How Much Does Construction Debris Removal Cost? [2026 Data]

Construction debris removal costs $450 on average. However, removal is typically priced by load volume or weight, and your total cost may range between $100 and $1,000. Construction debris can include concrete, drywall, insulation, plumbing, roofing, lumber, trim, flooring, glass, bricks, furniture, cabinetry, dirt, and asphalt, as well as various hazardous waste items. Learn the factors that impact pricing and how to save.

Construction Debris Removal Cost Factors

Factors that impact construction debris removal costs include the weight and volume of the debris, labor fees, and geographic location.

Volume

Debris removal companies often charge by the cubic yard of construction debris. For example, if you have 10 cubic yards of debris and a company's rate is $50 per cubic yard, your fee is $500.

To simplify volume calculations, many debris removal companies price construction debris removal based on the amount of space the load takes up in the truck used to haul it.

Weight

Some debris removal companies charge by weight instead of volume. This is a common practice when debris includes heavy materials such as concrete or metal. To calculate load weight, the company will weigh the truck or dumpster used before and after disposal and charge a rate per pound.

Removal Method

You have several options for disposing of construction debris. The costs vary depending on the amount of materials you’re disposing of and how much physical labor you are willing to do yourself. Here are the three most common methods of removing construction debris.

Labor

Labor costs for debris removal depend on how easy the debris is to access and haul. Companies will either charge a flat rate or an hourly fee. Expect labor to account for $100 to $300 of your total.

Location

Construction debris removal and disposal costs vary by geographic location. Expect higher prices in urban areas where disposal fees tend to be higher, as well as in very remote areas where debris has to be hauled further for disposal.

You can also expect higher costs due to accessibility issues. This can include if laborers have to remove debris from upper floors or navigate an active construction site, difficult terrain, narrow streets, or alleys.

Hazardous Waste Removal Cost

Some construction materials are hazardous. Safe disposal of household hazardous waste requires special handling and specific methods for individual substances. Hazardous waste disposal costs $150 to $300 on average. However, each hazardous material will have its own specific removal cost because each needs to be disposed of at a different facility.

Certain hazardous materials can also require additional labor depending on their location. For example, the cost to remove asbestos usually ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot but can reach as high as $150 per square foot if the asbestos is in an exterior location.

Costs are usually based on load size or total weight. Typical removal costs for various hazardous waste materials are detailed in the table below.

Tips to Reduce Cost While Removing Construction Debris

If you have a large, ongoing construction project, the most budget-friendly construction debris removal method is to rent a dumpster that you load yourself. This eliminates labor costs at the expense of your own time and physical effort. For smaller jobs, a full-service company may be more worthwhile.

Below are some other strategies to help you save on removal costs:

• Recycle materials such as wood, metal, and concrete

• Donate old fixtures, fittings, doors, windows, and other usable items

• Consider municipal bulk trash pickup services

• Wait until your entire project is complete and take advantage of bulk pricing for disposal

Why You Should Hire a Debris Removal Pro

Professional construction debris removal ranges anywhere from $100 to $1,000, meaning DIY labor only saves you money in certain circumstances, such as when you have a large amount of debris. However, large hauls also require significantly more time and physical effort, which may not be possible or worthwhile for some homeowners.

When you hire local junk removal pros, they'll do all the heavy lifting and then sweep the site clean. 

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a construction debris removal pro

Removing construction debris yourself can be tiring, time-consuming, and challenging. Here’s why hiring a pro is the best option:

• Pros know how to handle heavy, sharp, or hazardous materials without risking injury.

• Working with a pro ensures debris are disposed according to local regulations and recycling guidelines.

• DIY disposal can lead to property damage, injury, or incomplete cleanup.

• Experienced debris removal crews know how to properly sort, separate, and remove materials safely.

• Professional removal keeps your site organized, reduces safety hazards, and ensures a smooth project.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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