What to Enter (and Why)
- Measure fence length. Enter the total linear feet of fence to remove. If you're unsure, count posts and multiply by spacing.
- Select fence height. Most privacy fences are 6 feet; yard fences are typically 4 feet.
- Choose material type. Different materials have very different weights per foot.
- Indicate condition. Older weathered fences weigh more due to moisture absorption.
- Include concrete footings. These add significant weight; don't underestimate them.
- Adjust advanced options. Corners and gates add extra posts and weight.
How Much Does Fence Removal Debris Weigh?
Fence removal generates three types of debris: panels (or fabric), posts, and concrete footings. Each has different weight and volume characteristics that affect dumpster sizing.
Weight by Material Type (6-foot fence)
| Material | Weight per Linear Foot | 100 ft Total |
|---|---|---|
| Wood - Pine/Pressure Treated | 20 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| Wood - Cedar | 15 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Chain Link (Residential) | 6.5 lbs | 650 lbs |
| Chain Link (Commercial) | 10 lbs | 1,000 lbs |
| Vinyl/PVC | 10 lbs | 1,000 lbs |
| Wrought Iron/Metal | 22 lbs | 2,200 lbs |
| Composite | 12 lbs | 1,200 lbs |
Source: Weights derived from Engineering ToolBox lumber data and Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute specifications.
Why Concrete Footings Double Your Dumpster Load
The fence panels are only part of the story. Once you start digging, concrete footings are often the heaviest part of a fence removal project. A single standard footing (1 cubic foot) weighs roughly 133 pounds. With posts spaced every 6-10 feet, the concrete alone can exceed 1,500 lbs for a 100-foot fence.
Concrete Weight Calculation:
Post Count: Divide your fence length by the post spacing, then round up and add 1 for the end post.
Example: 100 ft fence ÷ 8 ft spacing = 12.5 → round up to 13, plus 1 = 14 posts
For fully enclosed fences (4 corners), skip the +1 since the fence loops back to the start.
Total Posts = Line Posts + (2 per gate)
Concrete Weight = Total Posts × Footing Weight (Standard: 133 lbs | Large: 266 lbs)
Post spacing varies by material. Wood fences typically have posts every 8 feet, vinyl every 6 feet, and chain link every 10 feet. That spacing directly determines how many concrete footings you'll need to dig out.
How We Calculate Your Estimate
The calculator applies industry-standard material weights and adds buffers so you don't underestimate your dumpster needs.
Weight Calculation
Fence Weight = Length × Weight per Foot × Condition Multiplier
Gate Weight = (Walk Gates × 100 lbs) + (Drive Gates × 300 lbs)
Concrete Weight = Total Posts × Footing Weight
Total Weight = Fence + Gates + Concrete
The condition multiplier accounts for moisture absorption in older fences. New/dry fences use 1.0x. Old/weathered wood gains roughly 15% weight from moisture, while metal and chain link gain 3-5% from rust. Vinyl is unaffected.
Volume Calculation
Fence Volume = Length × Base Volume × Height Ratio × Bulking Factor
Concrete Volume = Posts × Footing Volume ÷ 27
Total Volume = Fence Volume + Concrete Volume (in cubic yards)
The bulking factor accounts for air gaps in demolished debris. Chain link can be partially rolled (1.05x). Metal is relatively compact (1.1x). Vinyl breaks into large pieces (1.15x). Wood with nails creates the most air gaps (1.3x).
Important Considerations
Understanding the math behind your estimate is one thing, but there are a few practical factors that can change the outcome on project day.
Weight vs. Volume
Fence removal is often weight-limited rather than volume-limited, especially when concrete footings are involved. A 10-yard dumpster might have plenty of space but hit its 2-ton included weight limit with just the concrete. Overage fees apply beyond that. This calculator checks both constraints, and we recommend paying more attention to the weight number than the volume number when footings are involved.
Breaking Down Panels
These estimates assume you'll disassemble or break panels into sections for efficient loading. Tossing whole 8-foot panels in intact takes significantly more space because of air gaps.
