Question: how many tons does a cubic yard of garbage weigh?
Answer: On average, a cubic yard of loose waste (i.e., a self-haul load) will weigh between 250 and 350 pounds. In my experience, 325-350 pounds per cubic yard (pcy) is typical and provides a good planning figure. However, a cubic yard of compacted waste (i.e., in a packer truck) can weigh, on average, 400-800 pcy.