Work out waste compaction ratio instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Compaction ratio is loose volume divided by compacted volume, typically 3:1 to 5:1 for a rear-loading compactor on household waste. Compacted density is what determines whether a vehicle reaches its weight limit before filling its body, and hence how efficiently the round runs.
Compaction ratio
Ratio = loose volume / compacted volume
Payload
Payload (t) = body volume x compacted density / 1000
Yes. Excessive compaction squeezes out leachate, makes discharge difficult, damages the body and can compromise recyclate quality by embedding contaminants and breaking glass into other streams.
Bulk haulage to a distant landfill is weight limited, so higher compaction in transfer trailers directly reduces the number of journeys and the cost per tonne.