Concrete Breaking and Removal
We have the right tools to remove and dispose of all concrete and asphalt.
Concrete typically weighs 150 pounds per cubic foot. In order to safely move pieces of concrete, it usually requires powerful equipment to cut, break, and move. Since we have the ability to remove large pieces, we can typically reduce cutting costs. When disposing of concrete, there are two primary disposal methods. Disposal to a landfill by way of dump trucks or dumpsters is the 1st method. The 2nd method is crushing recycling plants. Some crushing plants will not accept concrete that heavy reinforcing. We try to use the recycling plants as much as possible. Let us arrange disposal and removal for you. For small loads, we have dump trailers that we can use for disposal.
An additional byproduct of sawing is slurry. Slurry is a water and “grindings” that needs to be disposed of properly. We have slurry processing methods that make it safe for disposal. Ask your salesman to have our crews to collect and haul the slurry offsite.
Whether it's demolishing buildings, concrete foundations, highways, streets, parking areas, or driveways, we have the expertise and equipment to get the job done efficiently and safely. With our state-of-the-art tools and commitment to safety, you can trust Ohio Concrete to handle any concrete demolition project.
Ohio Concrete Cutting removed over 1.2 million pounds of concrete from the University of Michigan Medical Center. This was done using entirely electric tools and excavators. The use of electric tools eliminated carbon monoxide fumes and minimized the noise. Sawing also eliminates excessive vibrations normally associated with hammering removal.
Concrete Disposal & Hauling — We Handle What Comes Next
Looking for a safe, efficient way to get rid of broken concrete? Ohio Concrete is here to help. After concrete is cut or demolished, the work isn’t finished — heavy debris still needs to be hauled away and disposed of properly.
Ohio Concrete handles everything that comes next, including hauling logistics, disposal and recycling options, and compliance with Ohio regulations. From understanding cost factors to navigating disposal requirements, we make the process straightforward and hassle-free.
Whether you’re working in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, or anywhere across Ohio, our goal is simple: get your concrete debris removed safely, legally, and responsibly, so you can move forward with confidence.
Concrete Hauling Logistics and Equipment
Removing broken concrete requires more than manpower. It requires smart logistics and the right machinery. Here’s how Ohio Concrete makes the hauling process smooth and efficient:
On-Site Breakup: First, if the concrete isn’t already broken into small pieces, we use hydraulic breakers, saws, or jackhammers to cut it down to size. This ensures pieces are small enough to handle and fit into hauling containers. We even cut concrete into removable sections to avoid overloading equipment.
Heavy Lifting Equipment: Given concrete’s weight, we utilize skid steers, mini-excavators, or other machinery to lift and load debris safely. As a reference, a single cubic yard of concrete can easily weigh over 2 tons. Our team is trained to operate loaders and forklifts to pick up chunks and drop them into dump trucks or dumpsters without damaging your property.
Dump Trucks & Trailers: For hauling, we have access to a fleet of trucks ready. Large demolition jobs call for full-size dump trucks that can carry many tons of material at once or staged dumpsters. For smaller loads or tight access areas, we have convenient sized dump trailers and pickup truck attachments that can navigate job sites more easily. We’ll choose the right size equipment so we can transport the concrete in as few trips as possible.
Logistical Planning: Our crew will also plan the removal and disposal ahead of time. We coordinate with local recycling centers or landfills so that when we leave your site loaded with concrete, we head straight to an approved dump site. This kind of logistical prep means less time wasted and often lower disposal fees (since we separate concrete from other debris and take it to facilities that specialize in concrete recycling when possible).
Safety & Site Protection: During loading, safety is paramount. We cordon off the work area to keep everyone safe from moving equipment. We also take care not to cause damage while maneuvering machinery, laying down plywood, for example, to protect delicate driveways or lawns from the weight of our equipment and loaded trucks.
