Most concreters in New Zealand will remove and dispose of old concrete as part of a replacement job, but it's rarely included automatically — it's usually quoted as a separate line item. Before work begins, it pays to have a clear conversation with your concreter about exactly what's covered so there are no surprises on the final invoice.
What Does Concrete Removal Actually Involve?
Breaking up and removing existing concrete — sometimes called demolition or break-out — is physically demanding work. Depending on the thickness and reinforcement of the slab, your concreter may use:
- A jackhammer or electric demolition hammer for smaller areas
- A bobcat with a hydraulic breaker for larger driveways or slabs
- Manual labour with sledgehammers for tight or confined spaces
Reinforced concrete (concrete with steel mesh or rebar inside) takes longer to break up because the steel must be cut and separated before the concrete rubble can be loaded. This adds time and cost, so let your concreter know upfront if you suspect your existing slab is reinforced.
Is Disposal Included in the Quote?
Not always. Here's how it typically works:
| Scenario | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Full replacement job (e.g. new driveway) | Removal and disposal often quoted as an add-on |
| Concreter-only engagement | You may need to arrange your own skip bin or disposal |
| Large commercial or civil job | Disposal almost always included in scope |
| Small patch or repair | Old material usually removed by hand and taken away |
Always ask your concreter to itemise removal and disposal separately in their quote. That way you can compare apples with apples when getting multiple quotes.
How Is Old Concrete Disposed of in NZ?
Concrete is classified as inert fill in New Zealand, which means it can often be recycled or reused rather than sent to landfill. Common disposal routes include:
- Transfer stations and recycling facilities — many regional councils accept clean concrete rubble for a fee
- Crushing and recycling — broken concrete can be crushed into aggregate and reused as road base or fill material
- Skip bin hire — your concreter may arrange this, or you can hire one yourself through local suppliers
- Landfill — a last resort, and usually the most expensive option
Check with your local council about accepted disposal methods in your area, as rules vary across regions. Some councils actively encourage concrete recycling to reduce landfill pressure.
What Will It Cost?
As a rough guide only, concrete removal and disposal is typically charged by the square metre or by the tonne, and costs vary significantly depending on:
- Thickness of the slab (a 100 mm driveway slab weighs roughly 240 kg per square metre (confirm with your concreter, as actual weight varies by mix and reinforcement))
- Whether it's reinforced (adds cutting and separation time)
- Access to the site (tight access means more manual labour)
- Distance to the nearest disposal facility
- Current landfill or recycling levies in your region
Get at least two or three quotes from local concreters so you have a realistic picture of costs in your area. You can find qualified concreters near you on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Can You Remove Old Concrete Yourself?
Homeowners can legally break up and remove their own concrete — there's no licensing restriction on this type of work. However, it's hard, heavy, and potentially hazardous work. A few things to keep in mind:
- Silica dust is released when concrete is broken or cut. Breathing in silica dust can cause serious lung disease (silicosis). Always wear an appropriate P2 respirator and eye protection. WorkSafe NZ has guidance on managing silica dust exposure.
- Reinforcing steel has sharp edges — wear heavy gloves and steel-capped boots.
- Weight — concrete rubble is extremely heavy. Don't overload a trailer or skip bin beyond its rated capacity.
- Underground services — before breaking up any concrete, check for buried pipes, cables, or drainage lines beneath the slab. Contact your local council or use a service locator.
If you do the break-out yourself, you'll still need to arrange disposal. Hiring a skip bin or making trips to a transfer station are the most common DIY options.
Do You Need a Building Consent?
Removing an existing concrete slab generally doesn't require a building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, but always confirm with your local council before starting work. If you're replacing a driveway crossing (the section between the road and your property boundary), you may also need approval from your local road controlling authority. Your concreter should be familiar with local requirements and can often advise you.
For new concrete work, MBIE Building Performance provides guidance on when consents are required.
When to Call a Professional
Hire a qualified concreter if:
- The slab is large, thick, or heavily reinforced
- You need machinery (bobcat, jackhammer) that you're not trained to operate safely
- The concrete is near underground services, retaining walls, or building foundations
- You want the new concrete work done to a professional standard that will last
A good concreter will assess the existing slab, advise on the best removal method, and handle disposal so you don't have to. Ask them specifically whether removal and disposal are included in their quote — and get it in writing.
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