Conversion factors for calculation of weight to volume for use when completing Template 3

Table 1. Conversion factors used for calculations taken from Draft 16 UK Waste Classification Scheme (previously DETR, now DEFRA)

Type of waste UK Waste Classification Category Conversion factor (CF)
(Tonnes per cubic metre)
Rock and stone 21.01.01 1.2
Glass (cullet) 21.02.01 0.75
Concrete and/or mortar 21.02.03 1.3
Mixed construction and demolition 22.02.01 1.2
Plaster 22.03.01 1.0
Paper and/or card 22.04.01 0.6
Wood 22.04.07 0.7
Vegetable matter including food and bark 22.06.00 0.75
Household 22.09.01 0.27
Street sweepings and litter 22.09.05 0.2
Sewage 22.10.00 1.0
Healthcare sharps 25.01.01 0.2

Table 2. Indicative weights (Tonnes) of different types of waste in various sizes of containers (based on conversion factors CF from previously DETR now DEFRA)

This table should be used in conjunction with Appendix 5.1, which shows containers and their volumes

Container volume Paper/card Household Glass Construction/ demolition Wood
    (CF 0.6) (CF 0.27) (CF 0.75) (CF 1.2) (CF 0.7)
yd3 m3          
             
0.03 0.02 0.012 0.0054 0.015 0.024 0.014
0.10 0.08 0.048 0.0216 0.06 0.096 0.056
0.12 0.09 0.054 0.0243 0.0675 0.108 0.063
0.16 0.12 0.072 0.0324 0.09 0.144 0.084
0.31 0.24 0.144 0.0648 0.18 0.288 0.168
0.47 0.36 0.216 0.0972 0.27 0.432 0.252
1.44 1.1 0.66 0.297 0.825 1.32 0.77
1.97 1.5 0.9 0.405 1.125 1.8 1.05
2.62 2 1.2 0.54 1.5 2.4 1.4
3.93 3 1.8 0.81 2.25 3.6 2.1
4.91 3.75 2.25 1.0125 2.8125 4.5 2.625
6.03 4.6 2.76 1.242 3.45 5.52 3.22
8.12 6.2 3.72 1.674 4.65 7.44 4.34
10.09 7.7 4.62 2.079 5.775 9.24 5.39
12.05 9.2 5.52 2.484 6.9 11.04 6.44
14.02 10.7 6.42 2.889 8.025 12.84 7.49
16.11 12.3 7.38 3.321 9.225 14.76 8.61
35.24 26.9 16.14 7.263 20.175 32.28 18.83
40.35 30.8 18.48 8.316 23.1 36.96 21.56
45.33 34.6 20.76 9.342 25.95 41.52 24.22

For example:

One bag contains 0.08m3 of paper. Using the table above this is equivalent to 0.048 tonnes. It is important to note that the Manual Handling Regulations restrict the weights people can carry during their work. Bags should probably not exceed 16kg in weight.

One 240L wheelie bin holds 0.24m3 of household waste. This is equivalent to 0.0648 tonnes
Therefore 3 wheelie bins would contain 0.1944 tonnes of household waste.