In this study, deinking efficiency, deinking rate, cleaning efficiency and cleaning rate were used to evaluate the efficiency of equipment and stages in commercial deinking lines. The effective residual ink concentration (ERIC), and flakes (dirt) by image analysis were determined, and deinking efficiency, deinking rate, cleaning efficiency and cleaning rate were calculated as measures of plant performance. The results showed that deinking rate and cleaning rate were the most effective and convenient tools for characterising the efficiency of equipment and stages in deinking lines.