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Outdoor living

(GUIDE) How to Get Rid of Concrete: Fast, Easy and Affordable Concrete Removal

 (modified Mar 12, 2024)

Give your driveway a facelift or build a stunning new back patio by getting rid of the dated, cracked concrete that's devaluing the beauty of your property. If you've noticed wide and deep cracks form and spread over the years or uneven slabs that aren't safe to walk on, getting rid of concrete altogether is much more cost-effective than trying to restore it.

Whether it's a landscaped front yard or an old retaining wall, use this comprehensive guide to learn more about affordable concrete demolition and disposal options, including DIY instructions.

Concrete Removal Supplies

How to Dispose of Concrete Chunks- DIY

Before beginning any at-home concrete removal project, be aware that heavy physical labor is needed to remove the material. It's not advisable to attempt to dispose of concrete in extreme heat or cold. To safely and properly remove concrete, the following supplies are required:

  • Protective equipment for the ears, head, and eyes
  • Bolt cutter (depending on the project)
  • Work gloves
  • Heavy-duty wheelbarrow or dumpster
  • Pry bar
  • Sledgehammer
  • Jackhammer (depending on the project and job site)


To get started with the demolition process, understand that the thickness and structure of the concrete can affect the tools you need to complete the project. Most concrete patios and concrete driveways aren't reinforced by rebar, which is a layer of steel beneath concrete structures used to support and protect it from extreme tension. To break up the concrete into small pieces that can be hauled away into a bin, a jackhammer is the most appropriate tool to use.

If the concrete you're removing is advanced in age and damage and less than four inches thick, a sledgehammer can be used to break down the structure. Jackhammers typically aren't necessary unless the concrete is thicker than four inches, and bolt cutters are only needed if the slab is reinforced.

If you need to dispose of concrete chunks, walking them into a dumpster is the easiest method. To dispose of concrete that's been broken down into smaller pieces, you can sweep it up and pour the small pieces of concrete into the dumpster. A dumpster with wide double doors is best for removing concrete as they provide the convenience of setting up your space however you need. When considering how to dispose of concrete, it's essential to check local regulations and options for recycling or reusing the concrete to minimize environmental impact. Proper disposal of concrete is crucial for responsible and eco-friendly demolition practices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Concrete:

  1. Safety First: Put on safety gear, including goggles, gloves, and a dust mask, to protect yourself from debris and dust.
  2. Prepare the Area: Clear the surrounding area and ensure there are no obstacles in your way.
  3. Break the Surface: Use a jackhammer or concrete saw to break the concrete into manageable pieces. Start from the edge and work your way inward.
  4. Remove the Pieces: Lift and remove the broken concrete slabs or chunks using a pry bar or a shovel. Place them in a designated area for disposal.
  5. Clear the Debris: Clean up any loose debris and sweep the area to ensure it's clear of small fragments.
  6. Dispose of the Concrete: You'll need to book a dumpster rental for concrete disposal.
  7. Clean Up: Thoroughly clean your tools and equipment, and return them if rented.
Breaking up concrete

Benefits of Concrete Disposal for your Home

Removing old concrete, particularly patio concrete, offers several benefits. Firstly, by getting rid of old concrete, you create space for a fresh and updated outdoor area. Removing worn-out or damaged patio concrete allows you to enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space and create a more inviting atmosphere for relaxation or entertainment.

Secondly, removing old concrete eliminates potential safety hazards. Cracked or uneven patio concrete can pose a tripping or falling risk, especially for children or elderly individuals. By removing the old concrete, you mitigate these risks and ensure a safer environment.

Additionally, removing old concrete provides an opportunity to inspect the underlying structure. This allows you to identify any issues, such as deteriorating retaining walls or other hidden problems, and address them promptly.

Lastly, the removal process enables proper disposal of the old concrete chunks as construction debris. Instead of letting the concrete blocks accumulate or ending up in inappropriate locations, such as landfills or unauthorized dumping sites, you can ensure that the concrete is disposed of responsibly and sent to a local landfill or recycling facility, minimizing environmental impact.

Concrete recycling is a great way to reuse old concrete blocks that are left over from those old retaining walls you've torn down. Overall, removing old concrete, including patio concrete, brings aesthetic, safety, structural, and environmental benefits, making it a worthwhile home improvement.

How Much Does Concrete Removal Cost?

If you're planning to sell your home and want to perform some heavy-duty renovations, you'll likely want to budget well ahead of your move. Fixr.com's calculator reported that the national average cost of hiring a contractor to remove 600 square feet of four-inch-thick sidewalk concrete is $1,840.

After breaking down the concrete in a heap and gathering it for disposal, it's important to understand how the content of your waste impacts the cost of discarding it. "Clean fill" materials describe construction debris that can be recycled and used for future projects. Waste described as "clean" refers to materials that have not been contaminated.

Clean fill building materials include concrete, sand, rubble, brick, and soil. When hiring a disposal crew, the company may charge less for clean fill materials. If you plan to fill the bins yourself, use separate bins for each material you get rid of during the demo project. Metals, plastics, contaminated soil, cardboard, and glass are not considered clean fill materials.

Construction debris concete

Where to Get Rid of Concrete Near Me: Disposing of Heavy Debris

Still wondering "How do I get rid of a lot of concrete"? When dealing with concrete waste, responsible disposal is crucial for both the environment and our communities. Improper disposal can lead to pollution and potential hazards. Finding the right concrete removal near you to get rid of concrete ensures it is handled and recycled or disposed of properly.