By handling the hauling logistics end-to-end, Ohio Concrete ensures your concrete removal is fast, safe, and hassle-free. You won’t have to worry about renting equipment or finding drivers. We’ve got it all covered.
Our Concrete Disposal Process (Landfill vs. Recycling)
Once we’ve hauled the concrete off your site, the big question is: where does it all go? We pride ourselves on disposing of concrete in the most responsible and environmentally friendly way available. Generally, there are two primary methods for concrete disposal:
Hauling to a Licensed Landfill: The traditional method is to truck the concrete debris to an approved C&D (Construction & Demolition) landfill. There, the material will be dumped and eventually buried. We use large dump trucks or roll-off dumpsters to transport the rubble to the landfill. This option is reliable for any type of concrete waste, including rebar-reinforced chunks that some recyclers won’t accept. Ohio Concrete has relationships with several licensed disposal facilities across Ohio, so we handle the tipping fees and paperwork on your behalf. (More on Ohio’s legal requirements for landfilling concrete in a moment.)
Recycling at a Crushing Plant: Whenever possible, we prefer to take broken concrete to a crushing and recycling plant instead of to a landfill. At these facilities, the concrete is run through crushers and screens to produce recycled aggregate, essentially, crushed stone that can be reused as fill, base for new concrete, or gravel for road projects. Recycling concrete has major environmental benefits: it reduces landfill use and provides useful material for new construction. Ohio Concrete tries to use recycling plants as much as possible when disposing of concrete. However, it’s important to note that some recycling centers have restrictions. For example, heavy rebar or wire mesh in the concrete might not be accepted. In those cases, or if a recycling plant isn’t available nearby, we will default to a landfill. But whenever conditions allow, your concrete will be given a second life through recycling.
Finally, we also handle the less obvious concrete byproducts. If your job involved concrete sawing or drilling, there will likely be concrete slurry, a mixture of water and concrete dust (“grindings”) created by wet cutting. We collect and containerize slurry and process it for safe disposal. Our crews will vacuum or pump slurry off-site so it can harden and be disposed of properly, keeping your site clean and compliant with environmental regulations (remember: By entrusting us with your project, you ensure every last bit of concrete waste, solid or liquid, is handled correctly.
Bottom line: Ohio Concrete will arrange the appropriate disposal method for your concrete so you don’t have to worry. Whether that means trucking to a landfill or delivering to a recycler, we’ve got the connections and know-how to do it right. And we always aim for the solution that’s best for you and the environment.
Concrete Recycling in Ohio: Good for Your Wallet & The Planet
Concrete recycling is a big part of our disposal approach. In Ohio, we’re fortunate to have several crushing plants and aggregate recycling yards around the state. Ohio Concrete coordinates with these facilities whenever possible. Our commitment to you is to dispose of your concrete in the greenest way feasible for your project’s circumstances. You get the peace of mind that you did your part to recycle, all without any extra hassle on your end. We handle the details.
Here’s how concrete recycling works and why it's beneficial both financially and environmentally.
How Concrete Gets Recycled
At specialized facilities, chunks of concrete are fed into powerful crushers that break the material down into smaller pieces. Magnets pull out any steel rebar or wire that was in the concrete. The remaining aggregate is sifted into various sizes. The end product is recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), essentially gravel of different grades. This RCA can then be used in place of natural stone aggregate in many applications.
Uses for Recycled Concrete
Recycled concrete from your old driveway or slab might end up as base material under a new road, as backfill for retaining walls, or as aggregate in new concrete (in some cases). It’s commonly used as road base, gravel for drainage, or under new concrete pours. Some innovative projects even use crushed concrete in landscaping or architectural concrete mixes. By recycling your concrete, you’re contributing to the circular reuse of materials.