Recycling Metal Fences
Chain link and wrought iron fences are recyclable. Many scrap yards accept them for free or even pay you by weight. Separating metal from wood and concrete can noticeably reduce your dumpster needs. If you've got a metal fence, we'd recommend calling a scrap yard before renting a dumpster at all.
Treated Wood Disposal
Pressure-treated lumber may have disposal restrictions in some areas because of chemical preservatives. Check with your local waste management facility before demolition day.
Check for Permits
Most areas don't require permits for fence removal. However, check with your local building department if the fence sits on a property line or forms part of a pool enclosure. Pool fencing often has code requirements that must stay in compliance even during replacement.
Coordinate with Neighbors
Shared fences on property lines are often jointly owned. Talk to your neighbor before removal; they may want to split costs for a new fence, or you may need their permission. Check your property survey to confirm the fence location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dumpster do I need for fence removal?
100-150 linear feet of 6-foot wood privacy fence with concrete footings typically fits in a 15-20 yard dumpster. Smaller fences or chain link may only need a 10-yard.
How much does a fence weigh?
15-20 lbs per linear foot is typical for a 6-foot wood privacy fence (panels only, no concrete). A 100-foot fence runs about 1,500-2,000 lbs for panels alone. Each concrete footing adds 130+ lbs on top of that.
Should I remove the concrete footings?
That depends on your plans. If you're installing a new fence, you'll likely need to remove the old footings. They're heavy and add to your disposal cost, but leaving them in the ground can block new post holes and complicate future projects.
Can I put treated wood in a dumpster?
Most dumpster rental companies accept pressure-treated wood. Some areas do have restrictions, though. Treated wood can't be burned and may need to go to specific landfills, so check local regulations before your project.
How do I estimate fence length without measuring?
Count the fence posts and multiply by typical spacing: 8 feet for wood, 10 feet for chain link, 6-7 feet for vinyl. For example, 15 posts on a wood fence equals approximately 112 feet (14 sections × 8 feet).
Can I reuse or sell old fence materials?
Cedar and wrought iron in good condition may have resale value; check local marketplace listings. Chain link fabric and metal posts can be sold to scrap yards. Pressure-treated lumber generally can't be reused because of chemical treatments and weathering.
How much does it cost to remove a fence with a dumpster?
DIY fence removal with a dumpster runs $375-600 for a typical 100-foot wood fence: $300-450 for a 10-yard dumpster, $50-100 for tool rentals, and $25-50 for backfill and supplies. Professional removal costs $3-10 per linear foot ($300-1,000 for 100 feet) with hauling included.
DIY Fence Removal Tips
With the disposal side sorted, here's how to handle the actual removal. Removing a fence yourself can save hundreds of dollars. It does require the right approach and tools.
Essential Tools
- Pry bar and hammer for panel removal
- Reciprocating saw for cutting posts at ground level
- Post puller or high-lift jack for extracting posts with concrete
- Shovel and digging bar for footing excavation
- Heavy-duty gloves and safety glasses
Safety First
Call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities. Wear steel-toe boots when handling concrete footings. Work with a partner for heavy sections, and never stand downhill from a leaning fence panel. Don't skip the 811 call; it's free and takes about two business days, and hitting a gas line isn't worth the gamble.
Reference Sources
Weight and volume data in this calculator comes from these industry sources:
- Engineering ToolBox — Lumber weight data. Engineering ToolBox is a long-running reference site widely used by engineers and contractors for material property lookups.
- Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute — Chain link specifications. CLFMI is the official trade association for chain link manufacturers and sets the industry's standard product specs.
- American Fence Association — Industry standards. AFA represents over 29,000 fence professionals and maintains the standards that guide residential and commercial installation.
- Bob Vila — Concrete per fence post guide
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From our blog: How to Remove a Fence: A DIY Step-by-Step Guide — The physical removal process, post extraction methods, and the footing decision that changes your dumpster size.
Disclaimer: These estimates are meant to get you in the right ballpark for your fence removal, not replace a tape measure. Actual weight will vary depending on how weathered your fence is, how much concrete is around each post, and whether you break panels down or toss them in whole. Always confirm your dumpster's weight limit with the rental company before loading day.