Why Rent a Dumpster for Fence Removal?
Old fences create more debris than most homeowners expect. A typical 150-foot privacy fence generates 1-2 cubic yards of wood, plus posts and concrete—far too much for trash pickup or a few trips to the dump. A dumpster keeps your project moving and your yard clear.
💡 Did You Know?
A standard 6-foot privacy fence contains about 20 boards per 8-foot section. For a 150-foot fence line, that's nearly 400 boards plus rails, posts, and hardware. A dumpster on-site saves hours of hauling and lets you work at your own pace.
Dumpster vs. Other Disposal Methods
| Method | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dumpster Rental | $250-$450 | Work at your pace | DIY fence removal |
| Pickup Truck Loads | $30-50/trip + fuel | 4-8+ trips | Short fence only |
| Junk Removal Service | $300-$800+ | Same day | Hands-off approach |
| Fence Company Haul-Away | $150-$400 (added to install) | Included in job | Full fence replacement |
Dumpster Sizes for Fence Removal
Fence debris is bulky but relatively light. Your fence's linear footage and type determine the right dumpster size. Wood privacy fences are the bulkiest; chain-link is more compact.
10-Yard Dumpster
- Under 100 linear feet
- Picket fences, split rail
- Chain-link up to 150 ft
- Dimensions: 12'L × 8'W × 3.5'H
15-Yard Dumpster
- 100-200 linear feet
- Standard privacy fence
- Most popular for fence jobs
- Dimensions: 16'L × 7.5'W × 4.5'H
20-Yard Dumpster
- 200+ linear feet
- Full yard perimeter
- Double-sided fence removal
- Dimensions: 22'L × 7.5'W × 4.5'H
📏 Quick Sizing Guide
Fence linear feet ÷ 10 = approximate cubic yards
Example: 150 ft fence ÷ 10 = 15 cubic yards → 15-yard dumpster
Add +5 yards for 6-foot privacy fences (more material per foot).
Fence Types & Disposal Considerations
Different fence materials have different disposal requirements. All common fence types can go in a standard dumpster, but it's helpful to know what you're dealing with.
🪵 Wood Privacy Fence
Most common type. Usually pressure-treated cedar or pine. Bulky but accepted by all haulers. Cut sections into 6-8 foot lengths for easier loading.
🏡 Wood Picket Fence
Lighter than privacy fences. Individual pickets stack well in dumpsters. Rails and posts are the bulkiest pieces.
⛓️ Chain-Link Fence
Roll or fold mesh sections compactly. Remove tension bars and fittings. Posts and top rails are the bulkiest components.
🔲 Vinyl/PVC Fence
Lightweight and easy to handle. Panels often slide apart for compact disposal. Check with hauler—some charge extra for vinyl.
🪨 Split Rail Fence
Heavy but minimal material. Rails are long—may need cutting for dumpster. Posts often aren't set in concrete.
🔩 Metal/Wrought Iron
Heavy but valuable. Consider selling to scrap metal recycler instead of dumpster disposal.
⚠️ Treated Wood Posts
Most fence posts are pressure-treated to resist rot. Never burn treated wood—it releases toxic chemicals. Landfill disposal via dumpster is the approved method. Posts from fences installed before 2004 may contain CCA (arsenic-based) treatment, but most haulers still accept them.
How to Remove a Fence: Step-by-Step
Fence removal is straightforward but physically demanding. Work section by section, and load debris as you go to keep the work area clear.
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Survey and Measure
Walk the entire fence line. Note total length, post spacing, and condition. Check if posts are set in concrete (most are). Look for gates, corners, and any attached structures like arbors or trellises.
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Remove Gates First
Gates are the easiest starting point. Remove hinges and hardware with a drill. Gates in good condition may be worth keeping or selling. Set aside any hardware you want to reuse.
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Remove Fence Panels or Boards
For panel fences, unscrew the brackets connecting panels to posts. For board-on-board fences, pry off individual boards starting from one end. Stack removed sections near the dumpster.
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Remove Rails
With pickets/panels gone, remove horizontal rails (stringers). These are typically nailed or screwed to posts. A pry bar and reciprocating saw are your best tools.
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Extract Posts
Posts are the hardest part. Rock each post back and forth to loosen soil and concrete. Use a post puller, high-lift jack, or car jack on a block for leverage. Alternatively, cut posts at ground level if you're not reusing holes.
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Handle Concrete Collars
Concrete post footings can often stay buried. If removal is needed, dig around the concrete and pull it out with the post. Some concrete may exceed dumpster weight limits—check when booking.
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Load the Dumpster
Stack fence sections flat to maximize space. Put heavy posts on the bottom. Cut long pieces to fit inside the dumpster walls. Keep debris below the fill line.
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Fill Post Holes
Fill empty holes with soil or gravel and compact firmly. This prevents tripping hazards and prepares the ground for new fencing or landscaping.