Cost Benefits
Often, taking concrete to a recycler is cheaper than landfilling. Landfills charge tipping fees by weight (we’ll discuss costs soon), and heavy materials like concrete can rack up fees quickly. Recycling centers, on the other hand, might accept clean concrete for little to no cost since they can sell the aggregate. In some cases, recycling can save significant money on disposal fees. Ohio Concrete will always look for the most cost-effective disposal option for our customers. If we can recycle and save you money, we will. And if you’re a commercial contractor seeking LEED or sustainability points, recycling documentation can help with that, too.
Environmental Benefits
Every ton of concrete recycled is one less ton going into Ohio landfills. It also means less virgin stone has to be quarried for new construction needs. This conserves natural resources and reduces environmental impact. By recycling concrete, we reduce landfill volume, save energy and CO2 emissions associated with mining and transporting new rock, and keep construction waste out of illegal dump sites. It’s simply the responsible thing to do.
How Much Does Concrete Removal & Disposal Cost?
Cost is understandably a big concern for anyone with a chunk of concrete to get rid of. Concrete removal and disposal costs can vary widely depending on your situation. Ohio Concrete always provides transparent estimates up front, so you know what to expect. Let’s break down the factors that influence cost and give some ballpark figures.
Project Size & Volume
The larger the volume of concrete, the more it will cost to remove. However, larger jobs benefit from economies of scale (the cost per ton often goes down with volume). Most removal projects fall somewhere between a small patio and a large slab. Nationally, removing a 100 sq ft concrete patio (4” thick) might cost around $900-$1800, whereas a 1000 sq ft driveway could run $3,000–$9,000. This typically includes the disposal fees. Ohio Concrete will measure the amount of concrete (in square feet or cubic yards) to provide an accurate quote.
Thickness & Reinforcement
A thin, unreinforced slab is easier to break and lighter to haul than a thick reinforced footing. If your concrete has lots of rebar, it requires more labor to cut and higher effort to process (and some recyclers won’t take heavily reinforced chunks). Thicker slabs also simply weigh more per square foot. For example, a 4” slab is ~50 lbs/sq ft, while an 8” slab is ~100 lbs/sq ft – doubling the weight and likely increasing disposal cost. We account for this in our pricing. Extra-heavy or reinforced concrete might be on the higher end of the price range per square foot.
Accessibility
How easy is it for us to get equipment to the concrete and haul it out? If a site is tricky – say, a backyard patio with no truck access that requires carrying debris out by wheelbarrow – the labor and time increase, which can raise costs. Conversely, if we can back a truck right up to the slab and use a skid steer, the job goes faster and may cost less. Rural vs. urban location can also play a role; some cities have higher dump fees or permit requirements. We’ll assess your site conditions when quoting.
Disposal Fees
Part of the cost is simply the fee charged by disposal facilities (landfill or recycler) for the weight of concrete. In Ohio, landfill charges for construction debris might range roughly from $50 to $100 per ton, depending on the facility and region. If you hauled concrete yourself to a dump, you’d pay on average $32–$40 per ton in tipping fees, plus the cost of a truck rental or dump trailer. Our removal quotes typically include these fees, so you’re not caught off guard. By leveraging recycling and our hauling efficiency, we aim to minimize these costs for you.
Labor & Equipment
Our pricing will include the crew time and equipment usage. A straightforward removal that we can do in a couple of hours with one truckload will cost less than a complex demolition needing multiple days of work. Rest assured, we use the right-sized crew and machinery to be as efficient as possible. Also, because we own our equipment, you’re not paying extra rentals. It’s all built into a fair price.
Typical Ranges
All things considered, concrete removal, including disposal, tends to run about $3 – $8 per square foot for most projects. Simpler jobs (thin slab, easy access, large area) will be at the lower end; difficult jobs (thick reinforced concrete in tight spaces, small area) at the upper end or beyond. If quoting by weight, anticipate roughly $100 – $150 per ton of concrete removed as a starting point, which includes labor, transport, and disposal. For example, removing a 2-ton section of sidewalk might cost in the ballpark of $800, whereas a 20-ton driveway could be several thousand dollars.
