How Heavy is Your Concrete & How Much to Remove?
Enter dimensions → get weight (tons) and removal cost estimate.
Last updated: June 21, 2026
4" = standard, 6" = driveway, 8" = foundation
Most driveways have rebar. Adds $1-3/sq ft to removal cost.
Removal Summary
Concrete Weight
9 tons
18,000 lbs
Area
240 sq ft
Volume
4.44 cu yd
Cost Estimate
Labor:$1,320
Disposal:$675
TOTAL:$1,995
$8.31 per sq ft
Worked Examples
10×10 Patio (4" thick)
- Area: 100 sq ft
- Weight: 2.5 tons (5,000 lbs)
- Labor: $550
- Disposal: $188
- Total: $738
Perfect for: Small patio, sidewalk section
20×12 Driveway (6" thick)
- Area: 240 sq ft
- Weight: 9 tons (18,000 lbs)
- Labor: $1,320
- Disposal: $675
- Total: $1,995
Most common driveway size
20×20 Slab (6" thick, with rebar)
- Area: 400 sq ft
- Weight: 15 tons (30,000 lbs)
- Labor: $1,584 (+20% for rebar)
- Disposal: $1,125
- Total: $2,709
For: Foundation, large patio with reinforcement
Concrete Weight Guide
Why weight matters: Concrete is heavy. A small 10×10 slab at 4 inches weighs 2.5 tons. A 6-inch driveway slab weighs 75 lbs per square foot. You need the right dumpster size and disposal plan — overweight dumpsters can't be hauled safely.
| Thickness | Weight per sq ft | 100 sq ft slab |
|---|---|---|
| 4 inches | 50 lbs | ~1.5 tons (3,000 lbs) |
| 6 inches | 75 lbs | ~2.25 tons (4,500 lbs) |
| 8 inches | 100 lbs | ~3 tons (6,000 lbs) |
Dumpster Limits
- • A 10-yard dumpster holds max 5 cubic yards of concrete (10 tons limit)
- • Larger dumpsters aren't used for concrete — road weight limits
- • If your concrete weighs >10 tons, you need multiple dumpsters
Cost Guide (2026)
Concrete removal costs vary by thickness, reinforcement, and location. Here's what to expect:
| Project Size | Square Feet | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small patio | 100 | $300 - $800 |
| Standard driveway | 240 | $1,200 - $2,400 |
| Large patio | 400 | $1,800 - $4,000 |
| 2-car garage floor | 400-500 | $1,500 - $3,500 |
Cost Breakdown
- • Labor: $3-8/sq ft (standard), $6-12/sq ft (thick)
- • Rebar extra: +$1-3/sq ft
- • Disposal: $51-100/ton
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard concrete (4-6 inches) costs $3-8 per sq ft to remove. Thick slabs (>6 inches) cost $6-12 per sq ft. Reinforced concrete with rebar adds $1-3 per sq ft. Disposal is $51-100 per ton extra.
A 10×10 slab (100 sq ft) at 4 inches thick weighs about 2.5 tons (5,000 lbs). At 6 inches thick, it weighs about 3.75 tons (7,500 lbs). Formula: area × thickness (ft) × 150 lbs/cu ft.
Yes, if the concrete is in a public right-of-way (sidewalk, driveway apron). Private property removal typically doesn't need a permit. If you're placing a dumpster on the street, you may need a dumpster permit ($50-400). Check with your local building department.
Yes. Many recycling centers accept clean concrete for free or $20-50/ton (vs $51-100/ton at landfills). Recycled concrete is crushed and reused as road base or fill material. Search 'concrete recycling near me' for locations.
Remove if: large cracks (>1/4" wide), crumbling edges, settling, or structural damage. Resurface if: minor cracks, surface spalling, cosmetic issues only. Resurfacing costs $3-7/sq ft but won't fix underlying problems.
Disposal costs $51-100 per ton. A typical 20×12 driveway (9 tons) costs $450-900 just for disposal. Recycling centers are cheaper ($20-50/ton) but require self-hauling.
Thin, unreinforced slabs under 4 inches are doable DIY with a sledgehammer or a rented electric jackhammer (~$70/day) — break it into small sections and lift as you go. It gets much harder with 6-inch or rebar-reinforced slabs, which are heavy and slow, and usually need cutting so the concrete breaks where you want. For large areas, reinforced slabs, or anything near utilities, hiring a crew is faster and safer.
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