MSW Tons to m³ Converter
Convert Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) weight (tons) to volume (cubic meters). Includes density settings for compacted, loose, and construction debris.
About
In waste management and construction logistics, converting weight (measured at the scale house) to volume (measured in dumpster or landfill space) is notoriously difficult. The variable is density. One ton of loose household trash occupies far more space than one ton of compacted landfill waste or concrete debris.
This calculator is essential for fleet managers, environmental engineers, and dumpster rental companies. It does not assume a single density. Instead, it applies specific industry-standard factors based on the waste profile. This prevents costly errors where a container is overweight but underfilled, or volume-full but underweight.
Formulas
The calculation depends entirely on the material density (ρ).
Formula:
V = mρ
Where:
- V is Volume in cubic meters (m³).
- m is Mass in metric tons (t).
- ρ is Density in tons per cubic meter (t/m³).
Note: If you are using US Short Tons, multiply the result by 0.907 to correct the mass input before density division.
Reference Data
| Waste Type | Density (t/m³) | m³ per Ton |
|---|---|---|
| MSW - Loose (Curbside) | 0.12 - 0.15 | 6.6 - 8.3 |
| MSW - Compacted (Truck) | 0.30 - 0.45 | 2.2 - 3.3 |
| MSW - Landfill (Initial) | 0.50 - 0.60 | 1.6 - 2.0 |
| MSW - Landfill (High Compaction) | 0.80 - 1.0 | 1.0 - 1.25 |
| Construction Debris (Mixed) | 0.48 | 2.1 |
| Concrete (Broken) | 1.2 - 1.5 | 0.6 - 0.8 |
| Food Waste (Wet) | 0.55 | 1.8 |
| Paper / Cardboard (Loose) | 0.05 | 20.0 |
| Glass (Crushed) | 0.80 | 1.25 |
| Scrap Metal (Light) | 0.25 | 4.0 |