new Tracker™ is designed for teams that need accurate data, less manual work, and a tracking system that adapts to their operations, not the other way around.

Spreadsheets have their place, but not when your organization needs organized, accurate, and consistently structured data for confident decision‑making. Between our latest customer interviews, extensive reviews of past feedback and roadmaps, and hundreds of in‑person conversations at events, the same set of challenges kept rising to the top:

Maintaining spreadsheets is time‑consuming and error‑prone
Staff turnover leads to loss of institutional knowledge
Data is scattered across invoices, emails, and departments
Collecting and organizing data takes too long and requires manual cleanup
Teams want better insights but lack the tools to get them

So we set out to solve those challenges with a new, modern, flexible version of Tracker.

What’s New in Tracker

Before diving into what’s new, it’s important to share how we approached the rebuild. Once we understood the recurring challenges organizations faced, our next step was to translate those insights into a clear set of product objectives. Through recent customer interviews, deep reviews of historical feedback and roadmaps, and years of industry conversations, three priorities guided the redesign:

Expand Tracker’s versatility by replacing rigid, pre‑built structures with flexible configuration tools
Reduce manual data entry and increase focus on data exploration & decision-making
Strengthen data organization by giving teams more flexibility in how they structure, manage, and make sense of their information

These goals collectively shaped the new Tracker and set the foundation for everything that follows.

Built for small teams with real‑world tracking needs

Tracker replaces complex spreadsheets, paper forms, and ad‑hoc processes with a system designed to streamline data entry and standardize your tracking workflows. From your first login, you can immediately configure Tracker to match your operations, no technical expertise required.

Highly configurable

Tracker gives you the tools to customize the system to your workflows:

Custom materials using your terminology
Material management methods for both diversion and disposal
Units of measure including your own volume‑to‑weight conversion factors
Financial fields for hauling fees, tipping fees, fuel surcharges, rebates, and more
Custom fields including dropdowns, numeric fields, text inputs, and file uploads

No matter how your operations are structured, Tracker adapts.

Faster, easier data entry

Cut manual work with tools designed to save hours every month:

Material tracking templates that pre‑populate common fields
Copy & paste to transfer data from source documents into material tracking forms
Data imports to upload spreadsheets directly into Tracker
Integrate via API to ingest data directly into Tracker

Whether you’re tracking diversion on a campus, across a chain of stores, or across job sites, you can standardize your data and eliminate repetition.

Powerful built‑in reports

Tracker includes five core reports that turn your data into insights:

Diversion Rate Report to compare current and historical waste diversion performance across programs and locations
Material Management Report to analyze the distribution and quantities of materials and management methods across locations
Trend Report to visualize trends in material management methods and material quantities over time
Financial Analysis Report to understand revenues, expenses, and net performance
GHG Report to quantify avoided emissions and translate them into relatable metrics

If you need something more specific, our team can help create custom reports tailored to your unique needs.

Book a free demo to see Tracker in action!

Who Tracker Is Designed For

Tracker is built for small teams that need a reliable, flexible, and affordable way to track their waste and recycling activities without relying on spreadsheets, paper forms, or scattered email trails. Unlike our integrated suite of reporting solutions, which are designed for gathering data from many external reporters, Tracker is an internal tool: every user on the team has equal access to enter, organize, and analyze data in one shared system.

It’s the ideal solution for organizations that want to standardize their materials management workflows, improve data quality, and gain insights without the cost or complexity of enterprise systems.

Tracker is a strong fit for teams that want:

Better than spreadsheets and paper

Purpose-built tracking tools that eliminate errors, reduce time spent on data entry, and keep information organized in one place.

Internal data ownership

A shared workspace where the team, not external reporters, enters, manages, and analyzes all of its own data

An affordable, feature-rich system

A low-cost subscription with powerful configuration options that let teams model their operations the way they actually work.

Examples of organizations that benefit from Tracker

Universities & Colleges

Track material diversion efforts across multiple campuses, departments, and facilities in one centralized system, giving sustainability teams a clearer, more reliable picture of performance without managing dozens of spreadsheets or shared folders.

Construction & Demolition Companies

Monitor materials, diversion goals, and financial performance across job sites in a streamlined, internal system built to replace ad‑hoc tracking methods. Teams can track activities consistently across projects without the overhead of complex reporting systems.

Restaurants & Grocery Stores

Consolidate food waste, packaging, recycling, and financial tracking across multiple locations in a single workspace. Tracker replaces fragmented spreadsheets and manual logs with organized, structured data that helps teams understand performance and identify opportunities to reduce waste.

