♻️ Module 5: Material Disposal, Recycling & Salvage
🚛 Estimating Debris Volume and Hauling Costs
Every demolition job generates debris that must be removed and disposed of. Estimating the right volume ensures you price the right number of containers, truckloads, or dumpsters.
- Calculate volume in cubic yards: use plan dimensions or conversion factors (e.g., 1,000 SF of drywall ≈ 15 CY)
- Account for debris density and type (concrete is heavier and may require special hauling)
- Include multiple hauls if limited staging space prevents full on-site accumulation
- Add fees for permits, tipping, tonnage, or fuel surcharges from hauling vendors
🧾 Quick Formula: (Area in SF × Thickness in ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
🗑 Dumpster Sizing and Pricing
Choosing the right dumpster size and number avoids costly overage fees or underestimates. Dumpster costs depend on volume, duration, and location.
- Common sizes: 10, 20, 30, and 40 CY containers
- Estimate the number of loads based on material weight and debris type
- Consider mixed debris vs. clean loads (e.g., metal-only for recycling)
- Call local providers for market-based pricing
📦 Tip: Ask about weight limits and rental period before selecting size.
⚖️ Volume vs. Weight-Based Disposal Fees
Disposal pricing is based on either volume (container size) or weight (tons dumped). Knowing how your vendor charges is essential to avoid over- or under-bidding.
- Light debris (carpet, drywall) may be priced per cubic yard
- Heavy debris (concrete, block) is often priced per ton
- Track past project weights for each material to build internal pricing data
- Some landfills charge both volume and weight—ask for clarification
📊 Estimator Note: Debris weight directly affects hauling cost, recycling potential, and landfill eligibility.
🔄 Identifying Recyclable Materials
Many demolition materials can be diverted from landfills and sold or donated. Estimators should track recyclable materials to reduce disposal fees and potentially generate income.
- Steel, copper, aluminum (often sold for scrap)
- Concrete and asphalt (can be crushed and reused as base material)
- Wood (reused for formwork, sold to reuse centers)
- Cardboard and carpet (can be recycled or donated)
♻️ Pro Tip: Document your recycling plan in the estimate—it may help win environmentally focused clients.
💰 Salvage Value Estimation and Resale
Valuable building components—doors, fixtures, cabinets, steel—can be resold if removed carefully. Salvage value helps reduce net cost.
- Include extra labor for gentle removal and protection
- Research local architectural salvage companies
- Track historical resale prices for high-value materials
- Credit resale proceeds against project costs or bill separately
💡 Bonus: Documenting salvage efforts can support LEED points or tax incentives.
🏭 Contracting with Recycling Facilities
Some cities require proof of recycling through third-party centers. Estimators must factor in vendor contracts, sorting fees, and documentation.
- Identify approved recycling centers in bid specifications
- Account for sorting or contamination penalties
- Include transport costs to recycling yard vs. landfill
- Request receipts for all diverted waste
📄 Required: Some public bids mandate a recycling plan and facility commitment in your proposal.