Abstract: Method for providing surge capacity and for smoothing out the flow rate of refuse in a system, wherein refuse is loaded onto a moving conveyor at variable or intermittent rates, by (1) preventing excess refuse from passing beyond a given point on the conveyor by a rotating leveler, spaced a predetermined distance from the conveyor to permit only the desired level of refuse to remain on the conveyor beyond the leveler, and (2) rotating the leveler at a speed greater than the speed of the conveyor, the direction of rotation of the leveler being opposite to the direction of travel of the refuse on the conveyor. Refuse in excess of the amount desired to be transported by the conveyor is retained behind the leveler as a rolling inventory of refuse, causing the refuse to be discharged from the conveyor at a constant and uniform rate.