K–12 School Districts

Centralize tracking across schools, simplify grant and sustainability reporting, and improve data consistency across the district. Tracker gives small facilities or sustainability teams a reliable internal tool for capturing and analyzing information across multiple sites.

Event Venues & Convention Centers

Large venues generate high volumes of materials in short timeframes, often across multiple events, vendors, and collection points. Tracker helps teams standardize their internal data, organize event-by-event tracking, and measure diversion performance without relying on scattered spreadsheets or post‑event email summaries.

Light Manufacturing Facilities

Manufacturing operations produce a variety of material streams, from production scraps to packaging and recyclables, often tracked informally or inconsistently. Tracker provides a structured, centralized way for teams to organize and analyze their materials data, identify trends, and support sustainability or efficiency initiatives.

Airports & Transit Authorities

Airports and transit hubs manage complex operations across terminals, vendors, and waste streams, all requiring accurate internal tracking. Tracker gives teams a unified workspace to organize materials data, improve consistency across locations, and simplify measuring program performance.

Hospitals & Clinics

Healthcare operations generate multiple waste streams, including general waste, recyclables, and regulated materials that must be tracked internally. Tracker helps small teams maintain organized, accurate records across facilities and gain better visibility into waste generation patterns.

Hotels & Resorts

Hotels and resorts manage diverse material streams, from guest waste to food services, housekeeping, and facility operations. Tracker helps teams standardize internal tracking across departments, measure diversion efforts, and support sustainability initiatives with clear, reliable data.

Tracker Is Ready. Are You?

Tracker has been rebuilt, modernized, and redesigned with your feedback at its core, and we’re incredibly excited to share it with the organizations shaping sustainability in their communities.

If you’re ready to eliminate spreadsheets, standardize your data, and unlock meaningful insights: Book your free demo today. 👉

Let’s make your materials management data work harder for you.

The post Tracker is Back and Better Than Ever. appeared first on Re-TRAC.

Save Time. Skip The Data Entry.

Josh Reid — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Re-TRAC Connect |

Data entry can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when working with large datasets. At Re-TRAC™, we’re committed to making your reporting process faster, easier, and more accurate. That’s why we’ve introduced three powerful tools designed to simplify data entry: Copy & Paste, Data Importer, and the Re-TRAC API.

Copy & Paste

Our new Copy & Paste feature allows you to copy data from another source and paste it directly into tables in your Re-TRAC survey. As long as the fields align, the data will populate the form automatically, no more manual entry line by line. This feature is perfect for teams that already have data organized in spreadsheets or PDFs and want a fast way to transfer it into Re-TRAC.

Benefits:

Saves time by eliminating repetitive data entry
Reduces errors caused by manual input
Works seamlessly with aligned fields

Import Structured Data

For organizations managing large volumes of data, our Importer add-on service takes efficiency to the next level. This service allows customers to quickly import structured data from a source document into Re-TRAC surveys, creating multiple records in just one step. Our team will configure an import process for each unique document type based on:

File format (CSV & XLS)
Customer-provided guidance
Destination form fields

The Importer service reduces manual data entry and improves data accuracy. It’s offered in multiple tiers based on the number of survey responses generated via imports annually, so you can choose the level that fits your needs.

Benefits:

Handles large datasets effortlessly
Improves data accuracy and consistency
Scales with your organization’s reporting needs

The Re-TRAC API

Our API add-on service provides access to a variety of endpoints, enabling you to integrate Re-TRAC with your existing systems and workflows. Whether you need to automate data submission, retrieve survey results, or sync information across platforms, the API makes it possible.

For full details, visit Re-TRAC API documentation, but here’s a quick summaryof the benefits:

Secure, reliable access to Re-TRAC data
Supports automation and system integration
Seamless data flow for organizations with advanced technical capabilities

You can also learn more by reading our Introducing the Re-TRAC API blog post.

Ready to streamline your reporting?

With these features, Re-TRAC is making data entry faster, smarter, and more accurate. Whether you’re looking for a quick way to transfer data, a robust import solution, or full integration with your systems, we’ve got you covered.

Contact your Customer Success Manager today to learn more about these features and how they can benefit your organization.

The post Save Time. Skip The Data Entry. appeared first on Re-TRAC.

Re-TRAC Achieves SOC 2 Compliance

Josh Reid — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Re-TRAC Connect |

We’re excited to announce that Re-TRAC™ has officially achieved SOC 2 Type II compliance—a major step forward in our ongoing commitment to data security, privacy, and operational excellence.