Local Recycling Centers: Many cities have recycling centers that accept concrete debris. These facilities crush and recycle concrete for various construction purposes, reducing the environmental impact and conserving resources.

Landfills: While not the most eco-friendly option, landfills might accept concrete waste. However, some landfills have specific guidelines for concrete disposal, so it's essential to inquire beforehand.

Construction Dumpster Services: Numerous companies, like Bin There Dump That, specialize in hauling and disposing of construction debris, including concrete. They will transport the waste to appropriate facilities for recycling or disposal.

Municipal Pickup Services: Some cities provide special collection services for large and heavy debris, such as concrete chunks resulting from residential projects.

Donation or Reuse: If the concrete is in good condition, consider offering it to local community projects or individuals looking for inexpensive building materials.

DIY Recycling: For smaller concrete pieces, consider breaking them down into smaller chunks and repurposing them for landscaping purposes, such as creating garden paths or retaining walls.

Remember, it's essential to check local regulations and guidelines on concrete disposal to avoid potential fines or harm to the environment. By choosing responsible disposal methods, we can contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Bin There Dump That Truck

Hire Professional Contractors Near You

If manual labor isn't an option for you, fear not, as there are professionals equipped with power tools who can assist in demolishing or removing your unwanted junk concrete. Power tools such as jackhammers, concrete saws, and excavators can make the process more efficient and less physically demanding.

To find reputable contractors, utilize local directories such as Angi or HomeAdvisor, where you can compare pricing for concrete disposal services in your area. Contractors typically provide quotes based on the square footage and thickness of the concrete.

For instance, if you're looking to remove a concrete patio or individual concrete slabs, accurate measurements will help contractors give you a more precise estimate.

On average, concrete removal costs around $4 per square foot. However, if the project requires cutting and removing the metal rebar layer within the concrete, expect the price to increase to approximately $6 per square foot. The thickness of the concrete slab also plays a role in determining the overall cost, as thicker slabs require more labor and time for removal.

It's important to consider other factors when hiring a contractor for concrete removal. Look for professionals who have experience working with concrete and possess the necessary equipment and expertise to complete the job safely and efficiently. Reading customer reviews and checking ratings can give you insights into the quality of service provided by different contractors.

Additionally, when contacting contractors for quotes, inquire about their disposal methods. Responsible concrete disposal is crucial to minimize environmental impact. Ask if they recycle or reuse the concrete material or if they dispose of it in a responsible manner.

Remember that these figures are rough estimates, and prices may vary depending on factors such as location, accessibility, and additional disposal fees. Requesting quotes from multiple contractors allows you to compare services and prices, ensuring you make an informed decision for your concrete removal needs. By enlisting the help of professionals, equipped with power tools and expertise, you can save yourself the physical strain and ensure a smooth and efficient concrete removal process.

Is it Hard To Break Up Concrete?

Breaking up concrete, depending on its thickness and reinforcement (like rebar), can be a challenging task. However, with the right approach and equipment, what seems daunting can be made easy. For thin slabs, a sledgehammer might do the job, but for thicker, reinforced concrete, more sophisticated tools like a jackhammer or a concrete saw are required.

This process, while demanding physical effort and safety precautions (such as eye protection and dust masks), also involves the significant task of removing and disposing of the broken concrete. This is where concrete removal services near you come into play, offering a streamlined solution for the heavy lifting and disposal, making the entire process easy. Whether you choose to tackle smaller projects yourself or opt for professional help for larger endeavors, the right support can simplify concrete removal significantly.

Find a Location Near You. Click Here!

Book a Dumpster Rental for Concrete Disposal

When it comes to concrete disposal, Bin There Dump That is the ideal junk removal service. Whether you have a small residential project or a large-scale construction waste, they offer convenient and efficient services to help you get rid of concrete bricks and other construction debris. Instead of worrying about finding a suitable location to dispose of your concrete waste, Bin There Dump That takes care of the entire process for you.

Our team of Dumpster Delivery Experts will deliver a suitable-sized dumpster directly to your location, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Once you've filled the dumpster with your concrete bricks and other construction debris, they will promptly pick it up and transport it to a local landfill or recycling facility.

Uncomplicate long and exhausting DIY concrete demolition projects by renting a 4-yard dumpster from Bin There Dump That. If the contractor you've hired doesn't offer debris removal and points you to another expensive vendor, contact our team online to discuss pricing options for our 4-yard dumpsters, which are perfect for conveniently and affordably removing bulky leftover concrete. Depending on the size, you can even take advantage of the dumpster and toss any old furniture you may have.

With Bin There Dump That, you can say goodbye to the hassle of finding an alternative debris removal solution and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish. Our reliable and efficient dumpster rental service ensures that you have a convenient way to dispose of the concrete waste, saving you time and effort.

Locate a Bin There Dump That franchise near you to rent a 4-yard dumpster for your concrete removal project, and let us take care of the cleanup while you focus on transforming your space.

Replace The Old Concrete With New Concrete

Sometimes all your outdoor space needs is a replacement rather than a complete overhaul. If you like how the concrete slabs look in your patio, but find it's getting cracked and old, simply replace each concrete slab with a brand new one. You can even opt for a new color this time around. The tools listed above will no doubt come in handy for the concrete removal and replacements as well.

Additionally, if you have a concrete driveway that has seen better days, a similar approach can be taken. By carefully removing the damaged sections and replacing them with fresh concrete, you can revitalize your driveway's appearance and functionality. Whether it's your patio or your concrete driveway, these targeted replacements can save you time and money while still achieving a fresh and updated outdoor space.

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