# Data Dimensions & Metrics

## How Dimensions and Metrics Work

Tracenable datasets follow a dimensional model.

* **Dimensions** are the attributes you can use to analyze or slice the data. Each dataset is defined by one or more dimensions.
* **Metrics** are the most granular layer: each one represents a unique combination of dimension values that defines a specific data point.

This dimensional model provides a transparent and predictable way to structure data. It removes ambiguity in naming, ensures consistency across datasets, and makes it easier to understand how each metric is constructed.

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## Dimensions in the Waste Dataset

All waste data in Tracenable is organized along two core dimensions: **Waste Type** and **Waste Management Method**. These dimensions define how waste is categorized and reported, and every metric in the dataset is derived from their combinations.

* *<mark style="color:$success;">**Waste Type**</mark>* classifies waste according to its inherent characteristics and regulatory definitions. It includes the following values:
  * `Total (All Types)`   &#x20;
    * `Hazardous`
    * `Non-Hazardous`
    * `Radioactive`
    * `Unclassified`
* *<mark style="color:$success;">**Waste Management Method**</mark>* indicates how the waste is treated once generated. It includes the following values:
  * &#x20; `Generated (All Methods)`            &#x20;
    * `Recovered`
    * `Disposed`
    * `Unclassified`

{% hint style="info" %}
Including **Unclassified** values in both dimensions ensures that all disclosed figures are captured, even when companies provide limited detail. Instead of discarding incomplete data or forcing it into categories that may not be accurate, Tracenable assigns it to the Unclassified bucket. This approach maintains transparency about data limitations, avoids introducing bias, and ensures that all reported waste is still included in aggregate calculations.
{% endhint %}

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## Metrics in the Waste Dataset

Metrics in the Waste Dataset are defined by specific combinations of the two core dimensions: **Waste Type** and **Waste Management Method**. This structure makes it clear whether a metric refers to a particular waste stream (for example, *Hazardous Waste Recovered*) or to a broader total (for example, *Total Waste Generated*).

| Waste Type        | Waste Management Method | Metric                              |
| ----------------- | ----------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Hazardous         | Recovered               | Hazardous Waste Recovered           |
| Hazardous         | Disposed                | Hazardous Waste Disposed            |
| Non-hazardous     | Recovered               | Non-hazardous Waste Recovered       |
| Non-hazardous     | Disposed                | Non-hazardous Waste Disposed        |
| Radioactive       | Recovered               | Radioactive Waste Recovered         |
| Radioactive       | Disposed                | Radioactive Waste Disposed          |
| Total (All Types) | Generated (All Methods) | Total Waste Generated               |
| Hazardous         | Generated (All Methods) | Total Hazardous Waste Generated     |
| Non-hazardous     | Generated (All Methods) | Total Non-hazardous Waste Generated |
| Radioactive       | Generated (All Methods) | Total Radioactive Waste Generated   |
| Total (All Types) | Recovered               | Total Waste Recovered               |
| Total (All Types) | Disposed                | Total Waste Disposed                |

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Notice that “Unclassified” values are missing from the table?**

When a data point is assigned the *Unclassified* option in either dimension, we do not deliver it as a standalone metric in the catalog. This is because such cases reflect incomplete or uncertain company disclosures, and the resulting metrics would lack comparability across companies.

However, Unclassified values are still fully accounted for when calculating totals to ensure data completeness. A detailed explanation of how Unclassified values are handled can be found in the [Calculation Logic](https://docs.tracenable.com/waste-management/data-collection-methodology/calculation-logic) page.
{% endhint %}

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