How to Use This Estimator
- Select project type – Choose from common projects to auto-fill typical thickness
- Choose materials – Select all material types in your load (concrete, asphalt, brick/block, stone, or non-heavy)
- Enter dimensions – Choose your preferred input method:
- Length × Width × Thickness – Enter all three measurements
- Area × Thickness – If you already know the square footage
- Volume Directly – If you already know the cubic yards
- Indicate reinforcement – If you selected concrete, brick, or stone, specify any rebar or wire mesh present
- Review load type – Automatically detected based on your material selections (Clean, Mixed Inert, or Mixed Waste)
- Enter your zipcode – We use this to calculate local pricing for accurate cost estimates
- Review results – See debris volume/weight, dumpsters needed, and total estimated cost based on your location
Load Type Detection
- Clean Load – Single heavy material type (lowest cost, recyclable)
- Mixed Inert – Multiple heavy materials (requires sorting)
- Mixed Waste – Any non-heavy materials included (landfill disposal, highest cost)
Calculation Methodology
Material Densities
Based on American Concrete Institute standards and EPA C&D debris guidelines, heavy materials have significantly higher densities than typical construction debris:
| Material | Density (lbs/cu ft) | Density (lbs/cu yd) |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 150 | 4,050 |
| Asphalt | 140 | 3,780 |
| Brick/Block | 120 | 3,240 |
| Stone | 160 | 4,320 |
| Non-Heavy* | ~19 | 500 |
*Non-Heavy includes wood, drywall, trash, carpet, and roofing materials. When mixed with heavy materials, the load becomes Mixed Waste.
Volume & Weight Calculation
Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Thickness (in) ÷ 12
Volume (cu yd) = Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27
Base Weight (lbs) = Volume (cu yd) × Material Density
With Rebar: Total Weight = Base Weight × 1.15
Dumpster Requirements
Heavy materials require specialized Heavy 10-Yard "Low-Boy" dumpsters with reinforced walls and a 10-ton weight limit. Standard dumpsters only support 4 tons and aren't suitable for concrete/masonry.
Clean/Mixed Inert Loads: Dumpsters = Total Weight (tons) ÷ 10 (round up)
Mixed Waste Loads: Dumpsters = Total Weight (tons) ÷ 4 (round up) — Standard dumpsters required
Understanding Load Types
| Load Type | What It Means | Disposal | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean | 100% single material | Recycled into aggregate | Lowest |
| Mixed Inert | Multiple heavy materials | Recycled (requires sorting) | Medium |
| Mixed Waste | Heavy + trash/wood | Landfill only | Highest |
Rebar Exception
In the recycling industry, "clean concrete" typically allows rebar and wire mesh. Recyclers use magnets to separate metal, so reinforced concrete is still considered clean and recyclable. Wood, plastic, and trash are the actual contaminants.
Important Considerations
Heavy 10-Yard vs Standard 10-Yard: Not all 10-yard dumpsters are the same. Heavy material dumpsters (Low-Boys) have shorter walls and reinforced construction to handle up to 10 tons. Standard 10-yard dumpsters max out at 4 tons. Always specify "heavy material" or "concrete" when ordering.
Keep loads clean: The difference between clean and mixed waste pricing can be hundreds of dollars. Before demolition, remove any wood trim, plastic fixtures, or debris from the area. A few minutes of prep can save significant money.
Breaking up concrete: Broken concrete loads more efficiently than intact slabs. Consider renting a jackhammer or hiring a demolition contractor if you have a large slab.
Driveway placement: Heavy dumpsters can damage asphalt driveways and lawns. Request plywood placement under the dumpster to distribute weight, or place it on an existing concrete surface.
Permits: Many municipalities require permits for dumpsters placed on public streets. Check with your local government before scheduling delivery.
Fill level: Unlike standard dumpsters, heavy material dumpsters are often weight-limited before they're volume-limited. A 10-yard dumpster full of concrete weighs roughly 15 tons—exceeding the 10-ton limit. The estimator accounts for this by calculating based on weight, not volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I put concrete in a regular dumpster?
Concrete is extremely heavy—a cubic yard weighs over 2 tons. Standard dumpsters have weight limits of 2-4 tons total, meaning you could only put a small amount of concrete before exceeding limits and incurring massive overage fees. Heavy material dumpsters are designed specifically for this purpose.
How thick is a typical driveway?
Residential concrete driveways are typically 4 inches thick. Commercial driveways or those designed for heavy vehicles may be 5-6 inches. If you're unsure, chip away a small corner to measure, or assume 4 inches as a conservative estimate.
Can I mix concrete and brick in the same dumpster?
Yes, most recyclers accept mixed inert materials (concrete, brick, block, stone) in the same load. The price is slightly higher than pure single-material loads because sorting is required, but it's still much cheaper than mixed waste rates.
Does rebar make concrete non-recyclable?
No. Rebar and wire mesh are easily separated using magnets during the recycling process. Reinforced concrete is still considered "clean" by most recyclers. The metal is recycled separately.
What's a "Low-Boy" dumpster?
A Low-Boy is a heavy-duty dumpster with shorter walls (typically 3-4 feet vs 6-8 feet for standard dumpsters). The lower height makes it easier to load heavy materials and keeps the center of gravity low for safe transport. They're reinforced to handle 10 tons.
How do I keep my load "clean" to get the best price?
Before demolition, remove any wood framing, plastic pipes, insulation, or other non-masonry materials from the area. Cover the dumpster when not in use to prevent blowing trash from contaminating your load. A clean load can save you $200-400 compared to mixed waste rates.
Can I dispose of dirt in a concrete dumpster?
Dirt is usually handled separately from concrete/masonry. While some recyclers accept dirt mixed with concrete (as "mixed inert"), many prefer separate loads. Check with your provider. This estimator focuses on concrete, asphalt, brick, and stone—for dirt/soil, consult your local provider.
Why is mixed waste so much more expensive?
Clean concrete is recycled into aggregate for new construction—recyclers actually want it. Mixed waste containing wood or trash can't be recycled and must go to a landfill, where disposal fees are much higher. Plus, the heavy weight means massive overage fees if you exceed the standard dumpster's 4-ton limit.
About Our Methodology
This calculator uses data from authoritative sources cited throughout this page:
- Material densities – Based on American Concrete Institute standards and EPA C&D debris guidelines
- Regional pricing – Reflects variation in disposal costs across different US markets
- Load type classification – Per Construction & Demolition Recycling Association best practices
About our estimates: Weight calculations account for reinforcement (rebar/mesh) when present. Dumpster requirements are based on weight limits, not volume, since heavy materials typically hit weight limits before filling the container.
Related Estimators
- Dumpster Size Selector – For mixed construction debris
- Roofing Debris Estimator – For shingle tear-off projects
Disclaimer: Estimates for planning purposes only. Material densities can vary based on moisture content, mix design, and other factors. Confirm dumpster type, weight limits, and pricing with your rental provider before ordering.