Unlike most debris, concrete dumpsters fill by weight before volume. A 10-yard dumpster can hold 10 cubic yards of leaves, but only about 2-3 tons of concrete—less than half full. Always calculate your concrete weight before ordering.
How Much Does Concrete Weigh?
Understanding concrete weight is essential for choosing the right dumpster:
- Solid concrete: ~150 lbs per cubic foot
- 4-inch slab: ~50 lbs per square foot
- 6-inch slab: ~75 lbs per square foot
- Broken concrete (with air gaps): ~100-120 lbs per cubic foot in dumpster
🧮 Concrete Weight Calculator
Enter your concrete dimensions to estimate total weight:
Dumpster Sizes for Concrete
Most dumpster companies offer "heavy debris" or "concrete" dumpsters with higher weight limits. Here's what to expect:
| Dumpster Size | Weight Limit | Concrete Capacity* | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Yard | 2-3 tons | 40-60 sq ft (4") | $350-$425 |
| 15-Yard ⭐ | 4-5 tons | 80-100 sq ft (4") | $400-$500 |
| 20-Yard (Heavy) | 6-8 tons | 120-160 sq ft (4") | $500-$600 |
| 30-Yard (Heavy) | 8-10 tons | 160-200 sq ft (4") | $600-$750 |
*Capacity based on 4-inch thick concrete. 6-inch concrete = roughly 2/3 of shown capacity.
For large projects (300+ sq ft), getting two 10-yard dumpster loads is often cheaper than one 30-yard with a higher weight limit. Plus, smaller dumpsters are easier to load by hand since you're lifting concrete over lower walls.
Common Concrete Removal Projects
🚗 Driveway Removal
Typical size: 200-600 sq ft
Thickness: 4-6 inches
Weight: 5-22 tons
Dumpster: Multiple 15-20 yard loads
Time: 1-3 days (with jackhammer)
🏡 Patio Removal
Typical size: 100-300 sq ft
Thickness: 4 inches
Weight: 2.5-7.5 tons
Dumpster: 15-20 yard heavy
Time: 1-2 days
🚶 Sidewalk Removal
Typical size: 50-150 sq ft
Thickness: 4 inches
Weight: 1.25-3.75 tons
Dumpster: 10-15 yard
Time: 4-8 hours
🏗️ Foundation/Slab
Typical size: 400-1500 sq ft
Thickness: 4-8 inches
Weight: 10-50+ tons
Dumpster: Multiple heavy loads
Time: 2-5 days (often needs equipment)
🏊 Pool Fill-In
Concrete to remove: Deck + top of walls
Weight: 5-15 tons
Dumpster: 20-30 yard heavy
Note: Pool shell often stays, holes punched for drainage
🪜 Steps & Stoops
Typical weight: 500-2000 lbs
Thickness: Solid (heavy!)
Dumpster: 10 yard often sufficient
Challenge: Heavy single pieces
Time: 2-4 hours
Concrete with Rebar: What to Know
Many concrete slabs contain steel reinforcement that affects removal:
Wire Mesh (Welded Wire Fabric)
- Common in residential driveways and patios
- Breaks apart with the concrete
- Can be left attached—haulers accept it
- Watch for sharp exposed edges when loading
Rebar (Reinforcing Bar)
- Found in thicker slabs, foundations, and commercial work
- Concrete breaks around it, leaving rebar exposed
- Cut protruding rebar with angle grinder or bolt cutters
- Bend or flatten any protruding pieces for safe transport
Exposed rebar is extremely dangerous. Never leave rebar pointing upward—a fall onto exposed rebar can be fatal. Cut or bend all protruding rebar immediately as you work. Wear steel-toe boots and heavy gloves.
How to Break Up Concrete
Tools for the Job
- Sledgehammer (12-20 lb): Works for thin (3-4") slabs, very labor intensive
- Electric jackhammer: Rent for $50-80/day, handles most residential work
- Pneumatic jackhammer: More powerful, requires air compressor
- Concrete saw: Score cut lines to control breaks
- Excavator with breaker: For large projects, hire a contractor
Breaking Tips
- Score first: Use a concrete saw to cut lines every 2-3 feet
- Start at edges: Concrete breaks easier when it has room to move
- Work systematically: Complete one section before moving to the next
- Size matters: Break into pieces you can lift (aim for under 50 lbs)
- Use leverage: A pry bar helps pop pieces up after breaking
Home Depot and local equipment rentals offer electric jackhammers for around $60-80/day. For a typical patio, this is much faster than a sledgehammer and saves your back. Ask for a demo before you leave the store.
Saving Money on Concrete Disposal
Free Alternatives
- Craigslist/Facebook "Free" posts: Landscapers use broken concrete for retaining walls, fill, and drainage
- Local concrete recyclers: Many accept clean concrete free or for nominal fees
- Reuse on your property: Use as fill for low spots, French drain bedding, or pathway base
Cost-Saving Strategies
- Get a concrete-specific dumpster: These often cost less than general construction dumpsters
- Keep it clean: No dirt, trash, or other debris = potential recycling discount
- Haul yourself: If you have a truck and trailer, dumps charge $30-60/ton for concrete
- Time it right: Weekday deliveries may be cheaper than weekend
What Can't Go in a Concrete Dumpster?
- ❌ Household trash or general debris
- ❌ Asphalt (some accept it, many don't—ask first)
- ❌ Hazardous materials, paint, chemicals
- ❌ Electronics, appliances
- ❌ Yard waste, dirt, soil (dirt is often prohibited)
✅ Usually OK: Concrete with rebar/mesh, brick, block, stone, tile