Demolition Debris Calculator
Estimate the volume, weight, and dumpster requirements for your project.
Light Wood Frame (Residential)
Heavy Wood/Timber
Masonry/Brick
Concrete (Commercial)
Garage/Shed (Simple Frame)
Decking Only
Low (Tight Pile) – 25% Air
Standard – 33% Air
High (Loose Pile) – 50% Air
Estimation Results
Total Floor Area
0 sq ft
Estimated Volume
0 cu. yards
Estimated Weight
0 tons
Est. Disposal Cost
$0.00
Recommended Dumpsters
–
Based on 30-yard containers.
Understanding Demolition Debris Calculation
Accurately estimating the amount of debris a demolition project will generate is crucial for budgeting and logistics. Whether you are tearing down a single-story home, removing a garage, or demolishing a commercial concrete structure, knowing the volume (cubic yards) and weight (tons) helps you order the correct number of dumpsters and anticipate disposal fees.
How the Calculation Works
The calculation is derived from the total square footage of the building multiplied by a debris generation factor specific to the material type.
- Floor Area: Calculated as Length × Width × Number of Stories.
- Volume Factor: Different materials create different volumes of rubble. For example, a concrete building generates more dense debris than a light wood frame house.
- Bulking Factor: Once a building is demolished, the pile of rubble takes up more space than the standing structure due to air gaps. A standard "bulking factor" of 1.33 (33% air space) is applied to account for this expansion.
Common Debris Weights
Weight is just as important as volume because landfills charge by the ton, and dumpsters have weight limits. Here are average density approximations used:
- Mixed Wood/Trash: ~300-400 lbs per cubic yard.
- Masonry/Rubble: ~1,000-1,400 lbs per cubic yard.
- Concrete: ~4,000 lbs (2 tons) per cubic yard.
Choosing the Right Dumpster Size
Dumpsters are measured in cubic yards. The most common sizes for demolition are:
- 10 Yard: Small projects, garage cleanouts, heavy concrete/dirt (to avoid weight limits).
- 20 Yard: Kitchen/bath demos, deck removal, flooring removal.
- 30 Yard: Whole house demolition, large cleanouts, siding replacement.
- 40 Yard: Large construction/demolition projects, bulky but light debris.
Note: This calculator provides an estimate. Actual debris volume can vary based on construction methods, foundation depth, and how tightly the debris is packed into the dumpster.