As a cloud-based platform that helps organizations collect, manage, and report materials management data, we understand the importance of protecting sensitive information. Whether you’re tracking waste diversion, recycling tonnage, or compliance information, you trust us with your data—and we take that responsibility seriously.

What is SOC 2 Type II Compliance?

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is the gold standard in data security and privacy for technology and cloud-based companies. Developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), SOC 2 ensures that service providers securely manage data to protect the interests of their clients and maintain trust.

Achieving SOC 2 compliance is a milestone we’re proud to share with you. It reflects our deep commitment to protecting your data and maintaining the highest standards of security, availability, and confidentiality. This certification isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a clear signal that we’ve implemented rigorous controls to safeguard your information and ensure reliable service. Whether you’re already working with us or considering a partnership, you can trust that your data is in safe, responsible hands.

Why This Matters to You

It means that our internal processes, systems, and controls have been independently verified to meet the highest standards for data protection. For our customers, this translates into:

Greater trust in how we handle your data
Reduced risk of breaches or unauthorized access
Stronger compliance with industry regulations
Peace of mind knowing your information is in safe hands

“I’m incredibly proud of our team for achieving SOC 2 compliance, i**t significantly strengthens Re-TRAC’s security posture and builds on our reputation as a trusted leader in the industry. More importantly, it underscores our unwavering commitment to meeting the highest standards for data security and privacy that our customers expect and deserve.”

- Hudson Gevaert, Re-TRAC’s Director of Software Engineering

Our Journey to Compliance

This milestone reflects months of dedicated work across our team—from engineering and operations to compliance and customer support. We partnered with leading security and compliance platform Vanta to automate monitoring and ensure continuous alignment with SOC 2 standards.

The Trust Center

Our Trust Center proactively showcases our security and compliance, streamlining the security review process for prospective customers. It serves as a first line of defense, ensuring buyers can easily access the information they need to make informed purchase decisions.

It also gives existing customers confidence on Re-TRAC’s commitment to safeguarding their data through continuous monitoring, offering real-time evidence of our security and compliance practices.

Looking Ahead

SOC 2 compliance isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a continuous commitment. We’ll keep investing in security, transparency, and reliability so you can focus on what matters most: advancing your sustainability goals and managing materials more effectively.

Thank you for trusting Re-TRAC. We’re proud to be your partner in secure, data-driven materials management.

The post Re-TRAC Achieves SOC 2 Compliance appeared first on Re-TRAC.

Unlocking Re-TRAC’s Data Collection Potential

Josh Reid — Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Re-TRAC Connect |

In today’s world, effective waste and recycling management is more critical than ever. Many of the organizations that log into Re-TRAC to report to state or county agencies may not realize the full potential of the tools available to them. Re-TRAC offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to streamline data collection, enhance reporting accuracy, and improve overall waste management efficiency.

This article explores how Re-TRAC can help organizations not only meet regulatory reporting requirements but also optimize their own waste and recycling programs.

Hauler Reporting

Re-TRAC’s hauler reporting solution is designed to standardize data collection for waste, recycling, and organics haulers.

By centralizing permit applications, tracking waste collection logistics, monitoring costs, and calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, organizations can gain valuable insights into their waste management operations.

This solution helps improve operational efficiency and supports sustainability initiatives by providing detailed data on collection, diversion, and disposal.

The resulting high-quality data can save municipalities, counties, and regional agencies a lot of time, especially when the data is needed for reporting to state programs as part of regulatory requirements.

Schedule Demo

Facility Reporting

Re-TRAC’s facility reporting solution helps organizations collect data from landfills, material recovery facilities (MRFs), transfer stations, composting facilities, and other processors.

By replacing spreadsheets, emails, and PDF forms with an all-in-one reporting system, organizations can measure diversion and disposal capacity, analyze material flow data, and monitor average tipping fees charged in their jurisdiction.

This approach not only saves time but also ensures data accuracy and consistency especially when reporting data up-the-chain to state or regional agencies.

Schedule Demo

Local Government Reporting

For counties, districts, and solid waste authorities, Re-TRAC offers a powerful reporting solution to measure residential curbside and drop-off program performance.

The local government reporting solution helps organizations understand how communities in their jurisdiction collect recycling, municipal solid waste (MSW), and organics in their residential curbside and drop-off programs. It gives insight into contamination rates, service configurations, materials accepted, and more.

