Estimate the cost of demolishing and hauling away existing concrete. Get breakdowns for driveways, patios, sidewalks, slabs, and foundations including demolition, hauling, dumpster size, and total weight.
Removal Details
Structure Type
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Enter your concrete details for a removal cost estimate
Last updated March 2026 by our expert review team
Includes demolition and hauling. Rebar adds roughly 10% to demolition costs.
Hawkin
Certified Cost & Estimating Professional
AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.
See full profileEhsan Ghazanfari
Licensed Structural Engineer
FISE-certified structural engineer with 11+ years designing bridges, retaining walls, and foundations. MSc from Aalto University.
See full profileUpdated March 2026
How we verify our calculatorsIf you plan to pour new concrete afterward, use our concrete slab calculator to estimate replacement costs before you start tearing anything out.
Renting a jackhammer ($50 to $100/day) saves thousands on small jobs like patios and sidewalks. A 4-inch unreinforced patio is very doable as a DIY project.
Hiring a pro makes sense for anything thicker than 6 inches, reinforced with rebar, or larger than 300 sq ft. The labor and disposal logistics add up fast.
Our excavation calculator can help you estimate grading and fill dirt costs for after the concrete is removed.
Call 811 before you start. Underground utilities (gas, water, electric, fiber) can be as shallow as 12 inches below a slab. Hitting a gas line is no joke.
Schedule your dumpster delivery before demolition day. Having nowhere to put broken concrete is the most common reason DIY removal projects stall out.
Recycled concrete can be used as backfill or gravel. Some haulers charge less if you let them recycle it instead of taking it to a landfill.
Enter the length, width, and thickness of the concrete you want removed. Select the structure type and whether it has rebar.
The calculator computes volume and weight (at 150 lbs per cubic foot), then applies per-sq-ft demolition and hauling rates for your structure type.
Get a full cost breakdown with demolition, hauling, total weight, recommended dumpster size, and number of loads needed.
Formulas
Volume = Length x Width x (Thickness / 12)
Weight (tons) = Volume (cu ft) x 150 lbs / 2,000
Total Cost = (Demo $/sq ft x Area) + (Haul $/sq ft x Area)
How much does concrete removal cost?
Most concrete removal runs $3 to $10 per sq ft total (demolition plus hauling). Patios and sidewalks cost $3 to $6/sq ft, driveways $4.50 to $7.50/sq ft, and foundations $7 to $14/sq ft.
How heavy is concrete?
Concrete weighs about 150 lbs per cubic foot, or roughly 2 tons per cubic yard. A 10x10 ft patio that is 4 inches thick weighs about 2,500 lbs (1.25 tons).
How do you break up a concrete slab?
For 4-inch unreinforced slabs, a sledgehammer works for small areas. For anything larger, rent an electric jackhammer ($50 to $100/day). Score a line with a concrete saw first to control where it breaks.
Can concrete be recycled?
Yes. Most concrete recyclers accept clean concrete for free or a small fee. The crushed material becomes road base, fill, or landscape gravel. Rebar must be separated first.
Do I need a permit to remove concrete?
Most cities do not require a permit for concrete removal alone. However, if you are replacing the concrete, the new pour typically requires a permit ($50 to $200). Check with your local building department.
How do you remove concrete with rebar?
Break the concrete with a jackhammer, then cut exposed rebar with a reciprocating saw and metal-cutting blade or bolt cutters. Rebar adds 10% to the cost because it slows the process and dulls tools.
What size dumpster do I need for concrete?
A 10-yard dumpster holds about 3 tons of concrete. A 20-yard holds about 6 tons. Most dumpster companies have a 10-ton weight limit regardless of size, so concrete fills by weight before volume.
How long does concrete removal take?
A pro crew can remove a 200 sq ft patio in 2 to 4 hours. A 600 sq ft driveway takes a full day. DIY with a rented jackhammer, expect 2 to 3 times longer.
Demo $200-400, hauling $100-200. About 1.25 tons of debris. Fits in one 10-yard dumpster. A strong DIYer with a rented jackhammer can handle this in a morning.
Demo $720-1,200, hauling $360-600. About 5.6 tons of concrete. Needs a 20-yard dumpster. Expect a full day of work for a 2-person crew.
Demo $320-640, hauling $160-320. About 2 tons of debris. One 10-yard dumpster is enough. Sections can be broken and stacked for easier pickup.
Demo $3,200-6,400, hauling $1,280-2,560. About 20 tons of concrete. This is a pro-only job requiring heavy equipment and multiple 30-yard dumpster loads.
Not checking for underground utilities
Gas, water, electric, and fiber lines can run directly under a slab. Always call 811 at least 3 business days before you start. A ruptured gas line can cost $5,000+ in repairs and fines.
Underestimating the weight of concrete
A 10x10 ft slab that is just 4 inches thick weighs over 2,500 lbs. Your pickup truck probably has a 1,500 lb payload limit. Plan for a dumpster, not a truck bed.
Not having a dumpster on site before starting
Once you start breaking concrete, you need somewhere to put it. Schedule the dumpster delivery for the morning of demo day, not after.
Leaving rebar exposed after partial removal
Exposed rebar is a serious tripping and puncture hazard. Cut all rebar flush with the remaining concrete or bend it down and cap it on the same day.
Not grading the area after removal
A bare dirt patch collects water and becomes a mud pit. Grade the area to slope away from your house (1 inch per 4 feet minimum) and add gravel or topsoil right away.
Important Disclaimer
These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.