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How to Dispose of Concrete and Asphalt
The Complete Concrete and Asphalt Disposal Guide
Wondering what to do with the old concrete or asphalt from projects like a driveway removal? By now, you may have found that disposing of concrete, asphalt and other building materials isn’t as simple as leaving them at the curb.
We’ve broken down all of your options for concrete disposal and recycling, as well as pricing information to help you find the best removal solution for your project.
Concrete and Asphalt Disposal Options
1. Rent a Roll Off Dumpster
This is a quick and affordable way to dispose of concrete, asphalt and other heavy construction debris, such as bricks. Roll off dumpsters can typically handle anywhere between 3 and 12 pickup truck loads of material, providing an efficient disposal solution for any size job. You can set up delivery when it’s convenient for you and keep your dumpster rental for a weekend or longer to work at your own pace. Simply load the container as you clean up, and schedule your pickup once you’re done to get rid of the concrete and asphalt fast.
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2. Check Craigslist or Freecycle
The classifieds are a great place to get rid of asphalt and broken concrete, as contractors and DIYers can repurpose the old materials for new projects. Check the "Wanted" section, or create a listing of your own to have someone else dispose of your concrete and other building materials for you. While you may not be able to sell the materials for a profit, you can list the concrete or asphalt for free, provided the buyer picks them up.
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3. Leave a 'Free' Sign Out
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of finding a buyer online, you can always try to get rid of asphalt and concrete for free with a sign at the end of your driveway. This is ideal if your property is near a roadway where passersby can easily see your offer. If you live in a subdivision with a homeowner’s association, make sure you are allowed to leave your debris outside before doing so.
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4. Hire a Junk Removal Company
Some junk removal companies will take construction debris, such as concrete and asphalt. The company will schedule a pickup window and send out their team, who will determine the hauling price upon arrival. From there, they’ll load up your materials and haul it away. However, this may not be the right option for all jobs. Learn which projects are best for junk pickup services before using one for your concrete and asphalt disposal needs.
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5. Dump It Yourself
Have time and a pickup truck? You can get rid of concrete and asphalt yourself by driving it to the nearest landfill or transfer station. If you’re wondering where to dump concrete for free, some county landfills offer free dump days a few times a year for local residents. If you decide to dump concrete yourself, always check beforehand to make sure your local facility is open to the public and can accept your materials.
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How Much Does Concrete and Asphalt Disposal Cost?
The cost to dispose of concrete and asphalt depends on the amount of debris you’re looking to remove and which method you choose.
For example, junk removal services often use bedload pricing structures for heavy construction debris like concrete. This means that you can only stack your materials around 1 – 1 ½ feet high in their roughly 80-square-foot trucks, allowing you to remove up to 2 tons for about $600.
In contrast, a 10 yard dumpster rental can usually haul up to 10 tons of concrete at an average cost of $531. That means renting a dumpster is typically the more cost-effective choice for disposing of large amounts of concrete or asphalt from larger projects like a driveway removal or replacing sidewalk. To put it in perspective, a standard two-car 16 x 40 foot driveway can weigh around 8 tons, so you would have to make 4 trips with the junk removal service versus having a roll off dumpster delivered right to your home.
Use this calculator to estimate the weight of your concrete.
Concrete Weight Calculator
Estimated weight:
Costs of Various Concrete Disposal Options
Disposal Option | Cost |
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Cost to Rent a 10 Yard Mixed Heavy Debris Dumpster | $531 on average, with prices ranging from $319 to $875. |
Cost of a Junk Removal Service | Around $235 for a quarter bedload to $600 for a full bedload. |
Cost to Dump Concrete Yourself | Costs between $32 - $40 per ton at most landfills. This does not include the cost of a truck rental, gas and time spent hauling the materials. |
Asphalt & Concrete Recycling Options
If you’re wondering what to do with old concrete or asphalt and you’d like to put your materials to good use, here are a few options for recycling:
1. Take It to a Concrete or Landscape Supplier
Many of these vendors will happily accept old concrete or asphalt. You can usually drop off your debris at their facilities, where it will be crushed and recycled into new concrete mix and concrete aggregate. This can then be used as gravel and underlayment for paved surfaces like roads and parking lots. Do a search online to find the best suppliers near you for concrete recycling.
2. Call an Asphalt Milling Service
For asphalt driveway removals, you can call asphalt milling professionals who will remove the top layer of asphalt and recycle it into new paving materials. The cost to have asphalt milled is usually between $10-20 per ton.
3. Use It in Your Own Landscaping
You can use recycled concrete, in blocks or chunks, in your landscaping as well. Concrete blocks can be incorporated into a DIY firepit or painted and used as a planting receptacle for your flowers. If you’ve broken up your concrete, you can use the irregular chunks to create a stepping stone path through your mulch or to line your walkways.
4. Create a Retaining Wall or Privacy Fence
Wire cages called gabions can be filled with concrete blocks or broken concrete to create retaining walls. Gabions are typically used for construction and engineering purposes, but can also be used in backyard landscaping as privacy fences. You can purchase gabion baskets at most home improvement stores or create your own using steel mesh and tie wire.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Disposal
Where can I dump concrete?
Concrete and asphalt can be dumped safely at the following locations:
- Your local landfill or transfer station.
- C&D recycling centers.
- Building supply companies that sell recycled materials.
Concrete and asphalt should not be dumped on:
- Public property, including parks and wildlife preserves.
- Private property other than your own.
Can I recycle concrete?
Concrete, asphalt and other building materials like lumber and glass are often referred to as construction and demolition, or C&D waste. There are specialized C&D recycling centers across the country that can dispose of concrete chunks and asphalt by processing and repurposing it for other uses. To find out where to recycle concrete and asphalt near you, the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association provides state-specific information on C&D recycling facilities.
Can I mix other items with concrete in a roll off dumpster?
It depends on your local service options. Some areas can take mixed heavy waste, including concrete, brick, lumber and other building materials, all in one container. Others may have concrete-only requirements. It’s important to note that there are certain kinds of waste which are never allowed in roll off containers - be sure to keep these prohibited items out of your bin at all times.
Have Something Else to Throw Out? Find the Right Guide Below:
Appliances
Furniture
Dirt
Mattresses
Yard Waste
Bricks
Electronics
Shingles
