Construction Waste Calculator

EPA estimates that construction and demolition (C&D) waste averages 4.3 pounds per square foot for new residential construction and 20-50 pounds per square foot for demolition. A 2,000 sq ft new home generates approximately 8,600 lb (4.3 tons) of waste. A gut renovation of a 2,000 sq ft space may generate 40,000-100,000 lb. Major material categories: drywall, wood framing, concrete/masonry, roofing, and packaging.

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste disposal costs vary by location and material type. Landfill tipping fees typically range from $30-$80 per ton in most US markets. Dumpster rental for a 20-yard container averages $300-$600 for a week. Roll-off dumpster rental for a medium remodel averages $400-$800 total. Some materials (concrete, clean fill dirt, unpainted wood) may be recycled at lower cost or no cost at some facilities.

Construction and demolition waste has a density of approximately 300-500 lb per cubic yard (mixed C&D), 1,500-2,000 lb/cy for concrete, 200-400 lb/cy for wood framing waste, and 800-1,200 lb/cy for drywall. Mixed loose waste averages roughly 350-450 lb/cy in a roll-off container. 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. A standard 20-yard roll-off holds approximately 8,000-10,000 lb of mixed C&D waste.

Many C&D materials have established recycling markets: concrete and masonry (crushed for fill or road base), wood (chipping into mulch or biomass fuel), drywall/gypsum (recycled back into new drywall), metals (scrap dealers pay for steel, copper, aluminum), asphalt shingles (ground for road base or new shingles), and cardboard/paper (standard recycling). Separating materials at the source significantly increases the diversion rate from landfill.

The EPA reports that the C&D waste recycling rate in the United States was approximately 76% in 2018, the highest of any waste category. However, most recycled C&D waste is concrete from demolition. New construction waste typically has a lower diversion rate of 50-70% without specific waste management plans. LEED certification requires construction waste management plans targeting 75% diversion from landfill (MRc7).