How to Get Rid of Construction Debris After a Remodel

The remodel is done. Your kitchen has new countertops, the bathroom finally has that tile you wanted, and the living room looks completely different. But now you are staring at a mountain of drywall scraps, old cabinets, torn-out carpet, broken tile, and lumber cutoffs piled in your garage or driveway.

Construction debris is one of the heaviest and most voluminous waste streams a homeowner deals with. A single kitchen remodel can generate 1,000 to 3,000 pounds of waste material. Here is how to get rid of it efficiently in Oregon.

Option 1: Dumpster Rental

For remodels that generate debris over multiple days or weeks, a dumpster is the most practical solution. You place debris in the dumpster as the project progresses, and the rental company picks it up when you are done.

Dumpster Sizes for Remodel Projects

Dumpster Rental Tips

• Order before demolition day. Have the dumpster delivered the day before demo starts so you can load debris immediately.
• Watch weight limits. Concrete, tile, and roofing shingles are extremely heavy. A 10-yard dumpster filled with concrete can easily exceed the weight limit. Ask about weight allowances and overage charges.
• Know what is prohibited. Most dumpster companies do not allow hazardous materials, paint, batteries, or tires. Construction debris is generally fine, but confirm with the rental company.
• Check permit requirements. If the dumpster goes on the street in Portland, you need a Revocable Street Occupation Permit from PBOT. Eugene and Salem have similar requirements for street placement.

Option 2: Professional Junk Removal

If the remodel is finished and you have a pile of debris to deal with all at once, professional junk removal gets it done in a single visit. A crew loads everything into their truck and takes it to the appropriate disposal or recycling facility.

When Professional Removal Makes Sense

• The remodel is complete and all debris is piled in one area
• You do not have driveway space for a dumpster
• You are in an apartment, condo, or HOA-restricted community where dumpsters are not allowed
• You want materials sorted for recycling (metals separated from general waste)
• The debris includes heavy items like old cabinets, countertops, or bathtubs that you cannot lift

For construction debris, expect to pay $300 to $500 for a half-truck load and $500 to $800+ for a full truck load. Construction waste typically costs 10 to 20 percent more than standard household junk because of the heavier weight and higher disposal fees at transfer stations.

Option 3: Self-Haul to a Transfer Station

If you have a truck or trailer, hauling construction debris yourself is the lowest-cost option. Oregon transfer stations along the I-5 corridor accept construction waste:

• Metro transfer stations (Portland area) — Accept construction debris at standard tipping rates. Rates are based on weight, typically $100 to $120 per ton for mixed construction waste. Clean wood and metal can be dropped in designated recycling areas at lower rates.
• Coffin Butte Landfill (Corvallis area) — Accepts construction debris. Fees based on weight.
• Glenwood Transfer Station (Springfield) — Serves Lane County. Lower rates than Portland metro for most materials.
• Marion County transfer stations (Salem area) — Accept construction waste with fees varying by material type.

Self-hauling makes sense for small amounts of debris or if you are making multiple trips over the course of a project. Factor in your time, gas, and potential vehicle damage from heavy or sharp materials.

Option 4: Have Your Contractor Handle It

If you hired a contractor for the remodel, debris removal should be part of the conversation before work begins:

• Included in the bid: Many contractors include debris removal in their project bid. The cost is built in, and they handle hauling as part of the job. Always confirm this in writing.
• Separate charge: Some contractors charge debris removal as a line item, typically $200 to $500 depending on project scope.
• Not included: Budget contractors sometimes leave debris removal to the homeowner. If the bid does not mention cleanup, ask.

Oregon contractor tip: Licensed Oregon contractors (CCB licensed) are required to dispose of waste properly. Ask your contractor where they take construction debris and verify they are not illegally dumping. This protects you from potential liability.

Recycling Construction Materials in Oregon

Not everything from a remodel needs to go to a landfill. Oregon has good options for recycling construction materials:

Materials That Can Be Recycled

• Metal: Steel studs, copper pipe, aluminum flashing, and other metals have significant scrap value. Separate these from general debris.
• Concrete and masonry: Can be crushed and reused as aggregate for road construction and landscaping. Some transfer stations have separate concrete recycling areas with lower fees.
• Clean wood: Untreated, unpainted wood can be recycled or used as biomass fuel. Metro transfer stations in Portland accept clean wood at reduced rates.
• Cardboard: Packaging from new materials generates a lot of cardboard. Flatten and recycle through curbside recycling or at a transfer station.
• Cabinets and fixtures: Usable cabinets, sinks, tubs, and fixtures can be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Portland or Eugene.

Materials That Cannot Be Easily Recycled

• Drywall: Some facilities accept clean drywall for recycling, but painted, contaminated, or mixed drywall typically goes to landfill.
• Carpet and carpet padding: Limited recycling options. Most goes to landfill.
• Vinyl flooring: Generally not recyclable through standard channels.
• Composite materials: Mixed-material products are difficult to recycle.

Oregon Construction Waste Regulations

• DEQ oversight: Oregon DEQ regulates construction and demolition waste disposal. Facilities accepting this waste must meet DEQ permitting requirements.
• Metro construction waste requirements: In the Portland Metro area, commercial construction projects must meet specific waste diversion goals. While this applies primarily to commercial projects, it reflects Oregon's commitment to reducing construction waste.
• Illegal dumping: Dumping construction debris on vacant lots, rural roads, or waterways is a criminal offense in Oregon. Fines and cleanup costs can be substantial.
• Burning prohibition: Burning construction waste is prohibited throughout Oregon's Willamette Valley due to air quality regulations. This includes burning lumber, drywall, and other materials.

Hazardous Materials in Older Oregon Homes

If your remodel involves a home built before 1978, be aware of potential hazardous materials:

• Lead paint: Common in homes built before 1978. Oregon DEQ and EPA require certified lead-safe work practices for renovation of pre-1978 homes. Lead-contaminated debris must be disposed of separately.
• Asbestos: Found in floor tiles, pipe insulation, textured ceilings, and siding in homes built before 1980. Oregon DEQ requires asbestos testing before demolition or renovation of older homes. Licensed asbestos abatement contractors must handle removal.
• Vermiculite insulation: Some vermiculite insulation contains asbestos (notably the Libby, Montana Zonolite brand). If your attic has vermiculite insulation, have it tested before disturbing it.

Important: Hazardous material disposal costs significantly more than standard construction debris. Factor testing and potential abatement into your remodel budget for older Oregon homes.

Cost Comparison: Construction Debris Disposal in Oregon