Plan loads before demo, cleanup, or renovation. Choose debris type, enter dimensions, and refine assumptions. Get weight, tonnage, and disposal estimates in seconds today.
The estimator converts your inputs into a consistent metric base, then calculates weight using:
Weight = Volume × Fill × Density × Compaction × (1 + Moisture) × (1 − Voids)
| Scenario | Material | Volume input | Moisture | Compaction | Voids | Estimated weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demo slab pile | Concrete (broken) | 4.0 yd³ | 5% | 1.10 | 10% | ~6.2 tons (US) |
| Mixed cleanup bin | Mixed construction debris | 12 ft × 8 ft × 3 ft | 10% | 1.00 | 15% | ~1.8 tons (US) |
| Roof tear-off | Roofing shingles | 3.0 yd³ | 0% | 0.95 | 20% | ~1.2 tons (US) |
| Excavation spoil | Soil / excavated spoil (damp) | 2.5 m³ | 15% | 1.20 | 8% | ~5.1 tonnes |
Debris weight is mainly volume times bulk density. Density varies by material and how it is broken. Clean lumber may average 20–35 lb/ft³, while broken concrete often falls near 90–120 lb/ft³. Mixed construction debris commonly lands around 250–450 kg/m³. Picking the closest material improves disposal and hauling forecasts. When uncertain, choose a conservative higher density for safety.
Water adds mass without increasing volume. Damp soil can weigh 10–30% more than dry soil, and wet sand can rise quickly after rain. Compaction raises solids per unit volume; a loose load may behave like 0.85×, while tamped loads can exceed 1.20×. Void allowance accounts for air gaps from bulky shapes, lowering effective weight when bridging occurs. Document site conditions so future estimates match reality.
Accurate volume is the second key driver. Use direct volume when you have container ratings such as 10 yd³ or 6 m³. For measured piles, compute length × width × height and apply a shape factor; a heaped rectangle is often approximated as 0.8× of box volume. Keep units consistent to avoid large tonnage errors. Take measurements at several points and average them.
Haul planning improves when weight becomes loads. The calculator divides total tons by your truck capacity to estimate trips. Example: 18 US tons with a 6‑ton truck suggests about three loads, plus a margin for scale variance. For dumpsters, compare estimated tons to included limits to reduce overage fees. Add 5–10% contingency if routing includes public weigh stations.
Compare estimates to site constraints and legal limits. Verify axle ratings, road restrictions, and facility rules before dispatch. Stress‑test uncertainty by adjusting moisture and compaction to see a plausible range. If results are near limits, reduce fill percentage, split loads, or get a certified scale ticket. Clear labeling and load securement reduce risk on the road.
Use “Mixed construction debris” for typical renovation cleanup. If you have mostly concrete, masonry, or soil, choose those materials instead. When composition is unknown, select the heavier option and lower the fill percentage for a safer estimate.
Moisture increases mass, especially for soil and sand. Compaction increases solids per volume. Raising either factor increases the estimated weight. If the load is fluffy or bridged, increase voids to reflect air gaps and reduce weight.
Use direct volume for known containers like 10 yd³ dumpsters. Use dimensions for piles, trenches, or custom bins. If the pile is heaped, apply a shape factor and avoid measuring only the highest point.
Many sites quote hauling and disposal in tons, while field checks may use pounds. Showing both lets crews compare estimates to truck ratings, container stickers, and handheld scale readings without extra conversions.
Loads are an approximation: total tons divided by truck capacity. Real limits depend on axle distribution, tare weight, and local enforcement. If you are close to the limit, plan an extra trip or scale the first load.
Recheck units, dimensions, and material selection first. Then adjust moisture, compaction, and void allowance to match site conditions. If uncertainty remains, weigh a test load and update the factors for future jobs.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.