Whether you're tearing out an old patio, demolishing a driveway, or cleaning up a construction site, one question always comes up: how much will it cost to get rid of all this concrete?

The answer depends on your disposal method, location, and quantity. This guide breaks down all your options and their costs.

Quick Cost Overview

| Disposal Method | Typical Cost | Best For | |----------------|--------------|----------| | Landfill/Dump | $50–$150 per ton | No recycling available | | Recycling Facility | $0–$50 per ton | Bulk loads, contractors | | Dumpster Rental | $300–$600 per load | Mixed demo debris | | Junk Removal Service | $150–$500 | Small residential jobs | | DIY Drop-off | $10–$40 per load | Homeowners, small amounts |

Option 1: Concrete Recycling Facilities

Cost: $0–$50 per ton (some facilities pay YOU)

This is almost always the most economical option for disposing of concrete. Here's why:

How Recycling Facilities Work

You haul your concrete to the facility
They weigh your load and inspect for contaminants
You dump at the designated area
Pay the tipping fee (or get paid for clean loads)

What Recyclers Accept

Plain concrete (sidewalks, driveways, foundations)
Reinforced concrete (with rebar)
Concrete block and CMU
Brick and masonry
Asphalt (usually separate pile)

What Recyclers DON'T Accept

Concrete with wood attached
Painted or coated concrete
Concrete mixed with trash
Hazardous materials
Dirt and soil mixed in

Pro Tip: Some Recyclers Pay You

When recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is in high demand, some facilities will actually pay for clean loads. Always call ahead to check current rates.

Option 2: Landfill Disposal

Cost: $50–$150 per ton

Landfills charge premium rates for concrete because:

It takes up valuable space
It doesn't decompose
Many landfills are reducing C&D (construction and demolition) waste acceptance

When Landfill Makes Sense

No recycling facility nearby
Contaminated concrete
Mixed loads with other debris
Emergency/rush situations

Hidden Landfill Costs

Minimum load fees ($25–$50)
Gate/entry fees
Environmental surcharges
Scale fees

Option 3: Dumpster Rental

Cost: $300–$600 for a 10-yard dumpster

For larger projects with mixed debris, renting a dumpster might be your best bet.

Typical Dumpster Sizes for Concrete

| Size | Holds Approximately | Typical Cost | |------|---------------------|--------------| | 10 yard | 3–4 tons concrete | $300–$450 | | 20 yard | 6–8 tons concrete | $400–$550 | | 30 yard | 10–12 tons concrete | $500–$700 |

Important: Weight Limits Matter

Concrete is HEAVY. A standard 10-yard dumpster filled with concrete can easily exceed 10 tons. Most dumpster companies have weight limits (typically 2–4 tons for standard rentals).

Always specify you're disposing of concrete when renting. Companies offer:

Heavy debris dumpsters
Concrete-only dumpsters
Higher weight allowances (at higher prices)

Overage Fees: Expect to pay $50–$100 per ton over the weight limit. This can quickly double your costs if you're not careful.

Option 4: Junk Removal Services

Cost: $150–$500 depending on volume

Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK or local haulers will come to your site, load the concrete, and dispose of it.

Pros:

No heavy lifting for you
Quick, same-day service
Handle small to medium loads
No trailer or truck needed

Cons:

Higher cost per ton
May not take large quantities
Minimum fees apply

Best For:

Homeowners without trucks
Small patio/walkway removals
Time-sensitive projects

Option 5: DIY Drop-Off

Cost: $10–$40 per pickup truck load

Many recycling facilities and some transfer stations offer homeowner drop-off rates.

What You'll Need

Pickup truck or trailer
Tie-downs/tarps
Physical ability to load/unload
Time (multiple trips for big jobs)

Cost Breakdown

Drop-off fee: $10–$40 per load
Fuel: $5–$20 depending on distance
Your time

Weight Estimates for DIY Planning

| Project | Approximate Weight | |---------|-------------------| | 10x10 patio (4" thick) | 2,000 lbs (1 ton) | | 20' sidewalk (3' wide) | 1,800 lbs | | Single car driveway | 8,000–12,000 lbs | | Two-car driveway | 15,000–25,000 lbs |

A standard half-ton pickup can safely carry about 1,000–1,500 lbs of concrete per trip.

How to Calculate Your Concrete Disposal Costs

Step 1: Estimate Weight

Formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Thickness (ft) × 150 = Weight in pounds

Example: 10' × 10' × 0.33' (4 inches) × 150 = 4,950 lbs ≈ 2.5 tons

Step 2: Choose Disposal Method

Based on quantity and your situation:

Under 1 ton: DIY drop-off or junk removal
1–5 tons: Recycling facility or small dumpster
5+ tons: Recycling facility (bulk rates) or heavy debris dumpster

Step 3: Get Quotes

Always call 2–3 options for comparison. Prices vary significantly by location and demand.

Money-Saving Tips for Concrete Disposal

1. Keep It Clean

Recyclers charge more (or reject) contaminated loads. Keep concrete separate from wood and lumber, drywall, roofing materials, and trash.

2. Remove Rebar If Required

Some facilities charge extra for reinforced concrete. Others don't care. Ask first.

3. Break It Down

Smaller pieces are easier to handle and may get better rates. Rent a jackhammer ($50–$100/day) for large slabs.

4. Check for Free Recycling Days

Some facilities offer periodic free drop-off events for homeowners.

5. Time Your Project

Recycling facilities are busiest spring through fall. Off-season disposal may be cheaper.

6. Bundle with Hauling

If buying new materials, ask if the supplier will haul away your old concrete. Many offer this service.

Finding Concrete Recyclers Near You

Resources to try:

Search "[your city] concrete recycling"
Check with local sand and gravel suppliers
Contact demolition contractors (they know all the spots)
Ask at home improvement stores
Check municipal websites for approved facilities

The Environmental Angle

Every ton of concrete recycled:

Saves approximately 1.5 cubic yards of landfill space
Reduces CO2 emissions by ~100 lbs compared to virgin aggregate production
Conserves natural aggregate resources

Many municipalities now require concrete recycling for construction projects. Check your local regulations.

Bottom Line

For most contractors and homeowners, concrete recycling facilities offer the best value—often 50–75% cheaper than landfill disposal, with the added benefit of environmental sustainability.

Call ahead, keep your loads clean, and you'll find concrete disposal doesn't have to break the bank.

Need concrete recycling services in Blount County, Maryville, Alcoa, and surrounding East Tennessee communities? Contact Smoky Mountain Sand & Gravel at (865) 999-0857 for competitive rates on concrete disposal and recycled aggregate products.

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