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4. Calculating Tonnage

In this section you will look at methods for calculating tonnage that are applicable:

  • to all disposal facilities, including weighbridges, conversion factors and the average tonnage system
  • only to disposal facilities that are approved to submit an annual return, including volumetric surveys and per capita waste disposal.

Methods applicable to all facilities

Review pages 21–26 of chapter 5, and appendices 2 and 3 (on pages 34_36) of the Calculation and Payment of the Waste Disposal Levy guide to learn about tonnage calculation methods that are applicable to all disposal facilities.

Once you have reviewed the above information, answer the questions below to check your understanding.

  1. Question: Disposal facilities with access to a compliant and functioning weighbridge (on- or off-site) can seek approval to use an ‘average tonnage per vehicle’ method for light vehicles and trailers.

    Answer: True  /  False

  2. Question: It is not recommended that you accept information on off-site weighbridge tickets that are more than six hours old.

    Answer: True  /  False

  3. Question: Volume can be assessed by:

    Answer:
    1. using a compliant measuring instrument
    2. using a container of known volume
    3. estimating volume based on known capacity in vehicle types
    4. all of the above

  4. Question: All on-site / off-site weighbridges and measuring instruments must be compliant with the provisions of the Weights and Measures Act 1987.

    Answer: True  /  False
  1. Question: The average tonnage system can be applied to light vehicles, generally those with a vehicle mass of 5 tonnes or less, or to trailers towed by these vehicles.

    Answer: True  /  False
  1. Question: Approval to use the average tonnage system will be specified for a period of ________ or less.

    Answer:
    1. 2 years
    2. 3 years
    3. 4 years
    4. 5 years

  2. Question: The conversion factor for uncompacted general waste or material is 0.320 tonnes (320 kg)/cubic metre.

    Answer: True  /  False

  3. Question: Abattoir waste, concrete and ash are all considered to be high-density waste or material with a conversion factor of 1.500 tonnes (1500 kg)/cubic metre.

    Answer: True  /  False

Methods relating to annual returns

Note: Skip to section 5 if your facility deposits more than 1000 tonnes of waste per year as this information is not relevant to you.

Review pages 27–29 of chapter 5 in the Calculation and Payment of the Waste Disposal Levy guide to learn about some additional tonnage calculation methods that are applicable only to disposal facilities approved to submit an annual return.

Once you have reviewed the above information, answer the questions below to check your understanding.

  1. Question: Volumetric survey results need to be signed off by a registered surveyor.

    Answer: True  /  False

  2. Question: The per capita method may be used where submission of an annual return has been approved, the facility is unstaffed, and has limited records.

    Answer: True  /  False

  3. Question: In applying the per capita method, if the facility receives waste from both residential and farming activity the conversion factor of _______ tonnes per person per year should be used.

    Answer:
    1. 0.260
    2. 0.500
    3. 0.750
    4. 0.880