We know cost is important, so Ohio Concrete provides free, no-obligation estimates. We’ll come evaluate your specific situation and give you a firm quote. No surprises, and no sticker shock. Plus, by hiring us, you avoid hidden DIY costs (like multiple dump fees, truck rentals, fuel, and lots of your own time). We also spare you potential fines that could arise from improper disposal if you tried to dump concrete yourself in the wrong place (more on regulations next!).
While concrete removal is a higher cost than some services, our professional services are often more affordable than you might think, especially when you factor in the efficiency and compliance we bring. The safety and back-saving convenience of letting us handle it is worth every penny for most homeowners and contractors.
Complying with Ohio’s Concrete Disposal Regulations
Disposing of concrete isn’t just a matter of convenience – it’s also a legal matter. Ohio has regulations to ensure that construction debris (including concrete chunks, asphalt, masonry, etc.) is disposed of properly. When you work with Ohio Concrete, you can be confident we adhere to all state and local laws, protecting you from potential liability. Here are some key points about regulations and why they matter.
No Illegal Dumping
It may be tempting to dump broken concrete on an empty lot or in a nearby ditch, but illegal dumping of construction debris is a serious offense in Ohio. According to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3714, improper disposal of construction and demolition debris (CDD), which includes concrete, can be treated as a second-degree misdemeanor, with penalties up to $750 in fines and 90 days in jail per day of violation. In other words, dumping that pile of concrete on the side of a country road could cost you big time. Ohio Concrete eliminates this risk by taking your debris only to licensed facilities approved for C&D waste.
Licensed Facilities
Ohio law mandates that C&D materials must go to a licensed C&D landfill or transfer station (or be recycled at an appropriate facility), not to municipal solid waste landfills or random locations. We keep up-to-date on which landfills are authorized to take concrete and what their requirements are. By using our service, you ensure your concrete’s final destination is 100% compliant. We can provide documentation or weigh tickets if needed to prove proper disposal, which can be important for commercial jobs.
Clean Hard Fill Exemption
Ohio does have an allowance for something called “clean hard fill.” This refers to inert materials like concrete, asphalt, brick, or stone that are free of contaminants. Clean hard fill can legally be used to fill in low areas or changes in grade on your own property or someone else’s under certain conditions, but it’s not as simple as just burying it. You must notify the local health department with a “notice of intent to fill” seven days prior and ensure it’s not in a wetland or floodplain. For most people, this route is too complicated. Ohio Concrete can advise if your concrete could be reused as fill somewhere or if straightforward recycling/disposal is better. In most cases, sending it to a recycler is easier and more environmentally sound than trying to bury it as fill on site.
Environmental Protections
There are rules to prevent environmental contamination. For example, you cannot dispose of concrete slurry or washout water by dumping it on the ground or into storm drains – it’s illegal and can harm waterways. We follow best practices (such as using designated washout containers, allowing slurry to dry, and disposing of it properly) to stay within the law. We also ensure that if any of your concrete had hazardous coatings (lead-based paint, etc.), those are handled according to regulations.
Ohio EPA and Local Ordinances
On large jobs, there may be other requirements like obtaining a demolition permit, which includes a disposal plan, or adhering to Ohio EPA notifications (especially if any asbestos or other hazardous materials are attached to the concrete, like in old floor tiles or mastic). Our team is well-versed in these procedures. We’ll help guide compliance, for instance, by coordinating with Ohio EPA-approved facilities or providing waste manifests if required.
Hiring Ohio Concrete means your concrete will be disposed of by-the-book
We take the legal burden off you. You won’t have to worry about whether you’re allowed to dump something somewhere. We’ve done the homework. As a reputable Ohio contractor, we maintain a perfect record of lawful disposal, so you can trust that nothing will come back to haunt you after the job is done. We even protect you from inadvertent mistakes, like knowing that “concrete isn’t hazardous waste” (it’s not toxic and can be treated as regular C&D debris), but also knowing where the line is (for example, concrete with certain coatings might be hazardous).
Staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about doing the right thing for our communities and environment. Ohio Concrete has been doing this for decades, and we take that responsibility seriously. When we say “we’ll handle the disposal,” it means it’s done right, every time.
Frequently Asked Questions: Concrete Disposal
We’ve covered a lot about concrete removal and hauling, but you may still have specific questions. Below are answers to some common FAQs on concrete disposal:
Q: Where can I dump concrete legally if I do it myself?
A: In Ohio, your options are to take it to a licensed C&D landfill or a recycling facility. You can’t just dump it on private or public land without permission. Many counties have specific drop-off sites for construction debris. However, be prepared: hauling concrete yourself means you’ll likely make multiple trips (because of weight limits) and pay disposal fees each time. This is why many people choose a service like Ohio Concrete or rent a concrete dumpster. We handle it in one go and include all disposal in one price.
Q: Can broken concrete be recycled into new concrete?
A: Yes! Concrete is very commonly recycled. Your broken slabs can be crushed into aggregate and used as base for roads, driveways, or even as aggregate in new concrete mixes. Virtually all clean chunks of concrete can be recycled. Ohio Concrete works with recycling plants to give your old concrete a second life whenever possible. It’s both eco-friendly and often cost-efficient for you.
Q: How much does it cost to remove and dispose of concrete?
A: The cost depends on the amount, accessibility, and difficulty, but generally ranges from about $2 to $7 per square foot of concrete removed for typical projects. This price usually includes disposal fees. For example, a 10’ x 10’ (100 sq ft) patio might cost a few hundred dollars, whereas a large driveway or floor could be a few thousand. If measuring by weight, budget roughly $100+ per ton of concrete. Keep in mind, if you rent a dumpster alone, you might pay $300–$800 for the bin plus do all the work yourself. Ohio Concrete will provide a firm quote so you know your cost upfront, and we handle everything turnkey.
Q: Does Ohio Concrete handle the disposal for me?
A: Yes – full service means we break it, haul it, and dump it so you don’t have to lift a finger. When you hire us for concrete removal or cutting projects, disposal is always part of the package. We will load the debris, truck it away, and make sure it gets to the proper facility (landfill or recycler). We even take care of concrete slurry and dust. You get a cleared site without worrying about where to take the waste. It’s all-in-one convenience.
Q: What about asphalt or other materials – can you haul those too?
A: Absolutely. We remove concrete and asphalt (our heavy-duty equipment can handle both). Asphalt chunks are usually recyclable, just like concrete. We also handle related materials like bricks, stone, or masonry debris if they’re part of your concrete project. Just let us know what you have, and we’ll include it in our disposal plan. Our goal is to leave you with a clean site, whether it’s broken concrete, asphalt driveway pieces, or a mix of construction rubble.
Q: Is concrete classified as hazardous waste or any special category?
A: No, concrete is not hazardous waste. It’s considered regular construction debris. That means it can be disposed of in C&D landfills or recycled without special treatment. The only time you’d have hazardous waste concerns is if the concrete is contaminated with something (for instance, coated in lead-based paint or soaked in certain chemicals). In normal circumstances, you don’t have to worry about special handling for the concrete itself. Ohio Concrete will let you know if anything unusual comes up, but that’s rare.
Serving Ohio (and Neighbors) – Concrete Disposal in Your City
Ohio Concrete is proud to provide concrete removal, hauling, and disposal services across the state of Ohio and into our neighboring regions. With multiple offices and crews, we’re local to you and ready to respond quickly. Wherever you see an Ohio Concrete crew, you can expect reliable service and adherence to our high standards. We’re never far away with offices or team coverage in: Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Toledo, Findlay, Lima, Columbus, Mansfield, Central Ohio, Cincinnati, Dayton, and the out-of-state areas of Detroit, MI, and Charleston, WV. If you’re located near these hubs, chances are we’ve done work in your town or one nearby. Feel free to call your nearest Ohio Concrete office to discuss your concrete removal needs. Our local managers will be happy to help.
