Renovation junk removal is for homeowners clearing out the old before the new goes in: kitchen cabinets and countertops, bathroom vanities, tubs and toilets, carpet and flooring, and drywall from a basement development. Contractors managing site debris should see our construction debris removal page. This one is written for homeowners.
Common renovation junk
| Room | Typical items | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Cabinets, countertops, sink, old appliances, backsplash | Stone and tile counters are heavy |
| Bathroom | Vanity, toilet, tub or shower surround, tile, mirror | Cast-iron tubs are very heavy; toilets are accepted at Community Cleanups |
| Basement | Drywall, carpet and underlay, framing, old furniture | Clean drywall is cheaper to dispose of separately |
| Flooring | Carpet, laminate, hardwood, vinyl, tile | Bundle and bag to save truck space |
| Exterior | Old windows, doors, siding, deck boards | Glass and treated wood need care |
Renovation debris removal cost
Light, bulky reno junk such as cabinets, vanities, carpet and framing is usually priced by truck volume. Published Calgary rates we reviewed in October 2026 run about $149–$199 for a quarter load and $200–$300 for a half load. A typical bathroom gut often fits in a quarter to half load; a full kitchen tear-out may need more. Heavy debris like tile, stone, concrete and plaster is often priced by weight or with a heavy-material rate. These are market ranges; your hauler confirms your price. More detail is in the price guide.
Disposing of reno waste yourself
City of Calgary landfills accept renovation waste. Using 2026 residential rates, mixed debris is $113 per tonne (or $25 flat under 250 kg), while clean drywall and recyclable wood are $90 per tonne, so separating them saves money. Old toilets are also accepted at the City’s free Community Cleanup events, along with furniture and mattresses, on set dates from spring to early fall.
Bin or junk removal for your reno?
- Junk removal suits jobs where the demolition happens in a day or two, such as a bathroom gut or a kitchen tear-out. You pay once, the crew loads it, and your driveway stays clear.
- A bin suits long renovations where debris builds up over weeks, if you have the driveway space and are happy to load it yourself.
Reuse before you remove
Solid wood cabinets, working fixtures, doors and windows in good condition can often be donated. Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts many building materials and home-improvement items; check its current accepted-items list first. Donating reduces your load and keeps usable materials out of the landfill.
Safety notes
- Homes of older construction can have asbestos in drywall compound, plaster, vinyl flooring or insulation. If you are unsure, test before you demolish. Asbestos must be handled by a qualified abatement contractor, and junk haulers will not take it.
- Have plumbing and gas disconnected by qualified trades before fixtures and appliances are removed.
- Bag drywall dust and insulation so it does not spread during loading.
Renovation junk removal across Calgary and area
Requests are accepted from Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks and Chestermere. Finishing a basement? See our basement cleanout guide. Replacing appliances too? See appliance removal.
Frequently asked questions
How much does renovation debris removal cost?
Light, bulky reno debris (cabinets, vanities, flooring) is usually priced by truck volume: about $149–$300 for a quarter to half load on Calgary price lists we reviewed. Heavy debris such as tile and concrete is often priced by weight.
Can old toilets go to a Community Cleanup?
Yes. The City’s Community Cleanup events accept toilets, along with furniture and mattresses. They run on set dates between spring and early fall.
Should I use a bin or junk removal for a reno?
If the debris comes out in one or two days (a bathroom gut, a kitchen tear-out), one junk removal pickup is often simpler and cheaper. For a multi-week reno that generates debris every day, a bin may be better.