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Note on trend interpretation

Each of the waste types is presented as a change in proportion of the overall waste stream. Changes in proportions of a waste type show which waste types have a larger or smaller share of the overall waste stream compared with earlier sample periods. This means that relative changes in the waste types can be observed and the relative impact of the drivers for those changes assessed. Conclusions about absolute changes to waste composition cannot be made because the indicator does not present changes in quantity of each waste type.

To illustrate the lack of relationship between proportion and quantity, it may be, for example, that the quantity of all waste types increased between surveys, but the proportions of some types decreased. This could occur because quantities of some waste types have increased by larger amounts than other types.

This information has come from the Solid waste composition environmental report card.

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Last updated: 31 July 2009