Convert weekly recycling program throughput into average and peak design flow. Operating days, active hours, and a user-set peak factor expose the schedule assumptions behind the result, helping identify whether receiving and processing equipment can handle short-duration loads rather than only weekly averages.
Average hourly flow = weekly volume ÷ collection days ÷ operating hours. Design flow = average hourly flow × peak-hour factor.
Design flow is a screening value for the busiest operating period. Confirm batch sizes, downtime, queuing, and each equipment stage before final design.
Planning estimate only. Verify site-specific engineering, contracts, regulations, and measurement boundaries before making commitments.
For 520 yd³/week over 5 days and 8 hours/day with a 1.5 peak factor, average flow is 13 yd³/hour and design flow is 19.5 yd³/hour.
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. |