This solution can save counties and regional agencies countless hours by centralizing reporting and summarizing it for easier reporting to states and other government bodies.

Schedule Demo

Compliance Reporting

Monitoring compliance with recycling ordinances can be a daunting task, but Re-TRAC simplifies compliance management for commercial, multi-family, and construction & demolition recycling programs.

This solution provides enforcement teams with tools to track compliance status, schedule inspections, and measure overall diversion performance. By reducing administrative burdens, organizations can focus on achieving their recycling goals and maintaining regulatory compliance.

This solution can be very effective for cities and counties managing compliance to satisfy state-level diversion targets or regulatory requirements (e.g. cities required to enforce mandatory recycling or C&D recycling ordinances).

Schedule Demo

Scrap Tire Reporting

Re-TRAC’s scrap tire reporting solution helps organizations evaluate their jurisdiction’s scrap tire recovery performance.

By monitoring incoming and outgoing tires and standardizing measurements into passenger tire equivalents (PTEs), organizations can easily calculate the number of waste tires received and transported for processing, retreading, reuse, or disposal.

This solution ensures accurate reporting and supports effective scrap tire management.

Schedule Demo

Drop-off Reporting

Managing drop-off locations can be challenging, but Re-TRAC’s drop-off reporting solution simplifies the process.

By collecting information about each site’s accepted materials list, usage fees, service restrictions, and operating hours, organizations can stay organized and track drop-offs efficiently.

This solution provides recycling center staff with tools to upload photo evidence, flag loads for review, and calculate the total amount of materials received across all drop-off locations. Additionally, it includes a notice of violation report that automates the issuance of fines, thereby preserving disposal capacity and generating revenue.

Schedule Demo

Tracker

Many organizations rely on spreadsheets, emails, and even paper forms to track and analyze waste and recycling data for their internal operations. But there’s a better way! Tracker is a highly configurable tonnage tracking solution, designed specifically for internal operations.

Tracker can save hours of administrative time by replacing spreadsheets and paper forms with configurable tracking templates that reflect your operations. It empowers organizations to create and manage material lists, units of measure, and diversion and disposal activities. It helps teams stay organized with custom fields, financial data, and data categorization features. It also includes popular reports such as diversion rate reports, tonnage analysis, GHG analysis, trending analysis, and more.

Schedule Demo

Conclusion

Re-TRAC offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of organizations involved in waste and recycling management. By centralizing data collection, simplifying reporting processes, and enhancing data quality, Re-TRAC helps organizations not only comply with regulatory requirements but also optimize their waste management programs. Explore the full potential of Re-TRAC and unlock new opportunities for efficiency and sustainability in your organization.

The post Unlocking Re-TRAC’s Data Collection Potential appeared first on Re-TRAC.

A Year In Review: 2024

Josh Reid — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Re-TRAC Connect |

2024 marked Re-TRAC’s 20th year and we’re as motivated as ever to continue delivering on our promise to provide exceptional customer service and cost-effective data collection & reporting solutions to organizations leading waste & recycling programs in the US & Canada.

As we look back on the past year, we’re proud to share the exciting improvements and new features we’ve introduced to enhance your Re-TRAC experience and increase productivity. Our team has been hard at work, and we’re thrilled to highlight the key releases that have made this year truly remarkable.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

We kicked off 2024 with the launch of Single Sign-On (SSO), a feature designed to streamline your login process. With SSO, you can access Re-TRAC using your existing credentials from other trusted services, reducing the need to remember multiple passwords and improving security.

The Re-TRAC API

Our next big feature release was the Re-TRAC API, enabling seamless integration with other tools and services. This feature allows developers to build custom applications and automate workflows, making it easier than ever to extend the functionality of our software to meet your unique needs.

Transfer Member

In response to user feedback, we introduced the transfer member feature. This powerful new feature enables Program Managers to transfer a member from one user to another. This is especially useful in situations where an employee has left their position without passing off access to their user account to take over reporting.

Account Settings

We also introduced the account settings page, focusing on improved user management. This update gave account administrators more control over user permissions and roles, making it easier to manage your team’s access and ensure that everyone has the right level of access to the features they need.

Workspace Preview

Finally, we introduced the Workspace Preview feature, to give Program Managers the ability to preview the member workspace. This feature eliminates the need for Program Managers to create member accounts just to see the reporters’ view in the program.

