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A public resource guide

Free construction debris removal in Austin, TX

Remodeling debris needs a dumpster or hauler.

Roll-off dumpster filled with furniture and renovation debris Checked against Austin Resource Recovery

3

on-demand bulk collections per calendar year, scheduled online or through 3-1-1

3 piles

metal, tires, and everything else, in place by 5:30 a.m.

8

passenger tires per collection, rims removed

Every route for construction debris in Austin, checked in October 2026 against the city’s current rules and the drop-off sites named. The full Austin guide covers every other item.

Free construction debris removal in Austin

Here is how each route works in Austin, starting with the city program and ending with paid pickup.

Austin Resource Recovery on-demand bulk collection: construction debris

Not collected

Sheet glass, tile, construction carpet, and other remodeling debris are on ARR's not-accepted list. Use a roll-off dumpster or a private hauler. Nail-free lumber and doors are the exception and are accepted.

Why: Brush (separate service), cardboard, construction and remodeling debris including sheet glass, tile, and mirrors, carpet from construction, hazardous materials, household trash, tires still on rims, and vehicles, boats, and trailers.

Read the full Austin city services guide ›

Freemoval (free pickups through partner organizations)

Free

Freemoval funds free junk removal and cleanouts for households referred by trusted partner organizations, such as nonprofits, housing programs, and senior services. Families don’t apply directly. A partner submits the request and vouches for the need.

Status in Austin: Not yet available. Freemoval currently serves metro Atlanta and plans to expand nationwide.

How it works where it operates: One free pickup per household, covering construction debris, furniture, appliances, and bulk household items within standard LoadUp marketplace service. Funded by LoadUp customer round-ups and direct contributions, spent at standard LoadUp rates.

If you run a nonprofit or housing program in Austin: you can start the conversation now through the For partners page.

For partners ›

How Austin handles construction debris

Austin’s bulk system changed materially in January 2025, Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) moved from a predetermined biannual schedule to on-demand collection with up to 3 appointments per service type per calendar year. New on-demand household hazardous waste pickup launched the same day. This page walks through every option in order from free to paid, including the strict 5+ unit cutoff that excludes most apartment buildings.

The Austin rule for construction debris: Sheet glass, tile, construction carpet, and other remodeling debris are on ARR's not-accepted list. Use a roll-off dumpster or a private hauler. Nail-free lumber and doors are the exception and are accepted.

What the city will not take: Brush (separate service), cardboard, construction and remodeling debris including sheet glass, tile, and mirrors, carpet from construction, hazardous materials, household trash, tires still on rims, and vehicles, boats, and trailers.

How we checked this. The rules on this page were verified in October 2026 against: Austin Resource Recovery Administrative Rules (Chapter 15-6), on-demand bulk and brush guidelines, Austin American-Statesman summary of ARR's accepted and not-accepted bulk items (August 2026). Programs change; confirm fees and limits before you go.

Why construction debris are different from ordinary bulk. The homeowner versus contractor distinction matters. Cities that accept any C&D at the curb accept it only from residents doing their own work, in small amounts, usually bagged or bundled under 50 pounds. Contractor-generated debris is excluded everywhere and must be hauled by the contractor; make sure debris removal is in your contract.

Prep checklist before pickup day in Austin

  • In a pre-1980 house, test suspect materials for asbestos before demolition.
  • Remove cabinets, doors, and fixtures intact and schedule a ReStore pickup.
  • Sort concrete and brick, clean lumber, and metal into separate piles for cheaper or free outlets.
  • Bag drywall and plaster in small bags under 40 to 50 pounds; bundle lumber with nails removed.
  • Stage the remaining mixed debris in one accessible pile for a hauler, dumpster, or transfer station run.

Three mistakes that get construction debris left at the curb:

  • Don't put renovation debris out with bulk pickup unless your city explicitly allows small homeowner amounts. It will be skipped and often cited.
  • Don't demolish anything in a pre-1980 house without checking for asbestos. Floor tile, mastic, popcorn ceilings, and pipe wrap are common sources.
  • Don't tear out cabinets you could donate. Complete kitchens are picked up free by ReStores.

Most renovation debris will go through one of these paid channels. Match the volume to the option.

Self-haul to a transfer station

$30 to $100 per pickup load

Transfer stations charge by weight (commonly $60 to $120 per ton with a minimum) or by load. A pickup truck of mixed debris typically runs $30 to $100. Sort concrete and clean wood out for cheaper rates where offered.

