Construction Waste

Demolition Debris Disposal: Best Practices for Jacksonville Projects

Web Wise TeamJanuary 2, 20257 min read

Demolition Debris Disposal

Demolition debris in Jacksonville requires a 15-yard ($325) or 20-yard dumpster ($375), depending on the project scope. Interior demo (gutting rooms, removing walls) typically fits in a 15-yard, while exterior demo (decks, sheds, structural teardown) needs a 20-yard or multiple containers. Heavy materials like concrete and brick must be separated from general debris to manage weight limits. Jacksonville requires a demolition permit for any structure over 120 square feet.

904 Dumpster has supported demolition projects across Northeast Florida since 2016, from single-room gut jobs to full structure teardowns. Here is how to handle debris disposal properly.

Types of Demolition Debris

Demolition projects generate a diverse mix of materials, each with different disposal requirements:

Heavy Materials

  • Concrete: Foundation pieces, sidewalks, driveways
  • Brick and block: Walls, chimneys, decorative features
  • Asphalt: Driveway and parking lot surfaces
  • Stone: Landscaping materials, countertops
  • Standard Debris

  • Wood: Framing, siding, trim, decking
  • Drywall: Interior walls and ceilings
  • Roofing: Shingles, underlayment, flashing
  • Flooring: Carpet, vinyl, tile, hardwood
  • Metals

  • Steel and iron: Structural elements, rebar
  • Copper: Plumbing, electrical wiring
  • Aluminum: Siding, gutters, window frames
  • Special Handling Required

  • Asbestos: Pre-1980 buildings may contain asbestos
  • Lead paint: Homes built before 1978
  • Treated lumber: Pressure-treated wood products
  • Dumpster Recommendations by Project

    Interior Demolition

    For gutting rooms or removing non-structural elements:

  • 15-yard dumpster: Sufficient for most single-room projects - $325
  • 20-yard dumpster: Multiple rooms or extensive drywall removal - $375
  • Exterior Demolition

    For decks, sheds, or outbuildings:

  • 15-yard dumpster: Small shed or single deck
  • 20-yard dumpster: Large decks, multiple structures
  • Full Structure Demolition

    For complete building demolition:

  • Multiple 20-yard dumpsters: Scheduled swap-outs
  • Heavy debris dumpster: Separate container for concrete/masonry
  • Consider 904 Dumpster's full demolition services
  • Not sure which size? Check our complete dumpster size guide for detailed comparisons.

    Working with Heavy Materials

    Concrete, brick, and other masonry require special consideration:

    Weight Limits

    Heavy materials can easily exceed dumpster weight limits:

  • Concrete weighs approximately 150 lbs per cubic foot
  • A small 10-yard dumpster loaded 1/4 full with concrete = 3,500+ lbs
  • Best Practices

  • 1.Request a "heavy debris" dumpster designed for masonry
  • 2.Keep heavy materials in a separate container from general debris
  • 3.Load heavy items on the bottom, distributed evenly
  • 4.Never exceed the fill line, regardless of weight
  • Cost Considerations

    Heavy material disposal often costs more per ton than general debris. Separating materials can reduce overall costs.

    Jacksonville Demolition Permits

    Before starting any demolition project in Jacksonville/Duval County:

    When Permits Are Required

  • Demolition of any structure over 120 square feet
  • Removal of load-bearing walls
  • Any work affecting utilities
  • Projects in historic districts
  • How to Obtain Permits

  • 1.Contact the City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division
  • 2.Submit demolition plans and permit application
  • 3.Schedule required inspections
  • 4.Display permit on site during work
  • Utility Disconnection

    Before demolition:

  • Contact JEA for electric and water disconnection
  • Notify gas company if applicable
  • Confirm all utilities are properly capped
  • Environmental Considerations

    Asbestos Testing

    Buildings constructed before 1980 may contain asbestos in:

  • Floor tiles and adhesives
  • Insulation
  • Roofing materials
  • Siding and shingles
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Requirement: Florida law requires asbestos testing before demolition of structures built before 1980.

    Lead Paint

    Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint:

  • Hire certified contractors for lead abatement
  • Follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rules
  • Proper disposal of lead-contaminated materials
  • Storm Water Protection

    Demolition sites must prevent sediment runoff:

  • Install silt fencing around the perimeter
  • Cover soil piles during rain
  • Sweep streets to prevent debris entering storm drains
  • Demolition Dumpster Size Guide

    Demo ProjectRecommended SizePriceNotes
    Single room gut15-Yard$325Drywall, cabinets, flooring
    Multi-room gut20-Yard$375More volume for lumber stacks
    Deck removal (250+ sq ft)15-Yard$325Pressure-treated wood accepted
    Shed or outbuilding20-Yard$375Handles structural lumber
    Full structure demoMultiple 20-Yard$375 eachSchedule swap-outs
    Concrete/masonry onlyConcrete DumpsterCallHeavy debris pricing

    Frequently Asked Questions

    For interior demolition (gutting one room), a 15-yard dumpster ($325) is typically sufficient. For exterior demolition (decks, sheds, multiple rooms), a 20-yard dumpster ($375) provides the volume needed for bulky structural debris. Full structure demolitions require multiple containers with scheduled swap-outs.

    Yes, Jacksonville/Duval County requires a demolition permit for any structure over 120 square feet or work affecting load-bearing walls or utilities. Contact the City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division for applications. See our Jacksonville dumpster permit guide for more details.

    Yes, but concrete and brick are extremely heavy (approximately 150 lbs per cubic foot). Keep heavy materials separate from general debris when possible, and be mindful of weight limits. For concrete-only loads like driveway or patio demolition, our concrete disposal dumpster offers appropriate weight allowances.

    Yes, our demolition services team handles commercial, residential, and interior demolition throughout Jacksonville. We manage the entire process, from permits to debris hauling. Call (904) 240-5598 for a free demolition estimate.

    Working with 904 Dumpster on Demolition Projects

    We support demolition projects throughout Jacksonville with flexible scheduling, heavy debris containers, full demolition services, and permit guidance.

    We serve all of Northeast Florida including Jacksonville Beach, Orange Park, St. Augustine, Fleming Island, and Green Cove Springs.

    Call (904) 240-5598 or book online to discuss your demolition project.

    Tags

    demolitiondebris disposalconstruction wastejacksonville permits

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