Fence Removal and Disposal: What You Need to Know
Wood, chain-link, or vinyl — fence removal is straightforward if you know the tricks. Here's the cost, the process, and how to dispose of every type.
Fence Removal and Disposal: What You Need to Know
A 100-foot fence is a full weekend of work, a sore back, and a trip to the disposal site. It's also usually cheaper than you think — and mostly DIY-able.
Here's the complete guide for wood, chain-link, and vinyl fences.
Removal Cost by Type
| Fence Type | DIY Cost | Pro Cost (per linear foot) |
|---|---|---|
| Wood (4–6 ft) | $100–$400 | $3–$6 |
| Chain-link (4–6 ft) | $50–$250 | $2–$5 |
| Vinyl | $150–$400 | $4–$8 |
| Wrought iron | $200–$500 | $5–$10 |
Wood Fence Removal
The process
1. Remove rails/pickets first. Use a pry bar or claw hammer. Going top-to-bottom is easiest. 2. Knock down panels if they're still attached. 3. Dig out or pull posts. Posts are the hard part — more below. 4. Haul it away.The post problem
Wood posts set in concrete are the real labor. Options:Option A: Pull them whole
- High-lift farm jack or truck + chain
- Works best if soil is soft and post isn't rotted
- Preserves reusable concrete footings for... nothing, really. Still hard to dispose of.
- Shovel + post-hole digger
- Pull the whole concrete plug out with the post
- 15–30 minutes per post
- Sawzall or chainsaw
- Fastest (2 minutes per post)
- Leaves concrete in the ground (fine if you're re-fencing)
Time per post: 10–30 minutes
A 100 ft fence has about 10–15 posts. Budget 4–6 hours of just post removal.Chain-Link Fence Removal
Chain-link is the easiest to remove:
1. Unroll the fabric. Unclip it from top rail and posts. Roll it up. 2. Remove top rail. Pulls apart at the joints. 3. Unbolt or pull posts.
The scrap value bonus
Chain-link is galvanized steel. Take it to a metal scrap yard:- Chain-link fabric: $0.05–$0.10/lb
- Steel posts: $0.05–$0.08/lb
Vinyl Fence Removal
Vinyl is annoying because:
- It doesn't recycle locally in most areas
- Pieces are long and awkward
- Posts often have concrete cores
Disposal Options
1. Dumpster Rental (Best for most jobs)
For 100+ ft of fence, a 10-yard dumpster is the cleanest solution.
- Wood fence: Fits easily in a 10-yard
- Chain-link: Fits in a 10-yard (or scrap it)
- Vinyl: 10-yard, but check if hauler accepts vinyl
See sizes in my [dumpster rental guide](/dumpster-rental-prices).
2. Pickup Truck + Disposal Site
If you have a pickup and a nearby C&D (construction & demolition) transfer station, you can save money.
- Typical tipping fees: $50–$100 per truckload
- Trips needed: 2–3 for a 100 ft wood fence
Find drop-offs in my [disposal sites directory](/disposal-sites).
3. Curbside Bulk Pickup
Some cities pick up bundled fence material as part of yard waste or bulk pickup. Limits apply:
- Bundles under 4 ft long
- Bundles under 50 lbs
- Only certain weeks of the year
4. Junk Removal
$300–$700 for a crew to handle everything. See my [junk removal guide](/junk-removal). Usually not worth it for fence-only jobs unless you really can't lift heavy stuff.
5. Give It Away
Intact wood panels — people want them for garden boundaries, chicken coops, and DIY projects. Free on Craigslist.
Intact chain-link rolls — farmers, dog owners, gardeners want these.
Don't throw away reusable fence. Someone wants it.
Pressure-Treated Wood: Special Disposal
Pressure-treated wood (the green stuff) contains chemicals and should not be burned. It's also banned from some yard waste streams.
It goes in the dumpster or a C&D disposal site. Don't mulch it, don't compost it, don't use it for firewood.
Permits and Neighbors
Most cities don't require a permit to remove a fence — only to build one. But:
1. Check property lines first. If the fence is on the property line and co-owned with a neighbor, you must coordinate. Removing a shared fence without permission is a legal issue. 2. Call 811 before digging posts. Utilities run closer to fence lines than you'd think. 3. HOA approval may be required in some communities.
My Cost Example
I removed 120 ft of 6-foot cedar fence last year:
- 10-yard dumpster: $340
- Beer and pizza for helper: $35
- Sawzall blades: $15
- Total: $390
Saved $430 for about 8 hours of work. Worth it.
Bottom Line
Fence removal is one of the most forgiving DIY projects out there. A 10-yard dumpster and a weekend are all you need for most residential jobs. Chain-link gives back a little scrap value, and intact panels find new homes free on Craigslist.
Get your [dumpster quote](/calculator) before you start demo — you want the container waiting when you finish tearing the fence down, not the other way around.