Key Takeaways
Fence removal is one of the more accessible DIY demolition projects — most fences can be taken down with basic hand tools over a weekend.
The disposal method depends entirely on the fence material — wood, chain link, and vinyl each have different recycling and disposal paths.
Chain link fencing has real scrap value — steel posts and mesh can earn you $20 to $60+ at the scrap yard depending on the fence length.
Professional fence removal costs $3 to $8 per linear foot depending on material, post depth, and accessibility.
Check your property line before removing a shared fence — Oregon law considers boundary fences shared property between neighbors.
Before You Start: Property Lines and Neighbor Etiquette
Oregon fence law is worth understanding before you grab a crowbar. If a fence sits on or near a property boundary, it may be legally considered a shared fence. That means:
- You cannot remove it unilaterally without your neighbor's consent if it sits on the property line.
- If the fence is entirely on your property, you can remove it at will, but it is still courteous to notify your neighbor.
- Survey stakes or a property survey can confirm exactly where the fence sits relative to the boundary.
A quick conversation with your neighbor before starting avoids disputes and potential legal issues. If the fence is clearly yours and well inside your property line, proceed as you see fit.
Wood Fence Removal
Wood is the most common fencing material in Oregon, and also the most labor-intensive to remove.
Tools Needed
- Pry bar and crowbar
- Claw hammer or nail puller
- Reciprocating saw with demolition blade
- Post hole digger or shovel (for post removal)
- Work gloves and safety glasses
Step-by-Step Process
1. Remove the fence boards or pickets. Start at one end and work your way down. Pry boards off the rails using a crowbar. If nails are rusted and stubborn, cut them with a reciprocating saw rather than fighting them.
2. Remove the horizontal rails. With the pickets gone, the rails are exposed. Pry or cut them free from the posts.
3. Remove the posts. This is the hardest part. Wood fence posts are typically set 24 to 36 inches deep in concrete footings. Your options:
- Dig out the post and concrete — works but it is exhausting manual labor
- Rock the post back and forth to loosen it, then pull straight up with a helper
- Use a car jack method — clamp a 2x4 to the post, place a car jack under the 2x4, and jack the post out of the ground
- Cut the post flush with the ground and leave the footing buried (easiest option if you are not building a new fence in the same spot)
4. Sort the materials. Separate wood from concrete and hardware.
Wood Fence Disposal
- Untreated cedar or redwood: Can be recycled as wood waste, composted, or burned (check local regulations).
- Pressure-treated posts and rails: Cannot be burned. Take to a transfer station that accepts treated wood. See our guide on scrap wood disposal options.
- Metal hardware: Collect nails, screws, hinges, and brackets for scrap recycling.
- Concrete footings: Accepted at most Oregon transfer stations or concrete recyclers.
For more details on handling old fencing debris, check our article on removing old fencing materials.
Chain Link Fence Removal
Chain link is faster to remove than wood and has the added benefit of scrap metal value.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Remove the tension wire and ties. Cut or untwist the wire ties holding the mesh to the top rail and posts.
2. Remove the mesh fabric. Starting at one end, disconnect the mesh from the tension bar. Roll the mesh as you go — it is much easier to handle and transport when rolled.
3. Remove the top rail. Unscrew or cut the rail end fittings and pull the rail sections apart.
4. Remove the posts. Chain link posts are typically set in concrete, 24 to 30 inches deep. Same options as wood posts — dig out, jack out, or cut flush.
5. Remove gates and hardware. Hinges, latches, and gate frames are all scrap metal.
Chain Link Disposal
This is where chain link shines — it is almost entirely recyclable metal:
- Mesh: Galvanized steel, worth $0.05 to $0.10 per pound at scrap yards
- Posts and rails: Steel tubing, same scrap rate
- Total scrap value: A typical 100-foot chain link fence yields $20 to $60 at the scrap yard
- Where to go: Any Oregon scrap yard (Schnitzer Steel, Pacific Recycling, local yards)
Vinyl Fence Removal
Vinyl (PVC) fences are the easiest to remove but the hardest to dispose of responsibly.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Pop the pickets out. Most vinyl pickets slide up and out of the top and bottom rails. No tools required for this step.
2. Slide the rails out of the posts. Rails typically slot into brackets on the posts and lift out.
3. Remove the posts. Same process as other fencing — dig out or cut flush.
Vinyl Fence Disposal
- No curbside recycling — PVC fencing is not accepted in residential recycling bins.
- Limited recycling options — a few specialty PVC recyclers exist, but none are convenient for most Oregon homeowners.
- Landfill disposal — most vinyl fencing ends up at the transfer station. Rates are standard construction debris pricing.
- Reuse: If panels are in decent shape, list them on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Vinyl fencing retains its appearance and someone may want the panels for a shorter fence or garden enclosure.
Professional Fence Removal Costs
| Material | Cost per Linear Foot | 100-Foot Fence |
|---|---|---|
| Wood (standard height) | $3–$6 | $300–$600 |
| Chain link | $3–$5 | $300–$500 |
| Vinyl | $3–$5 | $300–$500 |
| Wood (tall privacy, deep posts) | $5–$8 | $500–$800 |
These prices include labor, post removal, and debris hauling. Get at least two quotes — pricing varies significantly between contractors.
A junk removal crew can handle fence removal and debris hauling in a single visit. This is especially practical when you are combining fence removal with other yard cleanup.
DIY vs. Professional: Which Makes Sense?
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Short fence (under 50 feet), easy access | DIY — save $200+ |
| Long fence (100+ feet) | Professional — saves a full weekend |
| Posts set in deep concrete | Professional — post removal is the hardest part |
| Fence on a slope or hillside | Professional — safety concerns |
| You own a truck for hauling | DIY — handle disposal yourself |
| Multiple fence types or shared boundary | Professional — they handle logistics and neighbor concerns |
The Bottom Line
Fence removal is one of the more straightforward demolition projects, but the debris adds up fast. A 100-foot wood fence generates a surprising amount of material. Know your material, plan your disposal route, and decide whether the savings of DIY are worth a weekend of hard labor.
If you would rather spend the weekend doing literally anything else, we understand.
Schedule your fence removal with Otesse and we will handle every board, post, and nail.
