Concrete Removal and Recycling in the Denver Metro Area

Concrete is among the heaviest and most common materials on a demolition site. Driveways, patios, slabs, footings and basement walls all have to go somewhere. In the Denver metro, a lot of clean concrete can be processed and reused rather than landfilled, which is better for the environment and can reduce disposal cost.

How concrete is removed

• Breaking: Excavators with hydraulic breakers or crushers fracture slabs and footings into manageable pieces.
• Saw cutting: For selective removal, such as cutting a trench through a slab, saw cutting gives clean edges and limits damage to the concrete you are keeping.
• Sorting: Rebar and mesh are separated from the concrete. Metal is typically recycled, and cleaner concrete is easier to process.
• Hauling: Broken concrete is loaded and trucked to a recycling facility or disposal site.

Recycling basics

Recycling facilities generally crush clean concrete into aggregate used for road base and other fill. Facilities set their own acceptance rules, often wanting concrete free of trash, soil and certain contaminants. Their requirements and fees vary, so a good contractor will check with the facility they plan to use.

What affects a concrete removal job

• Thickness and reinforcement of the concrete.
• Access for equipment and trucks, including alleys and tight yards.
• Whether buried utilities need to be located first through Colorado 811.
• Contamination, such as oil staining or mixed trash.
• Haul distance and facility fees.

Questions to ask a contractor

• Where will the concrete go, and can you provide weight tickets or recycling documentation?
• How will rebar and other metals be handled?
• Who is responsible for utility locates and any permits?
• What condition will the area be left in after removal?

Denver Demolition Co provides concrete removal and hauling for residential, commercial and development sites. Call (714) 333-0178 to talk through your project.