How to Dispose of Rocks & Gravel

Whether you’re starting a hardscaping project or looking to remove landscape rocks from your yard, you may be wondering how to dispose of the gravel and rocks you no longer need. To help simplify your cleanup, we’ve broken down the main options for rock and gravel removal so you can determine the best route for getting rid of your unwanted project materials and debris.

Renting a dumpster is an easy way to dispose of rocks and gravel. You can typically load a roll off dumpster with up to 10 tons of material, which makes for a much more efficient process than if you were to haul all of your rocks to the dump yourself. Since just one cubic yard of gravel can weigh up to 1.5 tons, hauling it away on your own would be extremely difficult.

To schedule your dumpster rental, call and set up a delivery time that works for you. Then, you can load the rocks or gravel at your own pace, and schedule your pickup online when you’re finished.

The classifieds are a great place to look for rock and gravel removal, as landscapers, contractors and DIYers can often repurpose your unwanted materials for new projects. Check the “Wanted” section to see if someone in your area is looking, or create your own listing. You can list your items for free if the buyer is willing to pick them up, and have someone else dispose of your rocks and gravel for you – a win-win situation.

If you’re wondering how to dispose of landscaping rocks for free without the effort of finding a buyer online, you can always try a “Free Landscaping Rocks” sign at the end of your driveway. If possible, make your rocks easily accessible for an interested passerby to haul them away if you’re not home. Otherwise, you should list your contact information on the sign so people can get in touch with you. If you’re part of a homeowners’ association, check that you are allowed to leave a sign and debris outside before going this route for rock and gravel removal.

Some junk removal companies will take heavy debris, such as rocks and concrete, though fees can vary greatly, and a set price cannot be determined until the truck arrives. The company will set up a delivery window and send out two team members who will estimate the rock removal cost. The final price will be determined by weight, and since one cubic yard of gravel weighs 1.5 tons, this method will require more labor and more trips to dump the rocks. If you have a large number of rocks and gravel to dispose of, it could get expensive, so using a junk removal service is usually best for a small amount of debris.

Finally, you could research where you can dump dirt and rocks near you. Depending on how many you have, you can likely dispose of rocks and gravel yourself at the nearest landfill. You will need to have plenty of time, assistance and a truck bed large enough to fit all of them. Some county landfills offer free dump days a few times a year, though if yours does not, your costs will increase with each trip you make. You will be charged for each load of rocks and you should also factor in the cost of fuel to make multiple trips. If you decide to dump rocks on your own, confirm beforehand that your local facility is open to the public and can accept your materials.

Your cost for rock and gravel removal depends on the amount of debris you’re getting rid of. The volume of debris will also determine which rock disposal option is the most cost-effective.

For instance, junk removal services who accept heavy debris often price disposal based on how many truckloads will be filled. With bedload pricing structures, you can only stack your materials about 1 – 1 ½ feet high in their 80-square-foot trucks, removing up to 2 tons of rocks at a time for about $600.

In contrast, a 10 yard dumpster rental can usually haul up to 10 tons of rocks and gravel at an average cost of $531. That means renting a dumpster is typically a more efficient option for disposing of landscaping rocks and gravel from larger projects.

Looking to put your old landscaping materials to good use? These are a few creative ways to recycle rocks and gravel:

If your rocks are clean and in good shape, you may be able to dispose of them through a local landscaper or landscaping supply store. Depending on the quantity and quality of your materials, this can be a great way to dispose of rocks for free and allow them to be recycled.

Nonprofit resale stores, such as Habitat for Humanity ReStores, accept donations and sell home improvement items, with the proceeds supporting the community. Find a ReStore near you and see if they can accept the rocks you’re looking to dispose of.

Finally, your own landscaping is a great place to recycle rocks. If you’re hoping to reuse your rocks and gravel, you can try a low-budget backyard project like a DIY firepit or a garden walkway.

Unsure where to dump rocks near you? You can dispose of rocks at any of the following locations:

You should not dispose of rocks at any of the following locations:

The best ways to recycle rocks is to sell or give them away to a landscaper or store that can find another use for them. See our gravel and rock recycling ideas above to find a free landscape rock removal option near you. If these options aren’t feasible, rocks and gravel can also be disposed of using a dumpster rental that accepts mixed heavy debris.

This depends on your local service options. Some areas can take mixed heavy waste, including rock, gravel, concrete, brick and other building materials, all in one container. In other places, there are dumpsters designated strictly for rocks and gravel only. However, certain kinds of waste are never allowed in roll off containers – be sure to keep these prohibited items out of your bin at all times.