Home and business owners often pay for hauling away concrete by the load or by the ton, with total costs driven by load size, disposal fees, distance, and labor. The following ranges help buyers form a realistic estimate for concrete removal projects.
Cost considerations include debris type, access for trucks, and local disposal rules. This article presents typical price ranges in USD and highlights major cost drivers to guide budgeting and comparisons.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete haul away (per load) | $400 | $1,200 | $3,000 | Assumes residential driveway removal, no structural demolition |
| Disposal/ tipping fee | $60/ton | $120/ton | $200/ton | Typically charged by weight at approved landfills |
| Dump truck rental or service | $150 | $350 | $700 | Distance and crew size affect cost |
| Excavation/Breaking labor | $75 | $150 | $250 | Includes loader or jackhammer time |
| Permits & inspections | $100 | $500 | Region-dependent | |
| Additional disposal (rebar, mixed debris) | $40 | $100 | $250 | Rebar adds handling costs |
Assumptions: region, project scope, and labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost range for concrete haul away depends on project size and access. Small jobs such as a concrete patio removal can fall in the low end, around $400 to $800, whereas complete driveway replacement removal often lands in the $1,800 to $4,500 range. Large culverts or thick slabs with tight access can exceed $5,000. Per-unit pricing examples include about $8-$25 per square foot of surface removed, and $60-$120 per ton for disposal, with labor running $75-$150 per hour for crews on site. These figures assume standard truck access and local disposal fees. Where costs vary most is distance to disposal sites and the amount of waste.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (slab removal) | $0 | $300 | $1,000 | Includes removal of excess debris from site |
| Labor | $150 | $1,000 | $2,000 | Crew hours × hourly rate; see formula |
| Equipment | $50 | $300 | $800 | Breakers, loaders, and trucks |
| Permits | $0 | $100 | $500 | Local rules vary |
| Delivery/Disposal | $60/ton | $120/ton | $200/ton | Based on weight and facility charges |
| Taxes | $0 | $40 | $120 | State and local tax varies |
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Pricing Variables
Several factors can shift price materially. Distance to disposal facilities increases fuel and labor time. Slab thickness and overall weight change tipping fees and crew effort. Concrete with embedded rebar or hazardous materials requires special handling and adds costs. Accessibility, such as street parking restrictions or gated sites, also raises the price due to equipment needs. Finally, market demand for hauling services can push rates up during peak seasons.
Ways To Save
Planning with smart timing and clear scope helps reduce the total. Obtain multiple quotes from licensed haulers and ask for itemized estimates. If feasible, break the project into smaller phases to achieve lower per-load costs. Reserve accessible timing to avoid extra crew idle time. Consider recycling concrete on-site for driveways or sidewalks where possible.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to disposal costs and labor markets. In the Northeast, disposal fees and labor may be higher, often landing averages near the mid-to-high range of the national spectrum. The Southwest and parts of the Midwest typically show lower base rates but can vary with trucking costs. Urban areas generally see more expensive services than Rural zones due to traffic constraints and higher permit burdens. Expect regional deltas of roughly ±15% to ±30% from national averages.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Most projects are priced on labor hours plus equipment use. A typical crew may be 2–4 workers, with hourly rates from $75 to $150 depending on skill and market. For a 1,000–2,000 square foot project, labor can account for the majority of cost if removal involves heavy breaking and removal. Tracking actual hours helps prevent overestimation; request a detailed forecast of hours by phase of work.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic: A small concrete slab removal (8–12 yards, no rebar), 1 crew, 4 hours on site, disposal at $120/ton. Total: roughly $450–$900. Assumes accessible site and minimal preparation.
Mid-Range: A driveway removal (20–40 tons, some rebar, modest access), 2–3 crews, 6–10 hours, disposal at $120/ton. Total: about $1,800–$3,800. Includes disposal, labor, and equipment use.
Premium: Large commercial curb or thick slab with extensive rebar and tight access (60–90 tons), multiple loads, specialized equipment, and permit requirements. Total: commonly $4,500–$9,000 or more. May require staged removal and site restoration.