About the Waste Calculator

Purpose

The calculator gives designers a volume of waste to plan for in the design of a building, and recommends equipment that can be used to reduce that volume. It also lets developers and building owners see the impact initiatives to reduce waste and increase recycling have on the total volumes of each waste stream.

Data used

All data used is listed in the appendix along with the data sources.

  • For the residential calculator the weight of each waste stream is calculated from NYC average waste generation data and waste characterization data from DSNY.*
  • For the commercial calculator data from California (CalRecycle) is used as it gives the weight of waste streams per employee for different commercial occupancies.
  • Weights of waste are converted to volumes using volume to weight conversions.
  • Container sizes and footprints are as noted in the infographics Waste Bins in Buildings (link) and 20–40 Cu Yd Containers and 1–8 Cu Yd Containers (link)

Residential steps

  • If the user selects residential occupancy they input the number of apartments and occupancy per apartment.
  • A total amount of waste is given and the user can reduce that amount to reflect waste reduction strategies.
  • Capture rate sliders for each waste stream are set to city averages, and the user can adjust them to reflect waste diversion strategies.

Commercial steps

  • If the user selects commercial occupancy they input the number of employees for a range of occupancies.
  • Sliders allow the user to reduce the total amount of each waste stream to reflect waste reduction strategies.
  • Capture rate sliders for each waste stream are set to city averages, and the user can adjust them to reflect waste diversion strategies.

Recommendations

  • The calculator recommends volume reduction equipment per waste stream, and the user can confirm which equipment they intend to use.
  • Storage requirements for a range of containers and defined collection frequency are given.***
  • A recommended total storage area is given which is based on the footprint of the containers chosen with a standard 250% maneuvering clearance.
  • A code required storage area is given for residential buildings.

Applicability

The calculator is primarily intended for new buildings, where the volume of waste is unknown. It can also be used in existing buildings to see how equipment can reduce the volume of waste, as well as the implications of applying waste diversion strategies. In this case the waste generation sliders can be used to reflect existing waste quantities.

The calculator is based on average rates and information, and does not cover all types of occupancies. For commercial buildings with multiple occupancies and large volumes of waste the calculator should serve as a first step, rather than a substitute for a waste consultant who can give recommendations specific to the client’s circumstances.

  • Cardboard stream has been adjusted 200% to reflect 5 years of approx. 15% increases in volume noted by recycling industry.

** The glass fraction of baled MPG streams is not accounted for within the calculator.

*** For residential occupancies the results options and 35 cu yd compactor / container options are based on DSNY collection policies.