How Much Does Concrete Removal Cost?

Concrete removal costs between $50 to $100 per square metre. Smaller jobs often have minimum fees, while larger projects can benefit from volume pricing. If you’re removing an old concrete driveway, demolition and disposal costs can make up a significant portion of your total spend.

This guide breaks down what affects pricing, the average cost per project type, and extra fees to plan for. We’ll also cover ways to reduce costs through smarter planning or partial removals when full demolition isn’t necessary.

Concrete removal pricing depends on a range of on-site and structural factors. From the volume of concrete being removed to how difficult it is to access, each detail plays a role in determining your final quote.

Here are the key factors that influence concrete removal cost:

Rates for concrete slab removal in Bayside range from $50 to $100 per m². Smaller jobs under 15m² often attract minimum charges due to fixed transport and equipment costs. Larger slabs over 50m² benefit from economies of scale, reducing the per-square-metre rate toward the lower end of the range.

Concrete mixed with steel mesh or reinforced with rebar takes longer to cut, break, and remove. Thicker slabs also increase cost due to added weight and labour. Plain concrete is the quickest and cheapest to demolish.

Any work needed before removal—like disconnecting services, removing debris, or clearing access—adds to labour and time. Cutting through concrete neatly (for partial removals) may also increase rates due to precision equipment and setup.

Curved paths, patterned edges, or integrated landscaping elements take longer to remove and require extra care. Slabs with decorative finishes or multiple surface levels increase the labour and machine time required.

Tight or restricted access may require smaller machines or manual demolition methods. This slows down the job and raises labour costs. Easy-to-reach driveways or open slabs cost less due to faster removal times.

In some councils, especially for footpaths, kerbs, or crossovers, a permit may be required before removal. Permit costs vary but generally fall between $120 and $300 in Melbourne suburbs. Always check with your local council before starting.

The cost of concrete removal also varies by the type of slab or area being demolished. Driveways and pathways differ in thickness, reinforcement, and location.

Here are the typical costs based on project type:

Driveway removal typically costs $50 to $100 per m². Expect rates at the higher end for thicker or reinforced slabs. Decorative driveways or those with exposed aggregate may take more time to remove.

Looking at upgrading after removal? Learn about the concrete slab cost for replacement work and planning your new surface.

Standard concrete pathways and outdoor slabs usually cost between $60 to $90 per m², depending on size, thickness, and reinforcement. Plain slabs are quicker and cheaper to remove than those with patterned finishes or curves.

Garage slabs often have added reinforcement and thicker concrete, especially to support vehicles. Removal costs typically range from $70 to $110 per m², with larger sheds attracting better unit pricing due to volume.

Pool surround removal may involve complex edging, curves, and tight access, pushing rates higher. Pricing generally ranges from $80 to $120 per m², which depends on the layout and accessibility.

Beyond square metre pricing, several extras can influence your final cost. These include disposal, labour, and the need for specialist equipment.

The following are the most common additional costs to factor into your budget:

Disposal costs in Bayside range from $250 to $550 per load of concrete waste. This covers tipping fees of $50 to $110 per tonne, based on clean rubble rates at approved facilities. A standard truckload holds around 4 to 5 tonnes, and full-service quotes typically include both haulage and disposal.

The value of included equipment use ranges from $600 to $1,000 per day in Bayside. This covers a mix of tools such as a mini excavator (valued at $300), heavy-duty jackhammers ($150 to $200), and a petrol demolition saw ($130 to $150). These figures reflect embedded costs in full-service pricing and not additional charges.

Cleanup costs range from $100 to $1,000, depending on slab size and debris volume. Most full-service slab removals include basic site clearing valued between $100 and $300. More extensive debris loads or larger areas may push the included cleanup value towards $600 to $1,000, especially if extra material sorting is required.

Labour costs for concrete removal in Melbourne range between $60 to $120 per hour, depending on the crew’s experience, job size, and access. Jobs requiring hand removal or confined space work will cost more.

There are ways to reduce total costs without cutting corners. Timing, scope, and contractor selection all play a role.

Here are the most effective ways to save on your concrete removal project:

If only part of the slab is damaged or outdated, removing a section instead of the entire area can reduce labour and equipment costs. Rates still range from $50 to $100 per m², but you’ll pay for less volume overall.

Combining slab removal with a new pour or upgrade, like replacing a driveway or footpath, can save on setup and equipment costs. Many contractors offer better rates for bundled services like excavation and repouring.

Local operators often offer more competitive pricing and lower call-out fees. They’re also more familiar with local permit requirements and disposal facilities, helping you avoid unexpected costs or delays.