One of our most significant updates this year was the overhaul of our user interface. Based on user feedback, we redesigned the menus and navigation to provide a more intuitive and visually appealing experience. The new layout helps program managers and reporters quickly find the tools and information they need thereby enhancing program manager productivity and streamlining data reporting.

All Re-TRAC users can enable the new layout starting Wednesday, April 30th. Simply enable the “See Re-TRAC’s NEW look” toggle at the top of the page. Hovering over the toggle will also display a panel containing a link to the walkthrough video to take a tour before you decide to activate the feature.

We invite all Re-TRAC users to provide feedback about the new layout during this beta testing period. Your feedback will ensure the new layout and menus have a chance for refinement before the full release.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, we’re committed to continuing our journey of innovation and improvement. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping these features, and we can’t wait to see how they enhance your experience with our software. Thank you for being a part of our community, and here’s to another year of growth and success!

The post A Year In Review: 2024 appeared first on Re-TRAC.

Introducing the Re-TRAC API

Josh Reid — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Re-TRAC Connect |

At Re-TRAC, we understand that effective materials management requires accurate data and the ability to share and integrate that data seamlessly across various platforms. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Re-TRAC API service, a powerful new tool designed to help our customers maximize the value of their data.

In this article, we’ll explain what an API is, why it’s a game-changer for data integration, and how you can activate this service. We’ll also share some practical examples of how the Re-TRAC API can elevate your materials management programs.

What is an API?

An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a set of rules and protocols that allow different software systems to communicate with each other. Think of it as a translator that helps systems “talk” to one another, enabling the secure exchange of data in a standardized way.

Let’s say that you’re using Re-TRAC to collect waste & recycling data from haulers, landfills, and MRFs, but you also capture water & energy data using a 3rd party service. Imagine that you wanted to bring all this data together into a dashboard using a 3rd party data visualization service. By enlisting your IT team to create the required integrations, you can pull data from both Re-TRAC and your energy & water monitoring service, to populate the dashboard with all relevant sustainability data. Without an API, sharing data between these systems could involve tedious manual exports and imports, which are prone to error and inefficiency. With an API, this process becomes automated, reliable, and instantaneous.

In short, APIs save time, reduce human error, and open up new opportunities for large-scale data aggregation and visualization. They allow you to:

Streamline workflows: Automate data transfers between Re-TRAC and other platforms you rely on.
Enhance analysis: Integrate Re-TRAC data with advanced analytics tools to uncover deeper insights.
Foster collaboration: Share key metrics and reports effortlessly with stakeholders through your preferred applications.

Activating the API for your customer account

If you’re ready to start leveraging the power of the Re-TRAC API, here’s how to get started:

Contact Your CSM: Activation of the API service is quick and easy. Reach out to your dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM) to inquire about pricing, schedule a trial period, or request activation.
Review API Documentation: Once activated, you’ll receive access to our comprehensive API documentation.
Start Integrating: Work with your development team or technical staff to integrate the API into your existing systems.

Unlocking the Power of the Re-TRAC API

The Re-TRAC API is designed to make your materials management data more versatile and actionable. Below are just a few examples of how you can use the API to enhance your operations:

1. Internal Database Synchronization

If your organization maintains an internal database for tracking materials management initiatives, the Re-TRAC API can simplify data synchronization and eliminate the practice of manually exporting and importing data. For example:

Automatically push new survey responses into your database.
Pull historical data from Re-TRAC to enrich your existing records.
Ensure all systems reflect the most up-to-date information, reducing redundancies and errors.

2. Combine Re-TRAC Data with 3rd Party Sources

Use the API to combine Re-TRAC data with 3rd party data using external data visualization tools such as Tableau or Microsoft Power BI. For instance, you can pull survey response data directly into these platforms to create interactive dashboards that:

Track recycling program participation rates.
Monitor waste diversion performance over time.
Highlight key trends and areas for improvement.

These insights can then be shared with stakeholders in an engaging, visually compelling format.

3. Custom Applications

For organizations with unique needs, the API opens the door to developing custom applications. Imagine creating a mobile app that displays live recycling statistics for your community or an internal portal that allows staff to query Re-TRAC data on demand. The possibilities are virtually endless.

Why Choose the Re-TRAC API?

The Re-TRAC API is more than just a data-sharing tool—it’s a strategic asset that enhances the value of your materials management program. Key benefits include:

Flexibility: Tailor your integrations to use only data that meets your specific requirements.
Scalability: Handle large volumes of data effortlessly, whether you’re a small municipality or a large regional government.
Security: Rest assured knowing that your data is protected with industry-standard security protocols.
Support: Our dedicated Customer Success team is here to ensure your success at every step of the integration process.