🦺 Safety Essentials
- Heavy work gloves — splinters and nails are everywhere
- Safety glasses — flying debris when prying and cutting
- Steel-toe boots — heavy posts and panels falling
- Long sleeves — protection from treated wood and chain-link edges
- Tetanus shot current — rusty nails are common in old fences
Post Removal Techniques
Posts set in concrete are the biggest challenge. Here are proven methods from easiest to most labor-intensive:
Method 1: Post Puller (Easiest)
A dedicated post puller (like a T-post puller or fence post puller) uses leverage to lift posts straight out. Rent one from a tool rental shop for $20-40/day. Works well for posts with smaller concrete footings.
Method 2: Car Jack Method
Wrap a chain around the post near ground level. Place a car jack or bottle jack on a concrete block next to the post. Connect chain to jack and lift. The jack provides tremendous pulling force.
Method 3: High-Lift Jack
A farm jack (high-lift jack) clamps onto the post and provides direct vertical lift. Excellent for stubborn posts. Rent for $15-25/day.
Method 4: Rock and Pull
Rock the post back and forth vigorously to break the soil bond around concrete. Once loosened, pull straight up. Works best after rain when soil is softer.
Method 5: Dig and Break
Dig a hole alongside the post to expose the concrete footing. Use a sledgehammer to break the concrete, or dig around it completely and lever out the entire post-and-concrete assembly.
Method 6: Cut at Ground Level (Fastest)
If you're not reusing post holes, simply cut posts off at ground level with a reciprocating saw. Leave concrete buried. This is fastest but may affect future fence installation.
💧 Pro Tip: Water Helps
Soak the ground around posts with a hose the night before removal. Wet soil releases its grip on concrete footings much more easily than dry soil.
What Can Go in the Dumpster?
✅ Accepted Materials
- Wood fence boards, panels, and pickets
- Pressure-treated posts and rails
- Vinyl/PVC fence components
- Chain-link mesh, posts, and fittings
- Metal hardware (nails, screws, brackets, hinges)
- Small amounts of concrete (check weight limits)
- Lattice, trim, and decorative elements
- Old fence stain cans (empty/dried only)
❌ Prohibited Items
- Large amounts of concrete — may exceed weight limits
- Dirt and soil — not accepted in construction dumpsters
- Wet paint or stain — hazardous waste
- Creosote-treated posts — railroad tie style, some haulers restrict
- Batteries — from solar fence lights
♻️ Recycling Opportunity
Metal components (especially from wrought iron or aluminum fences) have scrap value. Chain-link fencing, metal posts, and hardware can be sold to scrap metal recyclers. It's worth separating these items to offset your dumpster cost.
Fence Removal Cost Breakdown
| Fence Type | Per Linear Foot | 150 ft Fence Total |
|---|---|---|
| DIY + Dumpster Rental | $2-3 | $300-$450 |
| Junk Removal Service | $3-5 | $450-$750 |
| Contractor Removal | $5-8 | $750-$1,200 |
| Fence Company (with new install) | $2-4 | $300-$600 added |
The DIY + dumpster approach typically saves 50-70% compared to hiring removal. Most fence removals take 1-2 days of work, making the labor savings significant.
Timeline: Fence Removal Project
| Fence Length | Type | DIY Time |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 ft | Any type | 4-6 hours |
| 100-150 ft | Picket/Chain-link | 1 day |
| 100-150 ft | Privacy fence | 1-1.5 days |
| 200+ ft | Any type | 1.5-2 days |
| Full perimeter | Privacy fence | 2-3 days |
📅 Best Time for Fence Removal
Spring and fall offer ideal conditions—moderate temperatures and often softer soil from rain. Avoid frozen ground in winter (impossible to extract posts) and peak summer heat. Book dumpsters early during spring fence-replacement season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove the fence myself or hire someone?
DIY saves 50-70% and is manageable for most homeowners. Fence removal requires no special skills—just time and physical effort. If you're replacing the fence, many fence companies offer removal as an add-on service for $2-4 per linear foot.
Can I leave concrete footings in the ground?
Yes, if you're not installing a new fence in the same location. Buried concrete doesn't harm anything. If you're installing a new fence, contractors can usually work around old footings or break them up in place.
What about the fence between me and my neighbor?
Boundary fences are often jointly owned. Talk to your neighbor before removal—they may want to split the cost of a new fence. Some municipalities require neighbor notification before removing shared fences.
Do I need a permit to remove a fence?
Usually no. Fence removal rarely requires permits since you're not building anything. However, if the dumpster will be placed on the street, you may need a street placement permit. Check with your city.
Can I salvage any materials?
Cedar fence boards in good condition can be repurposed for raised garden beds, small projects, or sold. Metal components have scrap value. Check Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist—people often want free fence boards for DIY projects.
What if my posts won't budge?
Stubborn posts usually just need more leverage. Try soaking the ground overnight, then use a car jack or high-lift jack. As a last resort, cut the post at ground level and move on—one stubborn post isn't worth hours of frustration.
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