Last updated April 2026
Concrete removal, disposal, and recycling options for homeowners and contractors in South Florida.
Quick Answer
Concrete cannot go in regular household trash in South Florida. Options include: hiring professional construction debris removal starting at $149, renting a dumpster ($300-$500 for a 10-yard roll-off), hauling to a concrete recycler (some are free), or calling Umuve for same-day concrete removal. Crushed concrete is recycled into road base, fill material, and new aggregate — reducing mining demand.
The fastest option — starting at $149 – $899.
Umuve removes concrete debris from patios, driveways, sidewalks, steps, pavers, and demolition projects. Broken concrete slabs, rebar, and block are all accepted. We transport to certified concrete recyclers where material is crushed into recycled aggregate. Pricing is volume-based — a small pile of broken patio concrete may be $149-$249; a full driveway removal is $399-$899. Same-day availability for most jobs.
Also see: Construction Debris service page — Available in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Davie
Free for South Florida residents — but requires advance scheduling.
Palm Beach County SWA does not accept concrete, bricks, or masonry as curbside bulk items. These are classified as construction and demolition (C&D) debris and must go to licensed C&D facilities. The SWA operates a C&D transfer station — call for current pricing and hours.
Broward County classifies concrete as C&D debris excluded from standard curbside pickup. The county operates C&D recycling facilities at several locations. Contractors and homeowners can drop off at licensed C&D processors like Republic Services C&D facilities in the county.
Miami-Dade County requires concrete to go to approved C&D disposal or recycling facilities. The county has licensed C&D processors in several locations. Some concrete recyclers in the area accept clean concrete (no rebar, no asphalt) for free as they can sell the processed aggregate.
Clean, broken concrete can be repurposed on-site or given away. In South Florida's gardening community, broken concrete chunks (urbanite) are used to build retaining walls, raised beds, and decorative borders without mortar. Post on Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor — "free broken concrete, you haul" often gets takers. Landscapers sometimes take free concrete for fill. Large pavers in good condition can be sold for $0.50-$3 each depending on type and condition.
For small quantities, renting a truck and hauling to a concrete recycler is cost-effective. Many South Florida concrete recyclers accept clean concrete (no wood, no drywall mixed in) for free or low cost ($10-$30/ton) because they resell the crushed product. Home Depot and Lowe's rent trucks by the hour for DIY hauls. For larger volumes, a 10-yard roll-off dumpster ($300-$500 for 3-5 days) from Republic Services or WM is the standard contractor option. Note: concrete is heavy — a 10-yard dumpster filled with concrete can exceed weight limits. Most haulers charge $60-$80 per ton over the included weight.
Compare all options side by side.
| Option | Cost | Timeline | Your Effort | Eco Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umuve Professional Removal | $149 – $899 | Same day | Zero | Recycled into aggregate |
| Concrete Recycler Drop-Off (clean concrete) | Free – $30/ton | Same day | You haul | Excellent |
| Roll-Off Dumpster (10 yd) | $300 – $500 | 3–5 day rental | You load | C&D recycler |
| Repurpose On-Site (urbanite) | Free | Variable | Medium | Best |
Concrete production accounts for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions. Recycling existing concrete into crusher run, road base, and aggregate prevents the mining of virgin limestone and sand — important in South Florida where mining has significant environmental impacts on aquifer recharge zones. Recycled concrete aggregate performs comparably to virgin aggregate in most road base and fill applications. South Florida's construction industry is a large consumer of recycled concrete. Every ton of concrete recycled prevents approximately 900 kg of quarrying from impacting South Florida's sensitive aquifer recharge areas.
Concrete mixed with wood, drywall, or other debris cannot go to concrete-only recyclers. Mixed C&D debris is more expensive to dispose of. Keep concrete separate to access the cheapest and most eco-friendly disposal options.
Concrete weighs approximately 150 lbs per cubic foot. A 10x10 foot patio slab 4 inches thick weighs roughly 5,000 lbs. Most pickup trucks are rated for 1,500-2,000 lbs of payload. Overloading a truck is dangerous and illegal.
Standard dumpsters have weight limits (usually 4-6 tons) but capacity for much more concrete. Overage fees are steep. For pure concrete jobs, hire a company that specializes in heavy C&D debris with appropriate equipment.
Rebar-reinforced concrete requires a grinder or crusher that can handle the steel. Not all concrete recyclers accept reinforced concrete. Confirm the facility's requirements before hauling.
Yes, in most C&D roll-off dumpsters. However, concrete is very heavy and most dumpster companies have weight limits. A 10-yard dumpster filled with concrete will exceed most standard limits. Discuss weight limits and overage fees before renting.
Some concrete recyclers accept clean broken concrete (no mixed debris) for free because they resell the crushed material. Search for "concrete recycler" near your area and call to confirm free acceptance. Always confirm it must be clean concrete only.
Professional concrete removal starts at $149 for a small pile (under 1/2 yard) and runs up to $899 for a full driveway or large patio. Cost depends on volume and weight. DIY haul to a recycler costs $0-$60 if you have a capable truck.
Yes. Crushed concrete is used as road base, drainage fill, and aggregate in new concrete mixes. South Florida's construction industry uses large quantities of recycled concrete aggregate as a sustainable alternative to mined limestone.
Umuve removes the broken concrete debris after demolition. If you need the patio actually broken up (demolition), we can coordinate that service as well. Contact us for a custom quote on combined demolition and removal.
Hauling broken concrete typically does not require a permit. However, demolishing a concrete structure (patio, driveway, pool deck) may require a demolition permit from your city or county building department. Check before starting demo work.
Umuve serves all of South Florida with same-day pickup starting at $89. Licensed, insured, and 92% recycled or donated. No hidden fees.
SMS: (844) 435-6005 • Palm Beach, Broward & Miami-Dade