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Calcimator

Construction Waste Calculator

Estimate demolition debris volume and material-specific recycling rates for construction and demolition projects.

Inputs

sq ft

Results

Total Waste Generated

11 tons

≈ 7 small cars

Achievable Recycling Rate

67%

Roll-Off Containers3
Truck Loads1
Disposal Cost (landfill)$602.00
Recycling Savings$315.00
Concrete/Masonry1 tons
Wood4 tons
Metal1 tons
Drywall2 tons
Total Recyclable7 tons
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Select Project Type (new construction, renovation, or demolition) and enter the Building Footprint (sq ft) and Number of Stories.
  2. Choose Construction Type (wood frame, steel, concrete, masonry) to apply material-specific waste factors.
  3. Enter Demolition Component (%) if the project includes partial or full demolition.
  4. Review Total Waste Generated (tons) and Achievable Recycling Rate to set diversion targets.
  5. Check Roll-Off Containers and Truck Loads needed to plan logistics and schedule hauls.
  6. Compare Disposal Cost (landfill) versus Recycling Savings to make the financial case for a higher diversion program.

How the result changes with Building Footprint

Building FootprintTotal Waste GeneratedAchievable Recycling Rate
100,090438 tons67%
350,0651,533 tons67%
650,0352,847 tons67%
900,0103,942 tons67%

What each input means

Project Type
1 = New Residential, 2 = New Commercial, 3 = Renovation, 4 = Demolition.
Building Footprint
Ground floor area of the building.
Number of Stories
Number of floors in the building.
Construction Type
1 = Wood Frame, 2 = Steel, 3 = Concrete, 4 = Masonry.
Demolition Component
Percentage of existing structure being demolished. 0% for new construction, 100% for full demolition.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Project Type = 1, Building Footprint = 2500, Number of Stories = 2, Construction Type = 1 = 5 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Total Waste Generated
    Total Waste Generated
    11 = 11
  3. Calculate Achievable Recycling Rate
    Achievable Recycling Rate
    67 = 67
  4. Calculate Roll-Off Containers
    Roll-Off Containers
    3 = 3
  5. Calculate Truck Loads
    Truck Loads
    1 = 1

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