Concrete Dumpster Weight Guide
How much concrete weighs, what fits in a dumpster, and how to dispose of it.
Concrete Weight Reference
| Type | Weight / yd³ | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solid (cured) | ~4,050 lbs | Slabs, walls, foundations |
| Broken (loose chunks) | 3,500–4,000 lbs | Air gaps reduce density |
| Reinforced (rebar/mesh) | ~4,250 lbs | Steel adds 5–10% |
| Asphalt (for comparison) | ~3,960 lbs | Similar density |
Common Concrete Project Weights
| Project | Cubic Yards | Weight | Fits in 2 tons? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft sidewalk slab (4″) | ~1.23 | ~4,400 lbs | No — partial + overage |
| 10×20 ft single-car pad (4″) | ~2.5 | ~8,900 lbs | No — partial load + overage |
| 20×20 ft two-car driveway (4″) | ~5 | ~17,800 lbs | No — 2 pulls or recycler |
| Foundation wall section (10' × 8' × 8″) | ~2 | ~7,100 lbs | No — partial + overage |
Tips for Concrete Disposal
- Call a recycler first. Clean broken concrete (no rebar protruding, no trash) is often accepted free or at low cost by Indianapolis-area concrete recyclers.
- Keep concrete loads separate. Mixing concrete with general debris just wastes the included weight on lighter stuff.
- Load low and even. Heavy chunks at the bottom, light fill above the load line is fine but never above the rails.
- Tell us up front. When booking, mention "concrete load" so we can plan placement and pull weight.
Concrete Disposal FAQs
How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
Solid cured concrete weighs about 4,050 lbs per cubic yard (~2 tons). Broken-up concrete with air gaps weighs roughly 3,500–4,000 lbs per cubic yard depending on how tightly it's packed. Reinforced concrete (with rebar / wire mesh) is slightly heavier.
Can I put concrete in a 16-yard dumpster?
Yes, but a concrete-only load is always a partial load. The 2-ton (4,000 lb) included allowance fills with about 1 cubic yard — a small sidewalk section. We can take up to roughly 10 tons (~2.5 yd³) per pull at $0.06/lb above the included allowance, but you'll see a half-empty-looking dumpster at the rails.
Why can't I fill a dumpster with concrete?
Truck axle-weight limits. A 16-yard fully loaded with concrete would weigh roughly 50,000 lbs of debris plus the empty container — well over legal road weight. The volume limit is overridden by the weight limit, every time.
What's the cheapest way to dispose of broken concrete?
Two options: (1) a clean concrete-only load to a recycling yard (often free or low-cost — call ahead), or (2) a partial dumpster load with us. For driveways or small slabs, a partial 16-yard is simplest. For large pours, get a quote from Indianapolis-area concrete recyclers first.
How much driveway concrete is 2 tons?
Roughly 1 cubic yard. A 4-inch-thick driveway slab that's 6' × 8' (48 sq ft) is about 0.5 cubic yards — that's already at the included allowance. A standard 2-car driveway (~400 sq ft) is closer to 5 yd³, or 10 tons of broken concrete.
Can I mix concrete with other debris?
We accept clean mixed loads, but mixing dense materials with light ones eats your weight allowance fast. Best practice: do concrete in its own partial load, then schedule a second dumpster for the rest of the project.
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