How to Dispose of Concrete: All Options Compared
Concrete is one of the heaviest materials you'll ever deal with — a single cubic yard weighs about 4,000 lbs. Getting disposal wrong means expensive weight overages. Here's everything you need to know.
⚠️ The Weight Problem with Concrete
Concrete weighs approximately 4,050 lbs per cubic yard (about 150 lbs per cubic foot). A standard 10-yard dumpster can only legally carry 2–4 tons total. That means a 10-yard dumpster fully loaded with concrete could exceed 40,000 lbs — 10x the legal limit. Always plan for weight limits.
5 Ways to Dispose of Concrete
1. Concrete Recycling Center
Cheapest option if you can haul it
Most metro areas have C&D (Construction & Demolition) recycling facilities or concrete-specific recyclers that accept broken concrete. They crush it into recycled aggregate used for road base. This is by far the cheapest disposal method.
How to do it:
- 1Break concrete into manageable chunks (under 2 ft pieces preferred)
- 2Load into a truck, trailer, or rental vehicle
- 3Find a local C&D recycler or concrete recycler (search "[your city] concrete recycling")
- 4Weigh in at the facility and pay per-ton rate
2. Concrete-Only Dumpster
Large amounts at the job site
Many dumpster rental companies offer concrete-specific roll-offs (also called "heavy material" dumpsters) at lower rates since the material is recyclable. These have strict weight limits — typically 2–4 tons. Do NOT fill them to the brim.
How to do it:
- 1Request a "concrete-only" or "heavy material" dumpster
- 2Load concrete in layers — don't pile high
- 3Stop at 1/4 to 1/3 capacity by volume
- 4Ask about weight limits and overage rates upfront
3. Mixed Debris Dumpster
Concrete mixed with other renovation debris
If you're doing a full renovation and have concrete along with other debris (drywall, framing, etc.), a standard roll-off dumpster works. Keep concrete to a small portion — heavier than ~2 tons incurs overage fees of $50–$100+ per ton.
How to do it:
- 1Rent a 10-yard or 20-yard roll-off
- 2Place concrete on the bottom in small amounts
- 3Fill the rest with lighter debris (drywall, wood, etc.)
- 4Ask your provider about their concrete and weight policies
4. Junk Removal Service
Small amount, no ability to load yourself
Junk removal companies will haul concrete, but they typically charge a premium because of the weight. Pricing is usually by volume (truckload), but they factor in the weight surcharge. Good for small patios or if you can't do any loading.
How to do it:
- 1Call junk removal companies and specify it's concrete
- 2Get a quote that includes heavy material rates
- 3Have concrete accessible and ready to load
- 4Crew loads and hauls away
5. Give It Away (Free)
Whole slabs in reusable condition
Landscapers, gardeners, and property owners sometimes want broken concrete for landscaping, fill, or retaining wall projects. List clean, broken concrete for free on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Freecycle. People often haul it themselves.
How to do it:
- 1Break large slabs into smaller pieces if possible
- 2Post on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace as "free concrete"
- 3Include photos and quantity in cubic yards or pounds
- 4Let the taker haul it — coordinate pickup timing
Cost Comparison by Project Size
| Project | Est. Weight | Recycling Center |
|---|---|---|
| 10×10 patio (4" deep) | ~2.5 tons | $25–$60 |
| 20×20 patio (4" deep) | ~10 tons | $100–$250 |
| Sidewalk (50 linear ft) | ~3 tons | $30–$75 |
| Foundation demo | 20–100+ tons | $200–$2,000 |
* Recycling center prices assume you self-haul. Add hauling costs if renting a truck.
Using a Dumpster for Concrete: Key Rules
Related Calculators & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you dispose of concrete?
You can dispose of concrete by taking it to a concrete recycling or C&D (construction and demolition) facility, renting a dumpster (checking weight limits carefully), hiring a junk removal service, or listing it free on Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace. Concrete is heavy — 1 cubic yard weighs about 4,000 lbs — so weight charges are a major cost factor.
How much does it cost to dispose of concrete?
Concrete disposal costs vary: recycling centers charge $5–$25 per ton (very cheap), dumpster rental for concrete runs $275–$500 plus potential weight overage fees, and junk removal services charge $100–$400+ per truckload. The recycling center is almost always the cheapest option if you can transport the concrete yourself.
Can concrete be recycled?
Yes, concrete is one of the most recycled construction materials in the world. It is crushed into aggregate (recycled concrete aggregate or RCA) and used as road base, fill material, and drainage. Most metro areas have concrete recycling centers or C&D processing facilities that accept concrete for a small fee — often $5–$20 per ton.
What dumpster size do I need for concrete?
For concrete disposal, use the smallest dumpster available — typically a 10-yard — and only fill it partway. A 10-yard dumpster fully loaded with concrete could exceed 40,000 lbs, far above any weight limit. Most companies set limits of 2–4 tons for concrete dumpsters. Fill to 1/4 to 1/3 capacity and watch your weight.
How heavy is concrete?
Standard concrete weighs approximately 4,050 lbs (about 2 tons) per cubic yard. A typical 10x10 foot concrete patio at 4 inches deep is about 1.23 cubic yards, or roughly 5,000 lbs. Concrete is one of the heaviest materials you'll ever put in a dumpster — always plan for weight limits.
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