Types of Concrete Removal We Handle in Sacramento
Concrete removal scope in Sacramento ranges from a single cracked driveway panel to full commercial slab demo and haul. We match equipment to the job — a 60-year-old residential slab and a 6-inch commercial pour require different approaches.
- Driveway removal — residential and commercial, asphalt-over-concrete common in older Sacramento
- Patio and pool deck removal — thick gunite pool decks common in Tahoe Park and Hollywood Park
- Sidewalk and approach panel removal
- Foundation and footing demolition
- Warehouse and commercial slab removal
- Curb and gutter section removal
- Staircase and retaining wall removal
Concrete Recycling in Sacramento — Cost Advantage
Clean broken concrete — no rebar, no asphalt overlay, no contamination — is accepted at Forward Recycling and Republic Services concrete yards in Sacramento. Recycling tipping fees are substantially lower than Kiefer Landfill rates for concrete. We separate and recycle when material qualifies.
- Forward Recycling and Republic Services accept clean broken concrete at lower tipping fees
- Rebar is separated and sold as scrap — reduces net haul cost
- Asphalt overlay on concrete changes disposal category — mixed materials cost more
- Kiefer Landfill (county-operated, south Sacramento) used for mixed demo debris
- Clean concrete recycling reduces project cost vs. full landfill haul
- We document disposal tickets for projects requiring environmental chain-of-custody
Sacramento Soil Conditions and Concrete Thickness
Sacramento Valley clay loam expands and contracts seasonally, which creates heaved and cracked slabs in older neighborhoods. Many Land Park and Curtis Park driveways have multiple pour layers — original 1920s–1940s concrete under a later overlay — which adds thickness and break-out time.
- Clay loam soils: heaving common in Land Park, Curtis Park, East Sacramento — slabs often uneven
- Multi-layer pours: older Sacramento driveways can be 6–10 inches thick with rebar
- Sandier alluvium near river corridors: easier breaking but more variable soil on backfill
- Post-removal compaction may be needed for new flatwork — clay soils require moisture-controlled compaction
Frequently asked questions
How much does concrete removal cost in Sacramento?
Residential slab removal runs $5–$12 per sq ft. A standard driveway (400–600 sq ft) comes to $2,000–$5,000 including hauling. Thick or reinforced slabs, access constraints, and rebar density all push cost higher. Clean concrete sent to recycling is less expensive to dispose of than landfill.
Do I need a permit to remove a concrete driveway in Sacramento?
Removing a driveway generally doesn't require a demolition permit in Sacramento. However, if you're removing a curb cut or making changes to the public right-of-way, a City of Sacramento encroachment permit is required. We can identify whether any permit applies during the estimate.
Can old Sacramento concrete be recycled instead of landfilled?
Yes. Clean broken concrete goes to Forward Recycling or Republic Services' concrete yards in Sacramento. Tipping fees are lower than Kiefer Landfill. The caveat is cleanliness — no asphalt overlay, excessive rebar, or contamination. We separate clean material where possible.
How long does driveway removal take in Sacramento?
A standard residential driveway (400–600 sq ft) typically takes 4–8 hours to break out and haul. Thicker or multi-layer pours in older Sacramento neighborhoods take longer. Most jobs complete in one day.