How Much Debris Does a Deck Actually Generate?
People consistently underestimate deck debris. A 400 sq ft pressure-treated deck — the kind you'd find on most Sioux Falls homes built in the 80s or 90s — generates roughly 3–5 tons of material when you factor in the decking boards, joists, posts, concrete footings, and hardware.
Our 20-yard dumpster includes 1 ton in the flat rate. Deck debris typically runs $45/ton over that. For a medium-sized deck, budget for 2–3 tons total — meaning most jobs land in the $405–$495 range all-in including the dumpster rental.
A fence-only removal is lighter. A 150-foot wood privacy fence usually comes in under 1 ton unless the posts have large concrete footings. Chain-link comes in even lighter.
Can You DIY a Deck Teardown?
Yes, and many Sioux Falls homeowners do it themselves over a long weekend. The work itself is straightforward: a reciprocating saw, a pry bar, a circular saw, and some help from a neighbor. What makes it manageable is having somewhere to put the debris as you go — which is where the dumpster earns its keep.
Without a dumpster, deck demolition turns into a slow, frustrating project. You fill the truck, make a run to the transfer station, come back, fill the truck again. A 400 sq ft deck might take four or five truck runs. A dumpster in your driveway means you work straight through without stopping.
What Goes in the Dumpster (and What Doesn't)
Deck and fence debris is mostly straightforward — lumber, nails, screws, hardware, concrete, and the occasional crumbling lattice or rotted post. All of that goes in the dumpster without any issues.
A few things to watch for:
- Old composite decking — goes in fine, just heavier than wood
- Stained or painted wood — fine in normal quantities
- Pressure-treated lumber — accepted in dumpsters (it's standard construction waste)
- Paint cans or stain containers left under the deck — these can't go in. Set them aside for hazardous waste disposal
Dumpster Placement for Deck Removal
For a deck teardown, you want the dumpster as close to the work as possible — ideally in the driveway nearest the back of the house, or on the street if your municipality allows it (most Sioux Falls neighborhoods do with a 48-hour notice to the city).
If the dumpster has to sit in the driveway and you're worried about the asphalt, let us know. We can place boards under the wheels to distribute the weight.
How Long Does a Deck Demo Take?
Two adults can tear down a 400 sq ft deck in about 8–10 hours. Add a few hours for hauling debris and cleaning up. Most homeowners do it over a Saturday and Sunday and are done by afternoon.
Our 24-hour Quick Drop at $315 works well if you've got enough help and you're moving fast. Our 3-day Project Pro at $345 is the better choice if you're working solo or fitting it around kids and other weekend obligations.
What About a New Deck Build Immediately After?
If you're pulling out the old deck to pour new footings and build fresh, the demo dumpster handles the old material, and you may want a second rental for the construction waste as the new build goes up (scrap lumber, packaging, etc.). We can coordinate a pickup and re-drop to keep things moving.
Ready to Book for Your Deck or Fence Project?
Order before 2 PM on any weekday and we'll have a dumpster in your driveway that same day. Available throughout Sioux Falls, Brandon, Tea, Harrisburg, and surrounding areas.