June 21, 2026
Concrete and Driveway Removal Cost in Wilmington
A clear guide to concrete and driveway removal cost in Wilmington, NC, including how square footage and disposal drive the price and how to get an exact number.
Breaking out an old driveway, patio, or slab is messy, heavy work, and concrete is one of the priciest materials to haul because of its weight. At Salty Fox Services we break up and remove concrete all over Wilmington and the Cape Fear region. We are veteran-owned, licensed, and insured, and we do the whole job. We knock it out, haul it off, and clean up the area so it is ready for new pavement, landscaping, or a fresh pour.
How concrete removal is priced
Concrete demolition is priced per square foot, which lines the cost up with the size of the slab. For most driveways, patios, and walkways, the work sits in the light selective range of $2.50 to $3.75 per square foot. Thicker or reinforced concrete takes more effort to break and haul, which pushes it toward the higher end of that range.
Because concrete is so heavy, disposal is a real part of the cost. For bigger jobs we often place a roll-off on site, and a 30 yard dumpster is $425 including up to 3 tons. Concrete hits that tonnage fast, so weight is something we always plan around.
Typical total ranges
Here is a realistic way to think about common concrete jobs in the Wilmington area.
- Small slab, patio, or short walkway (up to about 200 square feet): often $500 to $900
- Standard single driveway (roughly 400 to 600 square feet): often $1,200 to $2,500
- Large or double driveway with thick or reinforced concrete: $2,500 and up
These are honest estimates rather than fixed quotes, because thickness, rebar, and access all move the number.
What drives the price
A few things decide where a concrete job lands in the range.
Square footage. The size of the slab is the foundation of the price.
Thickness. A four inch residential slab is far quicker than a six or eight inch commercial pad.
Reinforcement. Rebar and wire mesh make concrete much harder to break and separate, which adds labor.
Weight and disposal. Concrete is dense, so hauling and dump tonnage are a meaningful share of the total.
Access. A driveway a machine can reach is fast. Backyard patios, narrow gates, and slabs near utilities call for more careful, hand-heavy work.
Extras. Removing rebar grids, footings, or pulling out an old foundation adds to the scope.
A note on weight
Concrete is one of the few materials where weight, not just volume, can drive the cost. A modest driveway can easily exceed several tons. That is why we plan disposal carefully and will always be upfront if a job is going to run heavy. No surprise tonnage charges show up later.
What is included
Our price covers breaking out the concrete, loading and hauling it, disposal, and clearing the area so it is ready for the next step. If you need extra labor for related work, our rates are $45 per hour for a technician and $57 per hour for a supervisor.
Get an exact number
Thickness and reinforcement are hard to guess from the curb, so the best move is to let us see the job. Use the estimate tool on saltyfoxservices.com to send the dimensions and a couple of photos, or call (910) 612-0397 for a straight answer. We serve Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Leland, Carolina Beach, and the surrounding eastern NC area, and we leave the site clean.
Common questions
How much does concrete removal cost in Wilmington?
Concrete removal is priced per square foot in the light selective range of $2.50 to $3.75. A standard single driveway often runs $1,200 to $2,500, while small patios and walkways may run $500 to $900. Because concrete is heavy, disposal matters too. Use the estimate tool on saltyfoxservices.com or call (910) 612-0397 for an exact figure.
Why is concrete more expensive to haul than other debris?
Concrete is dense, so weight (not just volume) drives the disposal cost. A modest driveway can run several tons, and a 30 yard dumpster includes up to 3 tons for $425. We plan the haul around tonnage and tell you up front if a job will run heavy, with no surprise charges later.
Do you remove rebar and old foundations too?
Yes. We can break out reinforced slabs, pull rebar and wire mesh, and remove footings or old foundations. Reinforced concrete takes more labor to break and separate, so it sits toward the higher end of the range. We will spell that out in your estimate before any work starts.
