Methodology
Disposal Planner estimates are planning ranges derived from published construction and demolition planning factors. They are not surveys, quotes, or engineering certifications.
How ranges are produced
Each calculator converts measured inputs into a midpoint mass and volume, then expands that midpoint with uncertainty factors (typically about 0.85–1.25) for density variation, moisture, packing efficiency, and measurement error. The high estimate is never below the low estimate.
When estimates may be inaccurate
- Double-layer flooring, thick mud beds, or unknown assemblies
- Water-damaged materials that weigh far more than dry planning densities
- Local hauler rules that ban or surcharge certain materials
- Vehicle payloads that differ from the generalized caution threshold
Assumption sources
Ceramic / porcelain tile debris density planning range
Publisher: U.S. EPA — Construction and Demolition Debris guidance (industry planning ranges)
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.epa.gov/smm/sustainable-management-construction-and-demolition-materials
Uses ~90–115 lb/ft³ solid ceramic range converted through thickness × area. Real tile weight varies by composition and moisture.
Cement mortar / thinset bed density
Publisher: PCA / industry mortar bulk density planning values
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.cement.org/
Assumes ~120–145 lb/ft³ for cementitious beds when included. Thinset-only installs are much lighter than mud beds.
Solid hardwood flooring density
Publisher: USDA Forest Products Laboratory Wood Handbook (species averages)
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr282.pdf
Planning midpoints near 35–45 lb/ft³ for common oak/maple flooring including finish.
Laminate and resilient flooring density
Publisher: Industry product data sheets / C&D planning tables
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.epa.gov/smm/sustainable-management-construction-and-demolition-materials
Laminate ~25–40 lb/ft³; vinyl plank/sheet lighter. Underlayment added separately when selected.
Carpet and pad volume/weight planning
Publisher: Carpet America Recovery Effort / C&D planning factors
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://carpetrecovery.org/
Carpet is bulky relative to weight; pad and moisture swing volume estimates.
Plywood / foam underlayment density
Publisher: APA / product literature planning values
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.apawood.org/
Foam underlayment is light; plywood/OSB underlayment dominates weight when present.
Light-duty pickup payload caution threshold
Publisher: NHTSA / manufacturer GVWR guidance (generalized)
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/
Uses a conservative ~1,200 lb caution threshold for DIY pickup loads. Always check the door-jamb tire/loading placard for the specific vehicle.
Roll-off dumpster size and allowance banding
Publisher: Industry roll-off product norms (10–40 yard)
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.epa.gov/smm/sustainable-management-construction-and-demolition-materials
Included tonnage varies widely by market and hauler. Bands here are planning defaults, not quotes.
Debris packing efficiency uncertainty
Publisher: Evergreen Utility Factory methodology
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: /methodology
Broken tile packs denser than sheet goods. Volume ranges apply low/high packing factors (~0.85–1.2 around midpoint).
Dimensional lumber and wood framing density
Publisher: USDA Forest Products Laboratory Wood Handbook
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr282.pdf
Planning midpoints ~28–45 lb/ft³ depending on species and moisture; composite decking runs heavier.
Gypsum drywall debris density
Publisher: Gypsum Association / C&D planning factors
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://gypsum.org/
½-inch drywall planning weight roughly 1.6–2.0 lb/ft² installed; moisture increases weight.
Plumbing fixture typical weights
Publisher: Manufacturer product literature averages
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.epa.gov/smm/sustainable-management-construction-and-demolition-materials
Toilets ~50–90 lb; cast-iron tubs can exceed 300–400 lb empty.
Kitchen/bath cabinet volume and weight
Publisher: Industry cabinet demolition planning factors
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.epa.gov/smm/sustainable-management-construction-and-demolition-materials
Uses ~35–55 lb per linear foot for stock cabinets including doors; solid wood and stone tops differ.
Mixed household junk bulk density
Publisher: Evergreen Utility Factory methodology / C&D planning tables
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: /methodology
Loose household items ~6–12 lb/ft³; appliances and furniture are modeled separately by count.
Garage/estate cleanout fullness volume factors
Publisher: Evergreen Utility Factory methodology
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: /methodology
Fullness multiplies room volume by planning factors (light 0.15, medium 0.35, heavy 0.55, packed 0.75).
Concrete and masonry debris density
Publisher: ACI / C&D planning density tables
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.concrete.org/
Solid concrete ~140–150 lb/ft³; broken rubble packs with voids — volume estimates need packing factors.
Asphalt shingle tear-off weight
Publisher: Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association planning factors
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.asphaltroofing.org/
Common planning figure ~2–4 lb/ft² per layer depending on shingle type and moisture.
Yard waste bulk density
Publisher: Municipal organics planning factors
Reviewed: 2026-07-22
Source: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
Loose brush is bulky and light; wet soil/sod is heavy. Separate when possible.
Automation disclosure
Automation may assist with research organization, drafting, testing, and editing. Calculator formulas, sources, examples, and published recommendations are reviewed by a human before release. Automated evaluators may not mark a page as ready for publication.
Last methodology review: 2026-07-23.