Tearing out a patio, driveway, or old slab? Concrete, brick, block, and dirt are the heaviest materials you can put in a dumpster, and they need a different plan than a normal cleanout. Here's what to know before you rent.
Why heavy debris is different
A dumpster's capacity has two limits: volume (cubic yards) and weight (tons). With household junk, you run out of space first. With concrete and dirt, you run out of weight long before the container looks full.
Rough weights per cubic yard:
| Material | Approx. weight per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Broken concrete | ~2 tons |
| Brick / block | ~1.5 tons |
| Dirt / topsoil | ~1–1.5 tons (more when wet) |
| Mixed construction debris | ~0.25–0.5 ton |
For comparison, our 10 yard includes 2–3 tons, the 20 yard 4–5 tons, and the 30 yard 5–7 tons. Just a few cubic yards of concrete can use the full allowance on a 10 yard.
Best dumpster size for concrete and dirt
For heavy debris, smaller containers are usually the better choice. A 10 yard filled partway with concrete is easier on your budget, and safer to haul, than a 30 yard you can only fill a quarter of the way. Never fill a heavy-debris container above the fill line we give you; overweight containers can't legally go on the road.
How overage works
If the load weighs more than the included allowance, a per-ton overage rate applies. We tell you that rate before you book, and the landfill scale ticket determines the final weight. See our pricing page and cost guide for how allowances work.
Tips to keep heavy loads affordable
- Tell us it's concrete or dirt when you call, so we quote the right size and allowance the first time.
- Keep it clean. Don't mix heavy debris with general junk. It makes the load heavier and harder to dispose of.
- Break slabs into manageable pieces and load them flat to spread the weight.
- Keep the load dry. Cover dirt if rain is in the forecast; wet soil can weigh a lot more.
- Think about reuse. Clean fill dirt and broken concrete are sometimes wanted by neighbors or landscapers for grading.
Common heavy-debris projects we handle
Driveway and patio removal, slab and footing demolition, brick wall and chimney tear-downs, pool fill-ins, and grading or landscaping jobs across Albany, Leesburg, Camilla, Dawson, and the rest of Southwest Georgia.
Call (229) 394-2965 and tell us roughly how much material you have. We'll recommend the right container and give you a flat quote.