Tarp the load; most jurisdictions fine uncovered debris.

Call about asbestos rules before hauling anything from a pre-1980 house.

LoadUp paid construction debris pickup

$80+

For households who need same-week service, exceed 3 annual ARR collections, or live in 5+ unit buildings (excluded from city pickup), LoadUp offers professional removal in Austin with upfront pricing. Independent loaders in the marketplace handle pickup, loading, and licensed disposal.

What’s included: Loading, hauling, and licensed disposal of your construction debris. No prep needed beyond pointing out what goes.

Pricing: Starts around $80 for a single item; full-truck pickups range from $300 to $600 depending on volume.

If you can pay for a pickup, your booking helps fund free pickups for someone else. Every paid LoadUp customer can opt in to round up at checkout, and 100% of round-ups go directly to Freemoval’s subsidized jobs.

Book construction debris pickup in Austin with LoadUp → Round-up option appears at checkout. Optional, opt-in only.

Construction debris rules in nearby cities

Rules change at city limits. If you are outside Austin proper, start with the guide for your own city:

NOT in bulk. Self-haul to landfill (3 free visits), private hauler, or dumpster rental.
NOT in twice-annual bulky. J.C. Elliott Collection Center (fees may apply) or private dumpster.
Not accepted in city bulk pickup. Free landfill self-haul (residents only). Larger amounts: dumpster rental ($300-$600), private hauler.
NOT accepted at CCS. Licensed C&D landfill, dumpster rental, or paid hauler required.
NOT in monthly bulk. Private hauler, dumpster rental, or licensed C&D landfill.
NOT in regular brush/bulky. Hinton Landfill (fees apply) or private dumpster rental.

Related guides: the complete Austin junk removal guide (every item type, city services, hazardous waste, and how to report dumping) and the national construction debris disposal guide with rules for all 117 cities we cover.

Other free removal guides for Austin: mattress, couch, refrigerator, washer and dryer, furniture, tv and electronics, dresser, bed frame and box spring.

Common questions about construction debris removal in Austin

Does Austin pick up construction debris for free?

No, apart from nail-free lumber and doors. Remodeling debris needs a dumpster or hauler.

How much does paid construction debris removal cost in Austin?

Through the LoadUp marketplace, a single construction debris pickup in Austin starts around $80 to $100 with upfront pricing, and full-truck loads run $300 to $600 depending on volume. For households who need same-week service, exceed 3 annual ARR collections, or live in 5+ unit buildings (excluded from city pickup), LoadUp offers professional removal in Austin with upfront pricing. Independent loaders in the marketplace handle pickup, loading, and licensed disposal.

Can I put construction debris out with bulk trash?

In most cities, no. Bulk programs exclude C&D. Some cities accept small quantities of homeowner-generated debris (bagged drywall, bundled lumber) under strict weight limits. Contractor debris is excluded everywhere. Check your city in the directory below.

How much does it cost to dump construction debris?

Transfer stations charge roughly $60 to $120 per ton with a minimum fee, so a pickup load runs $30 to $100. Bag dumpsters total $130 to $230. Roll-off dumpsters cost $300 to $600 for a week. Hauler pickup prices by volume from about $150.

What can I recycle from a renovation?

Clean concrete, brick, and asphalt (aggregate recyclers), clean lumber (wood grinders), scrap metal (free at yards), cardboard, and in some regions clean drywall and asphalt shingles. Intact cabinets, doors, windows, and fixtures are donations rather than recycling.

Will Habitat ReStore pick up kitchen cabinets?

Most ReStores pick up complete cabinet sets in good condition, along with doors, windows, appliances, and fixtures. Schedule before demolition and remove cabinets carefully with doors and drawers intact.

Is this Austin page maintained?

Yes. Freemoval maintains this page as a public resource alongside the full Austin guide. We update it when programs change rules, fees, or contact methods. Last updated October 2026. If you find outdated information, let us know.

Fund a free pickup in Austin

Help cover someone else’s haul.

Most LoadUp customers fund Freemoval pickups by rounding up at checkout. If you’re not booking a paid pickup yourself but want to help, you can contribute directly, pooled with other donations to fund subsidized pickups in Austin at standard market rates, the same rates LoadUp charges any paying customer.

Choose a custom amount→

Freemoval is a social impact program of LoadUp Technologies, LLC. Contributions are not tax-deductible. 100% of contributions fund pickups at standard market rates, the same rates LoadUp charges any paying customer. No separate fundraising overhead is deducted from donations.