Approximate Solid Waste Generation Guidelines -

Classification Building Types Quantities of Waste Generated
Apartments Singles or no children 1-1.5 cu. yd. per unit per month
Family 1.5-2 cu. yd. per unit per month
Commercial Buildings Office 1 cu. yd. per 10,000 sq. ft. per day
Department Store 1 cu. yd. per 2500 sq. ft. per day
Shopping Centers Varies with type of tenant handled
Supermarkets 1 cu. yd. per 1,250 sq. ft. per day
Restaurants Varies with no. of meals served and food type
Drugstores 1 cu. yd. per 2,000 sq. ft. per day
Banks Survey required
Hotels & Motels High Occupancy 1/2 cu. yd per room per week & restaurants
Average Occupancy 1/6 cu. yd. per room per week & restaurants
Warehouses Varies with type of activity
Factories   Varies with type of activity
Institutions Hospitals 1 cu. yd. per five occupied beds per day
Nursing Homes 1 cu. yd. per fifteen persons per day
Rest/Retirement Homes 1 cu. yd. per 20 persons per day
Schools Grade Schools 1 cu. yd. per eight rooms per day
High Schools 1 cu. yd. per ten rooms per day
Universities Survey required
This information is to be used as a guideline only. The volume has been derived from nationwide averages, using varying weights per cubic yard.
Conversion Table for Cubic Foot Volume (Approximate)
Garbage Can 18" dia. x 24" deep 3.6 cu. ft.
Garbage Can 16" dia. x 22" deep 2.0 cu. ft.
Bushel Basket - Standard 1.24 cu. ft.
Barrel (US Standard) 4.08 cu. ft.
7.5 gallons 1.0 cu. ft.
1 gallon 0.134 cu. ft.
55 Gallon Oil Drum 7.0 cu. ft.

 

Calculation: to find container capacity in cubic yards:
Container Formula

 

One Cubic Yard Equivalent:
27 cu. ft. = one cubic yard
One cubic yard is equal to 203 gallons
One cubic yard is apporximately four 55 gallon drums
One cubic yard is approximately eleven 20 gallon cans
One cubic yard is approximately seven 30 gallon cans