How To Dispose of Concrete?

Are you wondering how to dispose of concrete that is leftover from your project? Whether you’ve got an old driveway that needs replacing or are just looking for ways to get rid of some extra concrete, there are plenty of options for how to get rid of it. Depending on the size and type of your job, certain solutions may make more sense than others.

Disposing of concrete is a crucial step in any construction or demolition project, and it is important to choose the right method in order to minimize its impact on the environment. In this blog post, we’ll look at all the different methods for disposing of concrete, so you can choose the one that works best for your unique situation.

Ways To Dispose of Concrete

1. Recycling

Recycling concrete is an increasingly popular way to reuse materials and reduce waste. It involves grinding up the old concrete, separating out any metal or other debris, and then reusing it in new construction projects. This can be a great way to save money on costly disposal fees while also helping to preserve natural resources.

2. Disposing of in a Landfill

If recycling is not an option, concrete can also be disposed of in a landfill. This may involve breaking down the concrete first and then burying it beneath several layers of soil. In some areas, landfills may even provide discounts for bulky loads of concrete rubble.

3. Donating

If you want to avoid the cost of disposal altogether, donating your old concrete can be a great option. There are plenty of organizations that accept donations of this type of material, and they may even come to pick it up for free.

4. Reusing on-Site

Depending on the size and scope of your project, you may also be able to reuse some of the concrete you have on-site. This can be a great way to save time and money, as it eliminates the need for disposal altogether. 

5. Contact a Building Supplies Retailer

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of disposing of your concrete yourself, contact a local building supplies retailer. Many offer services such as hauling and disposing of concrete for a fee and can provide you with the best disposal option for your job.

See Also: How Long Does Concrete Take To Dry?

Types of Concrete Waste that Can Be Reused

Not all concrete can be reused, but certain types of waste materials can make excellent building supplies. Brick and block rubble from demolition jobs are often perfect for creating retaining walls or paths. Broken pieces of concrete can also be used to create foundations for new patios or decks. 

In a recent renovation project, I had to demolish an old patio in the backyard. After removing the concrete slab, I was left with a large number of broken pieces of concrete. Rather than disposing of the waste, I decided to put it to good use. I used the broken pieces to create a new garden bed around the perimeter of the yard.

I arranged the pieces in a random pattern and filled the gaps with topsoil and plants. The end result was a beautiful and unique garden bed that added character to the yard.

Point To Ponder: Proper planning and utilization of a concrete calculator can help prevent excess concrete and the subsequent need for disposal

Tips for Disposing of Concrete

1. Consider wood chipping and composting if you’re looking to reuse the material as a soil amendment.

2. Avoid disposal sites that are not properly licensed or certified.

3. Make sure to properly separate any metal from the concrete before disposing of it in a landfill.

4. Wear appropriate safety gear when dealing with concrete waste, such as gloves, goggles and a dust mask.

5. Contact local building supplies retailers to see what services they offer for disposal and pick-up. 

Costs of Concrete Disposal

The cost of disposing of concrete will vary depending on the size of your job and the method you choose. Recycling, for example, maybe more cost-effective than disposing of in a landfill. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to dispose of concrete, consider donating it or finding ways to reuse it first. 

Normally companies charge from $130 to $170 per cubic yard for disposing of concrete rubble which includes the pickup fee, hauling, and dumping fees.

The costs of concrete disposal can vary depending on the method chosen and the location of the project. Recycling concrete is generally the most cost-effective option, as it allows the material to be reused and eliminates the need for new raw materials.

However, the cost of transporting the concrete to a recycling facility must also be taken into account. Landfilling concrete can also be a cost-effective option, but it may be subject to higher tipping fees and regulations

FAQs

Is concrete easily disposed of?

Yes, concrete can be disposed of in a variety of ways, such as recycling, landfilling, donating and reusing on-site. However, the most cost-effective option depends mainly on the size and scope of the project.

How do you recycle concrete yourself?

Recycling concrete yourself involves breaking down the material into smaller pieces and sorting out any metal or other debris. The material can then be transported to a recycling facility for further processing.

What can I do with old concrete chunks?

Old concrete chunks can be reused on-site to create foundations for new patios or decks. Alternatively, they can also be donated to organizations that accept donations of this type of material.

Also Check: How Much Does a Yard of Concrete Weigh?

Bottom Line: Concrete Dump

Now that you know all about the best methods to dispose of concrete, it’s time to put them into action. When in doubt, always refer back to this helpful guide. We wish you the best of luck in getting rid of your extra concrete quickly and safely!