Dumpster Size for Asphalt Removal: Weight Comes First
Choosing a dumpster size for asphalt removal is really a weight question. Broken asphalt is dense, so a container can hit its weight allowance long before it looks full. Estimate the tons you are tearing out first, then talk to the hauler about which container and weight limit fit, or whether hauling straight to an asphalt recycler makes more sense.
Asphalt tonnage calculator →Estimate the weight of your old asphalt
Use the same math as ordering new asphalt: area × thickness (inches ÷ 12) × about 145 pounds per cubic foot, then ÷ 2,000 for tons. Old pavement varies, and if you are also removing the stone base, that adds a lot more weight.
| Driveway | 2 in thick | 3 in thick |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 40 ft (400 ft²) | ~4.8 tons | ~7.3 tons |
| 20 × 24 ft (480 ft²) | ~5.8 tons | ~8.7 tons |
| 12 × 60 ft (720 ft²) | ~8.7 tons | ~13.1 tons |
| 20 × 40 ft (800 ft²) | ~9.7 tons | ~14.5 tons |
Not sure how thick it is? Check an edge or core a small hole; how to probe asphalt thickness shows how. Many older driveways have been overlaid and are thicker than expected.
Why yards are the wrong starting point
Broken chunks take up more space than the solid pavement did because of the gaps between pieces, but the weight does not change. Ten tons of asphalt might fill only part of a large container while exceeding its weight allowance several times over. That is why many haulers steer heavy debris such as asphalt, concrete, brick and dirt into smaller containers, ask you not to fill past a line, or offer special pricing for clean, single-material loads. Rules vary by company, so ask before you book.
Questions to ask the dumpster company
- Which container sizes do you allow for asphalt or heavy debris?
- What weight is included, and what is the charge per ton over?
- Is there a fill line or a rule about mixing asphalt with other trash?
- Do you have a clean asphalt or clean concrete rate that goes to a recycler?
- Where can the container sit without damaging the driveway? See dumpster damage to an asphalt driveway and plywood sheets to protect asphalt.
Recycling instead of landfilling
Asphalt is one of the most recycled construction materials. Old pavement is commonly crushed into recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) that goes back into new hot mix or becomes millings for driveways; see RAP in new hot mix and what asphalt millings are. Some asphalt plants and recyclers accept clean broken asphalt, sometimes for less than a landfill charges. Keep it free of dirt, wood and trash so it qualifies. Dumpmapper's guide to disposing of asphalt chunks covers where small loads can go.
Splitting the job
For a large tear-out, two smaller containers swapped out, or direct hauling in dump trucks, can cost less than overweight fees. Your paving contractor may include removal and hauling in the bid; see asphalt removal cost and removing an old asphalt driveway.
Questions people ask
What size dumpster do I need for asphalt?
Start with the weight, not the size. Many haulers put heavy debris like asphalt in smaller containers with fill lines. Estimate tons from area and thickness and ask the hauler what fits their limits.
How much does old asphalt weigh?
About 145 pounds per cubic foot is a common planning figure. A 20 by 24 foot driveway 3 inches thick is roughly 8.7 tons.
Can I put asphalt in a regular dumpster?
Some companies allow it with weight limits or special rules; others want clean asphalt in a dedicated container. Mixing it with household trash can raise disposal costs.
Can old asphalt be recycled?
Yes. Clean broken asphalt is commonly recycled into new hot mix or crushed into millings. Ask local asphalt plants and recyclers whether they accept it.
Related guides
- Asphalt removal cost
- Remove an old asphalt driveway
- Asphalt weight per cubic yard
- Crushed asphalt vs crushed concrete
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