How much does construction debris removal cost?
How much does construction debris removal cost?
$300 – $1,000 average cost
Average construction debris removal cost
Construction debris removal costs $300 to $1,000 on average, depending on the type and amount of debris, its accessibility, your location, and local disposal fees.
Most companies calculate their fee based on the total truck space used. For heavier debris like concrete, brick, gravel, or dirt, many removal companies calculate their price based on the material's total volume up to a maximum of 1 foot of height in a full truck.
| Truck volume used | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1/4 truck | $300 – $500 |
| 1/2 truck | $400 – $600 |
| 3/4 truck | $500 – $800 |
| Full truck | $700 – $1,000 |
Construction debris removal cost factors
The following factors impact the cost to remove construction debris:
Type of debris: The type of construction waste can significantly affect the price. If the debris requires special handling or extra caution, such as materials containing asbestos or lead, you may incur higher costs. If the debris is already broken down into manageable pieces, it may be less expensive to remove than if the removal company must do that work themselves.
Volume and weight of debris: Most companies calculate their fee by the amount of truck space the debris takes up (also called the volume), but fees are higher for heavier materials like concrete, gravel, or dirt.
Accessibility / obstacles: The ease of access to the debris can also impact the cost. If the removal team has to navigate an active construction site, narrow alleys, or remove debris from upper floors, it may increase the price due to the additional time and effort required.
Location: Your geographical location can affect pricing due to differences in labor costs, fuel prices, and local competition among removal services.
Disposal fees: Local landfill fees vary by region and can impact the overall cost. Some materials, such as paint, old refrigerators, or HVAC components, may incur extra disposal fees due to environmental regulations.
Dumpster rental vs. junk removal company: Dumpster rental costs $220 to $780 per week and requires your time and hard work. A professional junk removal service costs $300 to $1,000 per load and offers the convenience of handling everything for you.
What qualifies as construction debris?
Construction debris is the waste generated by construction, remodeling, repairs, or demolition of structures, roads, and driveways. This debris commonly includes:
Concrete
Asphalt
Drywall / gypsum wallboard
Insulation
Pipes (metal and PVC)
Roofing materials
Lumber
Wood trim
Carpet
Tile
Glass
Bricks
Rubble
Dirt
Old cabinets and vanities
Old sinks and tubs
After your construction or remodeling project is complete and all debris has been removed, consider hiring an interior cleaning service to prepare the space for occupancy. Post-construction cleaning costs $0.15 to $0.60 per square foot.
Construction debris removal FAQs
Who is responsible for construction debris removal?
The contractor is responsible for construction debris removal, not the homeowner. However, it's crucial to confirm this with your contractor before the project begins. Make sure to ask if their estimate includes debris removal. If it doesn't, you may need to factor in additional costs for hiring a separate debris removal service.
What is the cheapest way to get rid of construction debris?
The cheapest way to remove construction debris is to rent a dumpster and load it yourself. This approach can save you money on labor costs associated with full-service junk removal companies.
It's important to weigh this cost savings against the time and effort required to load the dumpster yourself, especially if you're dealing with heavy materials or a large volume of debris.
What type of construction debris will junk removal companies take?
Junk removal companies typically accept non-hazardous construction debris, along with any items that do not require special disposal. This includes materials like concrete, drywall, wood, metal, and general construction waste.
However, most junk removal companies will not take:
Paint
Propane gas tanks
Any items containing hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead
Always check with the company about any specific restrictions on the types of debris they accept.
Getting estimates from debris removal companies
To ensure you're getting the best value for your money, it's wise to obtain estimates from multiple debris removal companies. Follow these tips to help you choose the best construction debris removal company near you:
Look for debris removal services in your area that have been in business for 5+ years.
Check reviews on HomeGuide and Google to gauge their reliability and customer satisfaction.
Request itemized estimates from several companies that break down all potential costs, including disposal fees.
Choose companies that prioritize environmentally friendly disposal practices, such as recycling when possible.
Confirm the company is properly insured and licensed to operate in your area.
Questions to ask debris removal services
Ask these important questions before you sign a contract with a debris removal company:
What is your pricing structure? (By volume, weight, or a flat fee?)
Can you provide a written estimate?
Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
Do you offer same-day or next-day service?
How do you handle recyclable materials?
What payment methods do you accept?
Are your workers insured and bonded?
How long have you been in business?
Can you provide references from similar past projects?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.