How To Calculate Demolition Debris Waste

Planning a house demolition or any major demolition project? One of the key steps is figuring out how much debris you’ll generate and how many dumpsters you’ll need to handle it. While it might seem complicated, there’s a simple formula to estimate the waste and make sure you’re prepared.

A Simple Formula for Estimating Debris

To estimate the amount of debris your demolition project will produce, you can use this basic formula:

(Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Height (ft) x 1/3) ÷ 27

This formula calculates the amount of waste in cubic yards, which is the standard measurement for dumpsters.

Step 1: Measure the Area

Start by measuring the dimensions of the space you’re demolishing—length, width, and height in feet. This could be a single room, a wall, or even an entire house. If you have blueprints, those can also help you get accurate measurements.

Don’t forget to consider factors like:

• The number of floors in the building.
• Whether there are intersecting or non-load-bearing walls.

Step 2: Account for Airspace

You might wonder why the formula includes multiplying by one-third. That’s because when demolishing a structure, not all of the space is filled with solid materials. A significant portion is just air between walls, floors, and ceilings. The one-third factor adjusts for this empty space, making the estimate more realistic.

Step 3: Convert to Cubic Yards

Since dumpsters are measured in cubic yards, the formula divides the total by 27 (there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard). This step ensures your calculation matches the sizing for dumpster rentals.

How to Choose the Right Dumpsters

Once you have a rough estimate of the debris in cubic yards, it’s easier to decide how many dumpsters you’ll need. For smaller house demolition projects, one or two dumpsters might suffice. For larger-scale demolitions, you’ll likely need multiple dumpsters to handle all the waste.

At Vine Disposal, we specialize in providing the right dumpster rental for every type of demolition project. Whether you’re tearing down a single wall or demolishing an entire house, we’re here to help. Contact us today, and our team will guide you in choosing the perfect dumpster size for your needs.