Debris Disposal / Recycling / Durham NC / Cost Savings

A Local's Guide to Construction Debris Disposal in Durham, NC

By Gorilla Materials Team •
A pile of concrete and brick debris ready for recycling at a disposal facility.

You’ve just finished a home renovation, a landscaping project, or a small demolition job. The hard work is done, but now you’re left with a pile of heavy, bulky debris—concrete chunks, old bricks, broken asphalt, or maybe a tree stump. What’s the next step?

For many in the Durham and Orange County area, the default answer is “take it to the dump.” But that’s often the most expensive and least environmentally friendly option. This guide will walk you through the choices for construction and demolition (C&D) debris disposal, helping you make the smartest decision for your wallet and the planet.

Option 1: The County Landfill

This is the traditional route. You load up your truck and haul your debris to the local landfill.

  • The Downside: Landfills charge “tipping fees” based on the weight of your load. Heavy materials like concrete and asphalt can result in a surprisingly high bill. Furthermore, everything you dump takes up valuable landfill space and is lost as a potential resource forever.

Option 2: Renting a Roll-Off Dumpster

For larger projects, renting a dumpster seems convenient. A company drops off a large container, you fill it, and they haul it away.

  • The Downside: Dumpster rentals can be costly, with fees for delivery, pickup, weight, and the rental period itself. More importantly, there are strict rules about what you can put in them. Mixing “clean” debris like concrete with other trash can lead to contamination fees or even rejection of the load.

Option 3: Recycling Your Debris (The Smart & Cost-Effective Choice)

There’s a much better way: bring your construction debris to a local recycling facility like Gorilla Materials. This isn’t just the most sustainable option; it’s often the most economical.

The Unbeatable Advantage of Recycling

Why is recycling the superior choice? The answer is simple: your “waste” is actually a valuable raw material.

  • Massive Cost Savings: At Gorilla Materials, we accept loads of clean, unmixed concrete, asphalt, and brick for FREE. That’s right—no charge. Compared to the hefty tipping fees at a landfill, the savings are immediate and substantial.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Instead of being buried, your old concrete is crushed and transformed into high-quality Recycled ABC Stone or #57 Stone. This recycled aggregate is then used to build new roads, foundations, and driveways right here in our community. You’re actively participating in a local, circular economy.
  • Local Convenience: Our facility is strategically located in Durham, making it an easy and quick trip for contractors and residents throughout the Triangle. Our yard is designed for efficient drop-offs, so you can get in, get out, and get back to your day.

What Construction Debris Can Be Recycled?

We accept a wide variety of materials from construction, demolition, and land-clearing projects. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can bring to our facility:

  • Clean Concrete: With or without rebar.
  • Asphalt: Chunks from old driveways, parking lots, or roads.
  • Brick & Block: Masonry materials like bricks and cinder blocks.
  • Stumps & Land Clearing Debris: We accept wood waste for a competitive fee.
  • Mixed Loads: Have a load with a mix of dirt, rock, and other debris? We can take that too for a set fee.

Make the Smart Choice for Your Debris

Before you automatically head to the landfill, consider the benefits of recycling. You’ll not only save a significant amount of money on disposal costs but also contribute to a more sustainable future for our community.

Ready to dispose of your debris the smart way?

View our complete Debris Drop-Off & Dumping Fee Schedule or get directions to our Durham facility to plan your visit. Our team is ready to help you make your next project cleaner and more cost-effective.