How Much Does Concrete Weigh? A Guide to Dumpster Rentals for Heavy Debris

If you’re planning a project that involves breaking up a driveway, walkway, patio, or foundation, one of the first questions you’ll run into is: how much does concrete actually weigh? Or more specifically how much will it cost me to dispose of this concrete? The answer matters a lot — because dumpster rental costs are based on weight, not just size. In this guide, we’ll break down the average weight of concrete, how it affects your dumpster rental, and what you need to know to keep disposal costs under control.

Average Weight of Concrete per Cubic Yard

On average, concrete weighs about 1,855 pounds per cubic yard — nearly 1 ton. That number can vary depending on the size of the chunks and how it's loaded. For example: larger chunks = more "air gaps", meaning less total weight.

Note: that number comes directly from landfill statistics. See our materials weights page for details and more material weights.

Factors that affect concrete weight:

• Standard concrete: ~1,855 lbs/cu yd (most common estimate)
• Wet concrete: Heavier, since added water increases density, but note that you cannot load wet concrete in any traditional dumpster. For wet concrete you need a special type of dumpster called a "washout dumpster", and they are not commonly carried.
• Reinforced concrete (concrete with rebar in it): Can weight a little more - 2,400–2,500 lbs/cubic yd due to rebar or steel mixed in.
• Concrete with brick or dirt mixed in: Weight can shift depending on the mix, especially with brick because brick is much heavier than concrete.

Why does this matter? When you rent a dumpster, the total cost is tied directly to disposal weight. Even a “small” 10 yard dumpster can weigh 8–10 tons if it’s filled entirely with concrete, which is why overweight charges are common.

Why Concrete Weight Matters for Dumpster Rentals

Dumpster rental costs aren’t just about the size of the container — they’re based on how much the debris weighs. Since concrete is one of the heaviest materials you can throw away, it changes the rules compared to a standard junk or remodel cleanout.

Here’s why weight matters so much with concrete:

• Overweight charges are common – Most dumpster rentals include a set weight allowance (for example, 1 ton for a 10 or 12 yard). A full load of concrete can weigh 8–10 tons, far exceeding that allowance.
• Smaller dumpsters are required – In most service areas, concrete can only go in 10 or 12 yard dumpsters. Larger cans become too heavy to haul safely once filled.
• Special pricing applies – Because of the weight, disposal costs for concrete are often handled differently than general debris. In some areas, “Heavy Cans” (with a higher weight limit of 5 tons) help lower costs.
• Safety is a factor – Hauling an overloaded dumpster is unsafe and illegal. Limiting concrete to smaller dumpsters ensures trucks can lift and transport the load.

The bottom line: when it comes to concrete, weight is the #1 factor that determines both the size dumpster you’ll need and how much your project will cost.

Note: concrete disposal also provides an opportunity for lower disposal costs. If the concrete is "clean" (i.e. not contaminated with other mixed materials), it can often go to a recycle facility where excess weight charges don't apply. Read more about this on our concrete dumpster rental page.

Clean Concrete vs Mixed Loads

When it comes to disposal, not all concrete is treated the same. Many areas have recycling facilities that accept “clean concrete” — concrete that isn’t mixed with other debris. These facilities often do not charge tonnage fees, which can make disposal much cheaper than sending the load to a landfill.

What counts as clean concrete?

• Concrete only — no wood, drywall, trash, or general debris
• Minimal contamination (no paint, excessive dirt, or large amounts of rebar)
• Ultimately decided by the recycling facility at drop-off

What happens if it’s mixed?

• If concrete is mixed with other debris (like wood, junk, or household waste), the load must go to a landfill
• Landfills charge by weight, which means overweight fees will apply
• Mixing materials eliminates the chance of cheaper recycling rates

The bottom line: keep concrete separate if you can. Clean concrete can often be recycled for a fraction of the cost, while mixed debris almost always costs more to dispose of (depending on the total weight).

Managing Concrete Weight and Disposal Costs

At the end of the day, the biggest factor in concrete disposal is weight. A single cubic yard can weigh nearly a ton, which is why overweight fees are so common. Choosing the right size dumpster, keeping concrete separate from other debris, and understanding recycling rules can all make a big difference in what you pay.

If you’re planning a project with concrete removal, the best step is to talk with our team. We’ll walk you through local options, explain weight limits, and make sure you avoid costly mistakes. For more details, check out our Concrete Dumpster Rental page.