How to Dispose of Rocks

How to Dispose of Rocks and Gravel

Whether you’re starting a hardscaping project or simply looking to remove rocks from your yard, you may be wondering how to dispose of landscaping rocks you no longer want or need when the project is complete.

To simplify your cleanup, we’ve broken down your main options for rock disposal, to help you determine the best route to dispose of rock and gravel from your project.

Rock Disposal Options

Roll Off Dumpster for Rock Disposal in Driveway

1. Rent a Roll Off Dumpster

Renting a dumpster is a simple way to dispose of rocks and gravel. You can typically load a roll off dumpster with up to 10 tons of material, which makes for a much more efficient rock disposal process than if you were to haul all of your debris to the dump yourself. To rent a dumpster, simply call and schedule a delivery time that works for you. Then, you can load your rocks and gravel at your own pace, and call back when you’re ready for a pickup. This disposal route saves you a lot of time and effort in transporting and dumping rocks.

Benefits	Things to Consider
No need to be home for pickup. An all-inclusive, affordable rate is provided before your rental even arrives. Offers a guaranteed, scheduled disposal of your rocks or gravel. Lengthy rental period allows you to work at your own pace.	Best for large amounts of debris. You load your own materials. Dumpster sizes and weight limits can vary depending on your location.

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2. Check Craigslist or Freecycle

The classifieds are a great place to get rid of rocks and gravel, as landscapers, contractors and DIYers can often repurpose your unwanted materials for new projects. Check the “Wanted” section to see if someone in your area is looking, or create your own listing. You can list your items for free if the buyer is willing to pick them up, and have someone else dispose of your rocks and gravel for you – a win-win situation.

Benefits	Things to Consider
Free rock disposal option. Allows rocks to be recycled.	Not a guaranteed removal option. Not ideal for large amounts of material. Debris removal time depends on buyers.

3. Leave a 'Free' Sign Out

If you’re looking for a free rock disposal option without the effort of finding a buyer online, you can always try a “Free Landscaping Rocks” sign at the end of your driveway. If possible, make your rocks easily accessible for an interested passerby to haul them away if you’re not home. Otherwise, you should list your contact information on the sign so people can get in touch with you. If you’re part of a homeowners’ association, check that you are allowed to leave a sign and debris outside before going this route for rock and gravel disposal.

Benefits	Things to Consider
Free rock disposal option. Very little extra work involved.	Not a guaranteed removal option. Leaves debris sitting out indefinitely. Not ideal for gravel and rock disposal in neighborhoods and public areas.

4. Hire a Junk Removal Company

Some junk removal companies will take heavy debris, such as rocks and concrete, though fees can vary greatly, and a set price cannot be determined until the junk truck arrives. The company will set up a delivery window and send out two team members who will determine the rock removal cost. Weight usually determines the final cost for rock disposal, as it requires more labor for the junk professionals and more trips to dump the rocks. This disposal option is usually best for smaller amounts of rock and may not be ideal for all jobs. Learn more about if a junk removal service is the right fit for your project.

Benefits	Things to Consider
Heavy lifting is done for you. Offers a scheduled disposal of your rocks or gravel.	Price is subject to increase upon arrival, and additional trips will cost more. Must be present for debris pickup. Usually limited to 2 tons of debris.

Gravel and Rocks in the Bed of a Pickup Truck

5. Dump the Rocks Yourself

Finally, you can look into where you can dump rocks on your own. Depending on how many you have, you can dispose of rocks and gravel yourself at the nearest landfill. You will need to have plenty of time, assistance and a truck bed large enough to fit all of them. Some county landfills offer free dump days a few times a year, though if yours does not, your costs will increase with each trip to dump the rocks. You will be charged for each load of rocks and will of course need to pay for gas. If you decide to dump rocks on your own, confirm beforehand that your local facility is open to the public and can accept your materials.

Benefits	Things to Consider
Guaranteed disposal option. Allows you to work at your own pace.	May require multiple trips, increasing cleanup costs and time. There may not be a convenient location near you to dump rocks. Requires access to a pickup truck.

How Much Does Rock Disposal Cost?

Your cost for rock removal depends on the amount of debris you’re getting rid of. The volume of debris will also determine which rock or gravel disposal option is the most cost-effective.

For instance, junk removal services disposing of heavy debris often price disposal based on how many truckloads will be filled. With bedload pricing structures, you can only stack your materials about 1 – 1 ½ feet high in their 80-square-foot trucks, removing up to 2 tons of rocks at a time.

Throwing other heavy materials away?
Find out their estimated weight.

Gravel & Rock Recycling Options

Looking to put your old landscaping materials to good use? These are a few creative ways to recycle rocks and gravel.

1. Take It to a Landscape Supplier

If your rocks are clean and in good shape, you may be able to dispose of them through a local landscaper or landscaping supply store. Depending on the quantity and quality of your materials, this can be a great way to get rid of rocks for free if a landscaper will be able to reuse them.

2. Donate to a Charitable Reuse Store

Nonprofit resell stores, such as Habitat for Humanity ReStores, accept donations and sell home improvement items, with the proceeds supporting the community. Find a ReStore near you and see if they can accept the rocks you’re looking to dispose of.

3. Use It in Your Own Landscaping

Finally, your landscaping is a great place to recycle rocks. If you’re hoping to remove and recycle your rocks and gravel, you could use them in a low-budget backyard project like a DIY firepit or a garden walkway.