| Item | Value | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | 12 | tons |
| Disposal rate | 55 | per ton |
| Trips | 2 | trips |
| Haul rate | 180 | per trip |
| Dumpster | 7 × 22 + 120 | days × day + fee |
| Labor | 4 × 18 | hours × rate |
| Equipment | 1.5 × 35 | hours × rate |
| Environmental fee | 2.5 | % |
| Contingency | 5 | % |
| Overhead & profit | 12 | % |
- Tons: if cubic yards, tons = quantity × density.
- Disposal cost: tons × disposal rate.
- Hauling cost: trips × haul rate.
- Container cost: (dumpster days × day rate) + delivery/pickup fee.
- Labor cost: labor hours × labor rate.
- Equipment cost: equipment hours × equipment rate.
- Environmental fee: env % × disposal cost (only when disposal cost is positive).
- Contingency: contingency % × (direct costs + environmental fee).
- Overhead & profit: O&P % × subtotal.
- Tax: tax % × (subtotal + O&P).
- Total scrap charge: subtotal + O&P + tax.
- Select the scrap type and enter your quantity.
- If using cubic yards, confirm the density value.
- Enter disposal, hauling, and container rental charges.
- Add labor and equipment time tied to scrap handling.
- Set fees, contingency, overhead, and tax as needed.
- Press Calculate to see totals above the form.
- Download CSV or PDF to attach to your estimate.
Scrap Charge as a Bid Line Item
Scrap handling is easier to defend when it is priced as a clear line item. The calculator converts quantity into tons, then builds a traceable cost stack: disposal, hauling, container rental, labor, and equipment. Estimators can show how site constraints, access limits, and working hours change the total, without reworking a full bid sheet. It supports scenario pricing for phased demolition or staging. This helps owners compare self-haul versus turnkey hauling packages during procurement.
Using Tons and Density for Better Forecasts
Field quantities are often measured by truck count or container volume. When you only have cubic yards, applying a realistic density prevents underpricing. Mixed debris can vary widely with moisture and composition, so keep a conservative density and revisit it after the first load ticket. The cost-per-ton output highlights whether your assumptions match actual invoices. Build a local density library from past tickets and update estimates.
Direct Costs That Commonly Get Missed
Disposal rate is only one part of the charge. Mobilization and return trips add up, and container rental can overrun when work is delayed. Labor hours for loading, sorting, and securing loads are frequently overlooked, as are small equipment hours for skid steers or loaders. The environmental fee input captures surcharges many facilities apply. Add liner bags and spotter time when traffic control is required.
Markups, Contingency, and Tax Treatment
Scrap work carries uncertainty: variable contamination, restricted dump windows, and re-handling. Contingency provides a buffer on the subtotal, while overhead and profit formalize your margin. If tax applies in your jurisdiction, the calculator adds it on the marked-up amount. Keep your internal policy consistent and document the basis for audits. Show totals with and without contingency to align expectations early.
Reporting for Change Orders and Invoicing
After calculation, the breakdown table supports client communication and reduces disputes. Export the CSV for quick internal review or estimating software import. Export the PDF to attach with a change order request, along with load tickets and receipts. When metal creates revenue, entering a negative disposal rate models the credit cleanly. Archive exports with job notes for consistent closeout reviews.
What is included in the scrap charge total?
It includes disposal, hauling, container rental, labor, equipment, fees, contingency, overhead and profit, and tax if applied. Adjust inputs to match your contract scope and local facility rules.
When should I use cubic yards instead of tons?
Use cubic yards when debris is measured by container volume or truck capacity. Enter a realistic density so the calculator converts volume to tons for disposal pricing.
Can I model a scrap credit for metal?
Yes. Enter a negative disposal rate per ton to represent revenue or a buy-back credit. The total will reduce accordingly, while other handling costs remain.
How do I pick trips and haul rate?
Use the expected number of round trips and your all-in rate per trip, including fuel, driver time, and any standby charges. Update after the first haul to refine estimates.
Should environmental fees be applied to all costs?
Many facilities apply surcharges to disposal only. This calculator applies the environmental fee percentage to positive disposal cost, which keeps the fee aligned with common invoice structures.
What documents should accompany a change order?
Attach the exported PDF, load tickets, disposal receipts, and a brief note on assumptions like density, trips, and container duration. Clear records reduce disputes and speed approvals.