How to Dispose of Bricks and Concrete
You can dispose of bricks and concrete by taking them to a local construction‑debris recycling center, by renting a roll‑off dumpster, or by hiring a professional junk‑removal service. Which method is cheapest and most convenient depends on the amount you have, your local tipping fees, and how much work you’re willing to do yourself.
1. Assess Your Load
Before you decide on a disposal route, you need a realistic picture of what you’re moving.
1.1 Estimate Volume in Cubic Yards
- One standard brick is about 0.0015 cubic yards.
- A typical concrete slab (1 in thick, 4 × 8 ft) is roughly 0.12 cubic yards.
Count the bricks, measure the slab dimensions, and multiply by the appropriate factor. Most municipalities charge by the cubic yard, not by weight.
1.2 Check Local Regulations
- Some cities require a permit for more than 1 cubic yard of construction debris.
- Certain counties ban concrete at the curbside bin but accept it at a recycling facility.
Visit your city’s public works or waste‑management website for the exact rules.
1.3 Decide on a “load size”
The industry uses truck‑size language that matches the pricing of many removal services:
| Load size | Approx. dimensions | Approx. volume |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum (1/8 truck) | 1.25 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W | ~0.6 cubic yards |
| Half truck | 5 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W | ~3 cubic yards |
| Full truck | 10 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W | ~6 cubic yards (≈18 cubic yards total capacity) |
If your estimate is under 0.6 cubic yards, you’re in the “minimum load” tier for most junk‑removal companies.
2. DIY Options
2.1 Take It to a Construction‑Debris Recycling Center
Most counties operate a recycling drop‑off that accepts clean bricks and broken concrete. The material is crushed and reused as road base.
- Cost: Typically a tipping fee of $50‑$100 per cubic yard.
- Pros: Lowest per‑yard cost, environmentally friendly, you control the schedule.
- Cons: You must load the material onto a truck or trailer yourself; many centers limit the number of trips per day.
How to find one: Search “construction debris recycling + [your city]” or call the local landfill.
2.2 Curbside Bulk Pickup (Where Available)
Some municipalities include a bulk‑trash day for large items. Bricks and concrete are often accepted, but only if they’re clean, dry, and under a weight limit (usually 2,000 lb per load).
- Cost: Usually free for residents, but you may need to schedule a pickup weeks in advance.
- Tip: Place the load on the curb the night before the scheduled day and keep it no wider than 4 ft.
2.3 Landfill Drop‑Off
If a recycling center is too far, you can drive to the landfill. Most landfills charge a per‑ton tipping fee, which for concrete can be $70‑$120 per ton (≈2 cubic yards of concrete ≈ 1 ton).
- Cost example: 2 tons of concrete = 2 × $95 = $190.
- Cons: Higher cost than recycling, and landfills often have stricter weight limits for private vehicles.
3. Renting a Dumpster
A roll‑off dumpster is a good middle ground when you have more than a half‑truck worth of material or when you want to keep the work site tidy.
3.1 Choose the Right Size
| Dumpster size | Approx. volume | Ideal brick/concrete load |
|---|---|---|
| 10‑yd³ (small) | 10 cubic yards | Up to 6 cubic yards of bricks/concrete |
| 20‑yd³ (medium) | 20 cubic yards | 12‑15 cubic yards |
| 30‑yd³ (large) | 30 cubic yards | 18‑22 cubic yards |
3.2 Typical Rental Rates (U.S. average)
- Delivery & pick‑up: $150‑$250
- Daily dump fee: $0‑$30 (most rentals include 7‑day free period)
- Tipping fee: $50‑$100 per cubic yard (depends on local landfill)
3.3 Worked Dollar Example
You have 2 cubic yards of broken concrete and 1 cubic yard of bricks (total 3 cubic yards).
- Choose a 10‑yd³ dumpster (cheapest size that fits).
- Rental fee: $180 (delivery + pick‑up).
- Tipping fee: 3 cubic yards × $80 = $240.
- Total cost: $180 + $240 = $420.
If you could fit the load into a minimum‑load 1/8‑truck with a professional service, the cost would be far lower (see Section 4).
4. Professional Junk‑Removal Services
When you lack a truck, a trailer, or the time to haul the load yourself, a junk‑removal company can do the heavy lifting. Below is an honest side‑by‑side of the major national players that accept bricks and concrete.
| Company | Minimum charge | Volume‑based pricing (typical) | How price is set | Coverage notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK | $100‑$150 (1/8‑truck) | Small loads $107‑$396, Medium $396‑$600, Large $600‑$1,099 | On‑site free estimate; price includes labor, loading, haul, disposal, cleanup | All 50 states; price varies by market (high‑cost metros hit upper range) |
| LoadUp | $89 minimum | Per‑item pricing (e.g., $25 per 0.5 cubic yd of concrete) | Guaranteed online price; does not change on service day | Nationwide; often 20‑30 % cheaper than volume‑based rivals |
| Junk King | $99 minimum | Half‑truck $389‑$488, Full‑truck $589‑$658 | Approximate online estimate; final price confirmed on site | Gaps in several states; volume‑based |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk | $150‑$750 per job | Volume‑based; $99 dispatch fee (often revealed after booking) | On‑site estimate; dispatch fee added later | Broad coverage; price can jump with hidden fees |
4.1 When 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK Is a Good Fit
- You have less than 0.6 cubic yards (minimum load) and want a single‑visit, all‑inclusive price.
