Plan leaf, mulch, and soil pickups with confidence. Compare bin shapes before your next haul. Estimate usable space, packed loads, and lifting weight safely.
| Bin Type | Dimensions | Approx. Capacity | Typical Garden Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangular tote | 60 × 40 × 35 cm | 84 L | Tools, weeds, small clippings |
| Cylindrical can | 45 cm diameter × 70 cm height | 111 L | Leaves, grass, compostables |
| Tapered bin | Top 48 cm, bottom 38 cm, height 65 cm | 99 L | Mixed yard waste, mulch hauling |
| Large cart bin | 75 × 55 × 105 cm | 433 L | Weekly curbside garden waste |
Capacities are approximate and depend on internal shape and rim design.
Knowing container volume helps schedule pruning, leaf collection, and compost transfers. A 120 L bin typically holds one to two shrub trimmings from a small border, while 240–360 L suits weekly yard waste from medium lawns. When loads are wetter, usable capacity drops because water increases mass and reduces void space. Use the fill level slider to model realistic, spill-free transport. Many municipal green carts are 240 L; at 85% fill, usable space is about 204 L before compaction, helping estimate trips for weekend cleanup.
Most curbside carts behave like rectangular volumes, but interior ribs and wheel wells reduce space. Round cans align with the cylindrical option, while tapered bins match the frustum model. Measure internal dimensions, not outside walls, and record height to the practical rim. Switching units does not change results because values are converted to meters before calculation.
Garden materials compress differently. Dry leaves trap air and compact strongly, often needing a factor around 1.3–2.0 when tamped. Grass clippings and compost settle under their own weight, commonly 1.1–1.5. If you bag waste after filling, use a higher compaction factor to avoid overestimating usable volume. The calculator applies compaction after fill level, reflecting packed loads.
Weight is estimated using kg = usable m³ × density. Typical densities range from about 120 kg/m³ for dry leaves to 1200 kg/m³ for garden soil. For example, 90 L of wet clippings near 350 kg/m³ weighs about 31.5 kg. Use this estimate to choose carts, avoid strain, and match vehicle load limits.
CSV exports store inputs and outputs for quick comparisons between bins, seasons, and crew labor time. This is useful when planning recurring tasks like compost turning, mulch hauling, or neighborhood cleanup days. PDF exports provide a clean snapshot for crews and clients, including shape, units, fill level, compaction, total capacity, usable capacity, and estimated weight.
Measure the internal space. Wall thickness, ribs, and wheel wells reduce capacity. Internal measurements produce the most reliable usable volume estimate for real garden loads.
Use 80–90% for hand carrying or vehicle transport to reduce spills. Use 100% only when the bin will stay stationary or has a secure lid.
Start at 1.0 for loose filling. Use 1.2–1.5 for settled clippings or compost. Use 1.6–2.0 if you tamp leaves or compress material to fit more.
Interior obstructions, tapered sides, rounded corners, or a recessed lid area reduce real capacity. Measuring internal dimensions and selecting the tapered option usually narrows the gap.
No. Density varies with moisture and particle size. Presets provide practical planning values. For best results, weigh a known container volume once and update the custom density.
Yes. Run the calculator for each bin and export CSV files. Compare usable liters and estimated weight to decide how many trips and how many containers you need.
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.