Work out landfill volume instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Landfill capacity is measured in airspace, which must cover both waste and daily cover material. 45,000 tonnes a year compacted to 850 kg/m3 over twenty years is 1.06 million cubic metres of waste, rising to 1.22 million with 15% cover - about 8.1 hectares at 15 m depth. Better compaction directly extends site life.
Waste volume
volume = tonnes x 1000 / compacted density x years
Total airspace
airspace = waste volume x (1 + cover ratio)
Because airspace is the scarce asset. Raising density from 700 to 900 kg/m3 extends site life by more than 25%.
Controlling litter, odour, vermin and fire. It consumes 10-20% of airspace unless alternative cover materials or tarpaulins are used.