Estimate recycling storage from loose material received each day, maximum holding time, compaction, and a peak allowance. The result represents usable container or bunker capacity, while secondary results show the effect of compaction and how many daily collection volumes the planned capacity can absorb.
Required storage = daily loose volume × holding time ÷ compaction ratio × (1 + peak allowance).
The result is usable internal capacity. Space for access, fire separation, equipment movement, and material segregation is outside this volume.
Planning estimate only. Verify site-specific engineering, contracts, regulations, and measurement boundaries before making commitments.
For 85 yd³/day held 3 days, compacted 2.5:1, with 25% peak allowance, required storage is 127.5 yd³; compaction avoids 153 yd³ versus loose storage.
Use one consistent facility or program boundary for every input and document whether quantities are measured at collection, receipt, processing, or shipment.
Yes, when all period-based inputs use the same month. The displayed annual wording should then be interpreted as the period you entered.
Use a weighted average for routine reporting or run separate low, typical, and peak cases when density, moisture, composition, or throughput varies materially.
No. The calculation covers the named metric and entered assumptions; permitting, safety, downtime, access, inventory, and local design requirements may need separate review.
Scale accuracy, moisture, inventory timing, contamination, operating hours, and inconsistent system boundaries can all cause actual results to differ.
| Input | Role |
|---|---|
| Primary quantity | Defines the material or resource entering the calculation boundary. |
| Operating assumption | Converts the base quantity into the requested capacity, cost, flow, savings, or rate. |
| Result | Use as a planning estimate and compare it with observed records. |