Should I expect the contractor to handle Vancouver disposal of old material?

Yes, reputable interlock contractors in Metro Vancouver should handle disposal of old concrete, asphalt, or existing pavers as part of their service — but this comes at an additional cost that should be clearly outlined in your quote.

Most professional hardscape contractors include removal and disposal in their project pricing when replacing existing driveways, patios, or walkways. However, disposal costs in Metro Vancouver are significant due to strict municipal waste regulations and limited disposal facilities, so contractors typically itemize this separately from the installation work.

Expect disposal costs of $2,000-$5,000 for a typical driveway removal (500-800 sq ft of concrete or asphalt), depending on thickness and access. Concrete disposal runs approximately $15-$25 per cubic yard at approved facilities, plus trucking costs. Asphalt disposal is slightly less expensive at $10-$18 per cubic yard. These costs reflect Metro Vancouver's environmental regulations and the distance to approved recycling facilities.

The contractor should handle all aspects of disposal including saw-cutting existing concrete to manageable sections, jackhammering or breaking up the material, loading it into trucks, and transporting it to approved recycling facilities. Most concrete and asphalt in Metro Vancouver gets recycled into aggregate for new construction projects. Contractors need proper equipment — jackhammers, concrete saws, skid steers, and dump trucks — plus disposal facility accounts and waste manifests.

Access challenges common in Vancouver neighbourhoods can significantly increase disposal costs. Properties with narrow side yards, rear-only access, or multiple stairs between the work area and street access require manual loading or smaller equipment, which increases labour time substantially. Some older Vancouver neighbourhoods have no direct truck access to backyards, requiring wheelbarrow transport of broken concrete — a labour-intensive process that can double disposal costs.

Always get disposal costs in writing before work begins. Reputable contractors will assess the existing material thickness, estimate tonnage, factor in access challenges, and provide a fixed price for removal and disposal. Avoid contractors who give vague estimates like "we'll handle disposal" without specific pricing — disposal overruns are a common source of project cost disputes.

Strata properties often have additional disposal restrictions requiring advance approval for truck access, specific disposal timing (no weekend work), and sometimes requiring contractors to use designated disposal companies. Check your strata bylaws and get alteration approval before scheduling removal work.

DIY disposal is not realistic for most homeowners. Concrete and asphalt disposal requires heavy equipment for breaking up the material, trucks capable of hauling multi-ton loads, and accounts with approved disposal facilities. The equipment rental, trucking, and disposal fees typically exceed what contractors charge, plus you assume liability for proper disposal and environmental compliance.

Need help finding an interlock contractor who handles complete removal and installation? Vancouver Interlock can match you with experienced professionals who provide transparent disposal pricing upfront.