- You lack a vehicle that can legally carry the weight (most passenger cars are limited to ~2,000 lb).
- You need same‑day service and prefer the crew to load from anywhere on your property (no curb‑side hauling).
Pricing illustration:
You have 0.5 cubic yards of bricks (≈ 300 bricks). The crew estimates a minimum‑load job at $130 (midpoint of $100‑$150). The price includes labor, loading, haul, disposal, and post‑job cleanup. No extra fees.
4.2 How to Get the Best Deal
- Consolidate all demolition debris into one pickup rather than two separate loads.
- Schedule mid‑week or off‑season; crews often have more flexibility and may suggest a smaller truck.
- Pre‑sort reusable bricks for donation; this reduces the volume the crew has to haul, lowering the tier you fall into.
- Compare at least three quotes (e.g., LoadUp, Junk King, 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK).
4.3 Discount Reality Check
- There is no official military, senior, student, or AAA discount from 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK.
- Coupon sites frequently list codes that do not work at checkout.
- The only reliable way to snag a small reduction is to join the company’s email list, which occasionally sends $10‑$25 off codes.
- Some local franchises run seasonal promotions, but you must ask the on‑site estimator directly.
5. Special Cases & Edge Situations
5.1 Large‑Scale Demolition (Full‑Truck Loads)
If you’re tearing down a small wall or patio, you may exceed the half‑truck tier. In that scenario:
- Recycling first: Contact a regional aggregate recycling plant; they often pay a tipping fee credit (e.g., $30 per cubic yard) for clean concrete.
- Separate materials: Remove any rebar, metal fittings, or wood before the load arrives; metal can be sold as scrap (≈ $0.10‑$0.20 per pound).
5.2 Bricks That Are Still Usable
Clean, undamaged bricks can be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStores, local schools, or community gardens. A single pallet (≈ 500 bricks) can be given away for free, instantly cutting your disposal volume.
5.3 RVs, Trailers, and Other Large Vehicles
While not bricks, many homeowners ask about disposing of an RV after a remodel that generated concrete waste.
- Title transfer & plates must be completed before any disposal.
- Scrap metal value: RV frames are steel; the average scrap price is $0.12‑$0.15 per pound.
- Fiberglass and propane tanks are hazardous and must be handled separately at a hazardous‑waste facility.
If you have an RV and a load of bricks, consider splitting the job: donate the RV to a salvage yard (they may pick it up for free) and handle the bricks via the methods above.
6. Common Mistakes People Make
| Mistake | Why It Costs More | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Throwing bricks in the regular trash | Residential trash trucks aren’t equipped for heavy masonry; the city may levy a $200‑$300 fine for illegal dumping. | Use a recycling center or a junk‑removal service that handles construction debris. |
| Over‑loading a dumpster | Exceeding weight limits can trigger extra tipping fees or require a second dumpster. | Estimate weight (≈ 120 lb per cubic yard of concrete) and choose the next size up if unsure. |
| Skipping permits | Some municipalities require a dump‑site permit for > 1 cubic yard; failure can result in a $150‑$500 citation. | Check your city’s website before hauling. |
| Not separating metal | Metal mixed with concrete raises the tipping fee because it must be processed separately. | Pull out rebar, nails, and other metal before disposal. |
| Assuming “free” curbside pickup | Many cities only allow one free bulk pickup per year; extra pickups are billed per load. | Verify the number of free pickups allowed in your area. |
| Relying on unverified coupon codes | Invalid codes waste time and may lead you to a higher‑priced service. | Join the company’s email list for verified discounts or negotiate on‑site. |
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many bricks fit in a 1/8‑truck load?
A: Roughly 300‑350 standard bricks (≈ 0.5 cubic yards). The exact number depends on how tightly they’re packed and whether you include mortar pieces.
Q2: Can I put concrete in my curbside recycling bin?
A: No. Most curbside programs only accept clean paper, plastics, glass, and metal. Concrete must go to a construction‑debris facility or a landfill.
Q3: Do I need a permit to dump concrete at a landfill?
A: Many landfills require a tipping‑fee receipt but not a separate permit for small loads. Check the landfill’s website; larger commercial loads often need a permit.
Q4: Is there a weight limit for a roll‑off dumpster?
A: Yes. Most 10‑yd³ dumpsters have