Picture this: you’ve just torn out an old patio, sidewalk, or slab foundation, and now you’re left staring at a mountain of broken concrete. The first thought that comes to mind is simple—can you put concrete in a roll off dumpster? It seems like the easiest solution, but you’ve probably heard horror stories about surprise fees, rejected pickups, or overloaded containers.
The good news is yes—you can put concrete in a roll off dumpster from Easy Roll Dumpsters. The catch is that there are some rules you’ll need to follow to make sure your cleanup stays safe, legal, and cost-effective. Let’s break down what you need to know before tossing that pile of rubble into a bin.
The Short Answer: Yes, But With Rules
Most dumpster rental companies—including Easy Roll Dumpsters—accept concrete. In fact, concrete is often recycled and reused in future construction projects. The key is following two big rules: weight limits and keeping your load clean.
Concrete is far heavier than everyday trash, so you’ll hit the weight limit long before your dumpster looks full. A single cubic yard of concrete weighs about 4,000 pounds—that’s roughly the weight of a car. Ignoring this detail is the fastest way to rack up overweight charges.
What Is “Clean Concrete”?
When you hear the term “clean concrete,” it doesn’t mean you need to rinse off every chunk. Instead, it refers to loads that contain only concrete, and sometimes asphalt, brick, or block. No wood, drywall, insulation, or plastic.
Clean loads can go straight to recycling facilities, which often makes disposal cheaper. If you start mixing in other debris, though, your dumpster load becomes “mixed C&D waste.” That type of waste has to be processed differently, which can cost a lot more.
Weight Limits & Dumpster Sizes
Every roll off dumpster has a legal weight limit. For heavy materials like concrete, smaller dumpsters are actually smarter. A 10-yard dumpster can typically handle about 1.5 to 2.5 cubic yards of concrete before reaching its 3–5 ton weight limit, while a 20-yard dumpster can usually accommodate 2 to 3 cubic yards within a 4–6 ton limit. Larger 30- or 40-yard dumpsters are not ideal for concrete because even a partially filled container can easily exceed weight restrictions, creating safety hazards and additional fees.
What Not to Put in a Concrete Dumpster
Even when keeping your load “clean,” you’ll need to avoid prohibited items.
These include:
- Hazardous waste like asbestos, paint chips, or chemicals
- Flammable liquids such as gasoline, solvents, or motor oil
- Pressurized tanks (propane, helium, extinguishers)
- Electronics (TVs, computers, monitors)
- Tires, car batteries, and fluorescent bulbs
Mixing these in with your concrete can result in fines, rejected pickups, or extra disposal costs. You can rely on Easy Roll Dumpsters for a hassle-free dumpster rental in Gwinnett County for any home or construction cleanup project.
Tips for Loading Concrete Safely
- Break it down: Cut concrete into smaller, manageable chunks.
- Use the side door: Walk heavy loads in with a wheelbarrow instead of lifting.
- Spread weight evenly: Don’t pile everything on one side.
- Respect the fill line: Overloaded dumpsters can’t be safely tarped or hauled.
Cost Considerations
Renting a roll off dumpster for concrete doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, disposing of clean concrete is often cheaper than mixed debris. The biggest cost risk comes from overweight fees, which can quickly double your bill. You can request a flat-rate concrete dumpster. These are priced specifically for heavy loads and come with higher weight allowances—giving you peace of mind that your final bill won’t include costly surprises. For a quick and convenient cleanup, consider scheduling a temporary dumpster rental in DeKalb County with Easy Roll Dumpsters.
FAQs About Concrete in Roll Off Dumpsters
- Can I mix dirt and concrete in the same dumpster?
Sometimes, yes—if both are clean and inert. Always confirm first.
- What if my concrete has paint on it?
A little dried latex paint isn’t usually an issue, but loose paint chips (especially lead-based) can be considered hazardous.
- Can I put concrete with rebar in the dumpster?
Yes. Most recycling facilities separate rebar with magnets. Just mention it when booking.
- How much concrete do I actually have?
Measure the slab’s length × width × depth (in feet), then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Each cubic yard weighs about 4,000 lbs (2 tons).
Final Thoughts
So, can you put concrete in a roll off dumpster? With Easy Roll Dumpsters, the answer is a definite yes—just keep your load clean, watch the weight, and pick the right size container. By planning ahead and asking the right questions, you’ll save time, money, and stress while getting your concrete waste hauled away safely.
Whether it’s a torn-out driveway, a patio removal, or a foundation demo, Easy Roll Dumpsters has the right container to make concrete disposal simple and affordable. Call us today for your next dumpster rental!