What counts as construction debris?
Construction debris, often written "C&D" or "construction and demolition waste," is the leftover material from building, remodeling or tearing something down. If it came out of a wall, floor, roof or bathroom during a project, it is probably C&D. Many landfills have a separate C&D area or charge a different rate for it.
Common examples
- Lumber, plywood and trim
- Drywall and plaster
- Roofing shingles
- Old cabinets, countertops and doors
- Toilets, sinks and tubs from a bathroom remodel
- Carpet, padding and vinyl flooring
- Windows and fencing
- Small amounts of brick, tile and concrete (some sites want these separate)
Usually not included
- Asbestos-containing materials (see asbestos)
- Paint, solvents, adhesives and other liquids
- Treated wood at some sites (ask first)
- Appliances and water heaters at some sites, which are scrapped separately
How to prepare your load
- Keep C&D separate from household trash. Mixed loads are often charged at the higher rate.
- Pull out clean concrete, brick and metal if the site recycles them. It can lower your bill.
- Remove nails sticking out of boards, or load them so they can't injure staff.
- If your home was built before about 1980, check for asbestos in flooring, siding or popcorn ceilings before tearing anything out.
What it usually costs
Usually charged by weight, sometimes at a different rate than household trash. Heavy loads like drywall and shingles add up fast. Some sites require contractors to have a commercial account while homeowners can pay at the gate.
Rules and prices vary by site. Check the page for the dump you plan to use, and call before you go.
Common questions
Does an old toilet count as construction debris?
Usually yes. Toilets, sinks and tubs from a remodel are typically treated as C&D. Some sites crush porcelain for road base, so ask whether it goes in a separate pile.
Can a homeowner drop off construction debris?
At most public sites, yes, for small remodel loads. Some sites limit how much a homeowner can bring or send large jobs to a dedicated C&D landfill.
Is drywall construction debris?
Yes. Drywall is one of the most common C&D materials. It is heavy, so expect it to weigh more than it looks.
Verified sites that accept construction debris
Sites we've checked against official sources. Always confirm before you go.
| Facility | Location |
|---|---|
| Coffee County Sanitary Landfill | Elba, AL |
| Magnolia Landfill | Summerdale, AL |
| Three Corners Landfill | Piedmont, AL |
| 27th Avenue Transfer Station | Phoenix, AZ |
| City of Phoenix North Gateway Transfer Station | Phoenix, AZ |
| Berkeley Transfer Station | Berkeley, CA |
| L & D Landfill Company | Sacramento, CA |
| Olinda Alpha SLF | Brea, CA |
| San Timoteo Solid Waste Disposal Site | Redlands, CA |
| Zanker Road (Nine Par) SLF | San Jose, CA |
| Manchester LF | Manchester, CT |
| Cherry Island Landfill | Wilmington, DE |
| Citrus County Central Landfill | Lecanto, FL |
| North Dade Landfill | Opa-Locka, FL |
| Orange County SLF | Orlando, FL |
| Cobb County Transfer Station | Marietta, GA |
| Pine Bluff Landfill | Ball Ground, GA |
| Seminole Road MSW Landfill | Ellenwood, GA |
| Central Maui Landfill | Puunene, HI |
| Keehi Transfer Station | Honolulu, HI |
| Liberty Landfill | Monticello, IN |
| Johnson County LF | Shawnee, KS |
| Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station | Lexington, KY |
| Louisville Metro Waste Reduction Center | Louisville, KY |
| Hatch Hill LF | Augusta, ME |