Demolition Debris Weight and Haul-Away Cost Calculator
Estimate the total weight of demolition debris and haul-away cost based on your project's square footage, material composition, and local disposal rates.
Formulas Used
1. Debris Volume (ft³)
Volume = Area (ft²) × Depth (ft)
Depth in inches is divided by 12 to convert to feet.
2. Debris Weight (lb)
Weight = Volume (ft³) × Material Density (lb/ft³) × Compaction Factor
3. Weight in Tons (short tons)
Tons = Weight (lb) ÷ 2,000
4. Truck Loads
Loads = ⌈ Tons ÷ Truck Capacity (tons/load) ⌉ (ceiling function)
5. Haul-Away Cost ($)
Haul Cost = Tons × Haul-Away Rate ($/ton)
6. Landfill / Dump Fee ($)
Dump Cost = Tons × Dump Fee ($/ton)
7. Total Cost ($)
Total = Haul Cost + Dump Cost
8. Cost per Square Foot ($)
Cost/ft² = Total Cost ÷ Area (ft²)
Assumptions & References
- Material densities are industry-standard bulk densities: Concrete ≈ 150 lb/ft³, Brick/Masonry ≈ 100 lb/ft³, Wood/Framing ≈ 30 lb/ft³, Drywall/Plaster ≈ 50 lb/ft³, Mixed Debris ≈ 75 lb/ft³, Asphalt ≈ 140 lb/ft³, Soil/Fill ≈ 110 lb/ft³ (ASTM / EPA references).
- A short ton equals 2,000 lb, the standard unit used in U.S. waste hauling contracts.
- The compaction factor accounts for how tightly debris is packed in the truck or dumpster; loose debris uses 1.0×, heavily compacted uses up to 1.8×.
- Haul-away rates typically range from $50–$150 per ton depending on region, material, and contractor; landfill tipping fees range from $30–$100+ per ton (EPA, 2023).
- Truck capacity defaults to 10 tons, typical for a standard roll-off or dump truck; capacities range from 5–20 tons.
- This calculator provides estimates only. Actual costs vary by location, material contamination, recycling credits, and contractor pricing.
- Hazardous materials (asbestos, lead paint, etc.) require specialized disposal and are not included in these estimates.