Northeast Ohio (Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown)
We have teams covering Greater Cleveland and Akron metro, as well as Canton, Youngstown, and surrounding communities. Whether it’s urban work in Cleveland or a suburban driveway in Akron, we know the local disposal facilities and regulations. Our Cleveland/Akron area crew will ensure fast hauling of your concrete debris. From old warehouse slabs in Cleveland to porch stoops in Canton, we handle it all.
Northwest Ohio (Toledo, Findlay, Lima)
In the Toledo region (including Findlay, Lima, and environs), Ohio Concrete is the go-to specialist for concrete cutting and removal. We frequently tackle highway panels, industrial floor removals, and driveway tear-outs in this area. Our Northwest Ohio team will coordinate with local landfills/recyclers near Toledo to dump your concrete properly. We’re familiar with the rules at facilities like Erie County C&D Landfill and others commonly used in NW Ohio.
Central Ohio (Columbus, Mansfield, Central OH)
Our Columbus-based office has been serving Central Ohio since 1983. If you’re in Columbus, Mansfield, or anywhere in central regions of the state, we’re practically in your backyard. We remove concrete for many of Columbus’s contractors, businesses, and homeowners, from removing old sidewalks in Downtown Columbus to hauling away pool decks in Delaware County. Being centrally located, we can often offer very prompt service. We also cover smaller cities around Mansfield and general “Central Ohio” rural areas. Count on us for quick, compliant concrete disposal in the heart of Ohio.
Southwest Ohio (Cincinnati, Dayton)
Our crews extend into the Cincinnati and Dayton metro areas, bringing our expertise down south. Planning a demolition in Cincinnati or cutting a slab in Dayton? We’ve got you covered for the debris removal. We navigate the local disposal sites (like Butler County C&D Landfill or recycling yards near Cincinnati). Because we serve the entire state, you get the same quality service in SW Ohio as we deliver up north. No pile of broken concrete is too much for us – we’ll haul it out of your way.
Beyond Ohio (Detroit, MI, and Charleston, WV)
Beyond Ohio (Detroit, MI, and Charleston, WV): Ohio Concrete even stretches beyond state lines for certain services. We have a sister company in Michigan and operations reaching into West Virginia. If you’re in Detroit, MI, or Charleston, WV, and found our site, good news – we can assist you too! In fact, we’ve taken on large removal jobs in Detroit (including heavy concrete removal at the University of Michigan Medical Center, where we pulled out over 1.2 million pounds of concrete using our electric equipment). For Detroit and Charleston projects, we coordinate closely with local partners to ensure disposal is handled according to Michigan or West Virginia regulations. You get the advantage of our experience across state borders.
Featured Project: Concrete Removal 129' Tall Smoke Stack
Location: The Breakers Hotel, West Palm Beach, Florida
Our sister-company, ABC Concrete Cutting Inc. was contracted by The Weitz Company to remove a smoke stack which was part of the original construction of the Breakers Hotel built in 1929 when the boilers were powered by coal.
The smoke stack structure was 129’ tall, 16’ at the base and 10’ at the top, and was made of concrete and brick.
The demolition project took a little less than two months to complete while in the midst of hurricane season.
A wind meter was installed at the top of the scaffold to monitor wind strength. If winds reached above 50 miles an hour the project was shut down. If they reached over 80 miles an hour the scaffold would have to be disassembled....fortunately, the winds never got above 50 miles per hour during the operation.
The steel bands were the tricky part! ABC Concrete Cutting installed ratchet straps above and below each steel band prior to cutting them, not knowing whether or not the wall would come apart and collapse the structure after cutting the bands. This was especially critical due to the fact an adjacent building was in use during the entire process.
Additional Project:
Concrete Stack Demolition and Removal
