How Much Does Construction Debris Removal Cost? [2025 Data]
The average cost of construction debris removal is $450. Your total can range from $300 to $800, depending on the size of the load and the types of materials you remove.
The larger the volume of your construction debris, the more it will cost to remove.
Pros charge either by weight or volume of debris, so check your contract.
You can hire a junk removal service, rent a dumpster, or take debris to a landfill yourself.
Hiring junk removal pros saves you significant time and physical effort.
Save on construction debris removal by donating or recycling usable materials.
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.
| Truck Volume Used | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1/4 truck | $100–$300 |
| 1/2 truck | $200–$400 |
| 3/4 truck | $300–$600 |
| Full truck | $500–$800 |
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.
| Removal Method | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Dumpster rental | $300–$500 |
| Junk removal service | $100–$800 |
| DIY/Landfill | $20–$50 per ton |
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.
| Hazardous Material | Removal Cost |
|---|---|
| Asbestos | $5–$150 per square foot |
| Batteries | $0.10–$10.25 per pound |
| Chemicals | $0.80–$4 per pound |
| Lightbulbs | $1–$2 each |
| Paints and solvents | $0.80–$4 per pound |
DIY Construction Debris Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY construction debris removal usually involves filling a dumpster yourself. Dumpster rental costs between $300 and $500 on average.
Since professional construction debris removal can range anywhere from $100 to $1,000, 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. Look for a licensed and insured debris removal service with a history of satisfied customer reviews or references and the option for same-day or next-day service. Gather quotes from at least three companies to ensure you get the best service for the right price.
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
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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for construction debris removal depends on the language in the construction contract. Usually, the contractor is responsible for removal rather than the homeowner. However, removal and disposal tend to come with additional fees that should be listed as line items in the initial estimate. This way, the homeowner can negotiate and decide whether or not to DIY.
Junk removal companies will take most non-hazardous construction debris and items that don't require special disposal methods. Construction waste may include concrete, drywall, wood, metal, brick, fixtures, and finishes. Hazardous items such as paint or chemicals require special removal services and extra fees. Ask your junk removal provider for a list of accepted materials.
To calculate debris removal cost, you'll need to know if your chosen company charges by weight or volume. If they charge by weight, multiply the estimated weight of a load by the company's rate per pound. If they charge by volume, multiply the estimated number of truckloads by their rate per truck volume. Note that costs may be higher for heavy or hazardous waste materials.
Dirt and other debris from land clearing, such as stumps and rocks, are considered construction debris in some states. What qualifies as construction debris varies from state to state, but it generally refers to any materials produced in the process of building, renovating, or demolishing structures.
Yes, a toilet is considered construction debris or construction waste by definition in many states. Toilets are bulky, heavy items that generally cannot be thrown out with regular household trash, and many waste management providers will not pick up a toilet unless it’s part of a scheduled bulk trash pickup service.
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