Start Transforming Your Materials Management Data Today

With the Re-TRAC API, the potential to unlock deeper insights, streamline operations, and foster innovation is at your fingertips. Don’t let your valuable data remain siloed—empower your organization to achieve new levels of efficiency and impact.

To learn more about the Re-TRAC API or to request activation, contact your Customer Success Manager today. We’re excited to see the innovative ways our customers will use this new service to advance their materials management programs.

Stay tuned for future updates, including customer success stories and new API features!

The post Introducing the Re-TRAC API appeared first on Re-TRAC.

Introducing Single Sign-On

Josh Reid — Mon, 13 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Re-TRAC Connect |

Introducing Single Sign-On (SSO)

We’re excited to announce that Re-TRAC now supports single sign-on (SSO), a secure authentication service that improves security and simplifies user access management.

What is SSO?

Single sign-on (SSO) is a user authentication service that permits users to use one set of login credentials to access multiple software applications.

SSO is like having one key to unlock many doors. Instead of needing a different key for each door (or different usernames & passwords for each account), SSO lets you use just one key to access multiple accounts.

How does it work?

Once SSO is configured for your organization, the standard Re-TRAC login page will direct your account administrators and program managers to a centralized SSO login portal instead.

This SSO login portal is typically managed by your organization’s central identity provider (usually the IT department) and handles authentication for all service providers, including Re-TRAC.

Benefits of using SSO

There are many benefits to using SSO but here are the most common reasons organizations choose to implement this add-on service.

Boost security

Weak or repeatedly reused passwords pose a significant risk for security breaches. Implementing a central identity provider enables organizations to promote the use of a single, highly secure password instead of resorting to multiple inadequate ones or, even worse, using the same weak password across various applications.

Simplify account management

The process of creating unique usernames and passwords for each user across multiple applications is both laborious and time-intensive. Additionally, overseeing these disparate access control systems can drain administrative productivity. SSO streamlines account management by consolidating access control into one centralized platform. This empowers your IT administrators to efficiently add or remove account access for team members, facilitating seamless management as employees join or leave the organization.

Managing unique login credentials for dozens of services can be exhausting. SSO simplifies this process by permitting users to enter their login details just once. This reduces the burden of remembering multiple usernames and passwords, making it faster & easier for employees to access the tools & services they need.

How do I activate SSO for my Re-TRAC account?

Account admins for customer Re-TRAC accounts can request SSO by visiting their Account Settings page and clicking the CONTACT SALES button. Alternatively, customers can email us at sales@re-trac.com to inquire.

FAQs

Which identity providers do you support?

Re-TRAC uses the industry-standard Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML). Our single sign-on feature integrates with any identity provider that supports SAML.

How do I know if my organization uses SSO?

If you’re unsure if your organization uses single sign-on, it’s best to check with your IT department.

Where can I learn about pricing?

Please contact your Customer Success Manager (CSM) to inquire about pricing and learn how you can add this service to your existing customer account.

Alternatively, you can email sales@re-trac.com to inquire.

The post Introducing Single Sign-On appeared first on Re-TRAC.

All You Should Know About Our File Exports Feature

Josh Reid — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Re-TRAC Connect |

The File Exports feature update is now available in Re-TRAC!

Are you tired of the tedious process of downloading individual file uploads? Say hello to the upgraded file export feature (released in August 2023), which offers a more efficient way to download multiple responses simultaneously. We understand the challenges of downloading multiple file uploads or responses for members. We’ve added an “Export to Zip” option to address this need, making the process smoother. Now, you can download larger files (up to 10MB per file) and export up to 100 file attachments simultaneously, improving your experience.

What does the feature look like now?

File Uploads Page (Program Managers Only)

Program Managers can now export up to 100 survey file attachments to a ZIP file.

To limit file attachments to 100, filters can be applied based on member, survey, and year.

The export button will remain disabled until the filters limit file attachments to 100 or fewer.

We’ve also enhanced the user experience by making file names clickable, simplifying the process of downloading individual file attachments.

Responses Page (Program Managers Only)

Program managers now have the option to generate a ZIP file containing all the files linked to a member’s survey response.

Edit Response Page (Program Managers Only)

While reviewing a single survey response, you have the ability to export all related file attachments into a ZIP file.

Further updates are coming soon, so stay tuned!

The post All You Should Know About Our File Exports Feature appeared first on Re-TRAC.