How to Dispose of Rocks in Texas

When you have leftover rocks or gravel from a project in your yard or purchased a new home with an existing rock garden that does not fit your style, you may be wondering how to dispose of rocks. You might have considered leaving them on the curb, but that could result in a hefty fine from your municipality. So, what is the best way to get rid of rocks?

With careful consideration, you can find a way to dispose of your rocks that is both legal and eco-friendly. Here are some tips on how to dispose of rocks that will help you get started.

1. Rent a Roll Off Dumpster

This type of dumpster can be used for construction projects but can also be used for getting rid of rocks and other materials. Frontier Waste Solutions provides dumpster delivery to your home and picks it up when you have finished loading materials into it.

To schedule a dumpster rental, request a quote using the button below and we’ll set up a convenient delivery and pickup time.

Every dumpster has a weight limit for the materials you can haul in their dumpsters. Yard waste dumpsters can range from 20-yard to 40-yard dumpsters. To dispose of rocks under the weight limit we only use the 20-yard option, the same one we use for our concrete dumpsters.

PROS:

• You receive the cost before the dumpster is delivered.
• They have flexible rental terms.
• Frontier takes care of the rock disposal.
• You don’t have to be physically available for delivery or pickup
• We guarantee that the rocks will be disposed of properly.

CONS:

• You have to load the dumpster yourself.
• You are limited to the amount of weight you can put in the dumpster.
• It is only suitable for bulk disposal.

2. Check Freecycle, Craigslist, and Other Classifieds

Contractors and landscapers have a use for rocks, and you may be able to find someone willing to take them off your hands for free. They repurpose rocks for their projects or use them to fill problem areas on a job site.

To find someone who can take your rocks, check local classifieds, such as Freecycle, Craigslist, and Nextdoor. You can also check with local landscaping companies and contractors to see if they are interested in taking the rocks off your hands or creating your listing to attract someone who can use them for DIY projects.

PROS:

• You can find someone who will take the rocks for free.
• You don’t have to pay to dispose of the rocks.
• Provides rocks and gravel recycling solution.

CONS:

• You may have to research and make an effort to find someone who needs the rocks.
• The rocks may not be disposed of properly if you give them to someone who is not experienced.
• Not suitable for a bulk amount of rocks

3. Get rid of the rocks yourself 

You can dispose of the rocks on your own by taking them to the local landfill or dump. Depending on the size of the load you have, you can dispose of them at the nearest dump facility or landfill in your town or city. You only need access to a truck or trailer large enough to haul the rocks.

Before dumping the rocks, check with the facility to see if there are any restrictions or fees for disposing of them. Some landfills only accept certain types of materials and have a fee for dumping them, while others do not charge a fee. 

Though a few landfills may have free dump days sometimes in the year, most landfills charge by weight and number of trips you take when entering the dump. To find the nearest landfill or dump in your area, contact your municipality or check the website for your city or town.

PROS:

• You can work at your pace and time.
• You don’t have to pay dumpster rental or removal fees.
• It is a low-cost disposal option for a small amount of debris.

CONS:

• It is a physically demanding job.
• The nearest dumping site may be far from your location.
• You have to pay dumping fees.
• Not suitable for a large load of rocks.
• You have to make several trips if you have a lot of rocks.

4 Junk Removal company

If you don’t have the means to haul away the rocks on your own or don’t want to deal with the hassle of renting a dumpster, you can hire a junk removal company to do the work for you. Service fees vary greatly depending on the size of the load and where you live. 

The final quote is determined upon arrival and evaluation of the size of the removal. Most companies that offer junk removal services will also donate or recycle any items that can be reused instead of putting them in a landfill.

Junk removal companies have their own trucks and will do all the heavy lifting for you. They will come to your home, load up the rocks, and haul them away to be disposed of properly. To find a reputable junk removal company in your area, search online or ask for recommendations from friends or family.

PROS:

• Heavy lifting is done for you.
• You don’t have to worry about disposal or recycling.
• Offers an all-inclusive quote upon surveying the site.
• It can be scheduled on a day that’s convenient for you.

CONS:

• It is an expensive option for large quantities of rocks.
• Price is subject to change after evaluation.
• Not all companies recycle or donate items.
• You have to be home when they come to remove the rocks.

5. Give them away to passers-by

You can always put a sign that says “free” by the side of the road or in a park with some rocks and see if anyone takes them. This is a good way to get rid of small amounts of rocks, but you may not have much luck if you have a large amount. Ensure the rocks are easily accessible to anyone interested if you are not always available during the pickup time.

PROS:

• It’s free to give away.
• Very little or no work is involved.
• It’s a good disposal option to get rid of small amounts of rocks.

CONS:

• It is not a guarantee that someone will take the rocks.
• It is not an ideal disposal option to leave the load in public places.
• Not suitable for bulk disposal.

Cost Comparison of Rock Disposal Options

The cost of disposing of rocks will vary depending on the method you choose and the size of a load of rocks you have. Disposal cost is measured by weight and trips to the landfill or dumping site.

Junk removal companies usually charge based on the volume of space your rocks occupy in their truck, which is known as the volume method. The average cost to hire a junk removal company is $275-$600 per trip and it can only hold up to 2 tons of rocks. This means that if you have more than 2 tons of rocks, you will have to pay for additional trips or find another disposal option.

Dumpster rental is typically charged by the number of days you keep the dumpster. Prices range between $329-$825 making dumpster rentals an average of $525. Most dumpsters can hold up to 10 tons of rocks. This disposal option is ideal for a large number of rocks but can be expensive if you only have a small amount.

The cost of dumping fees at the landfill or transfer station is typically $32-$50 per ton. This is a good option for those who have their means of transporting the rocks, such as a truck or trailer. 

Giving away rocks for free is the most cost-effective option, as you will not have to pay for anything. However, this method is not guaranteed to get rid of all your rocks, and you may have to put in some effort to find someone who wants them. This option is best for small to moderate amounts of rocks.

Options for Recycling Rocks

1. Use them for your DIY projects

You can repurpose rocks and gravel for your DIY projects around the house or yard. You can try a few different projects, such as using them as drainage rocks in planters, filling in gaps between pavers, or making a rock garden. Get creative and see what projects you can come up with that will make use of the rocks you have.

2. Check with your local landscape supplier

You can take your rocks to a landscape supplier or garden center, and they may be able to recycle them for you. If they are clean, free of debris, and in great condition, they can accept them and supply them to other customers. It never hurts to ask and see if they are interested in taking them off your hands.

3. Give them to a charitable organization

You can also donate your rocks to a local charitable organization, such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which may be able to use them for their construction projects. Contact the organization ahead of time to see if they are interested and what type of rocks they can accept.

Frequently Asked Questions