How to Get Rid of Landscaping Rocks?

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By Ashley Hanson

Updated: Jan 14, 2025

8 min read

How To Dispose Of Landscape Rock
Photo: @pparknj

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    Do you also find the leftover rocks a burden after the landscaping work and sort them out? Then, you are at the right place where we will be discussing the efficient ways to dispose of those extra rocks and gravels that are too under budget. There are plenty of options when it comes to small pebbles that can be recycled. But the big ones are problematic. Further discussion will be over them only, to know the ways to get them disposed of and free your outer area of the houses. Getting done with them not only lessens the burden but will also make your house organized from the outside.

    Types of Rocks

    Knowing about the types of rocks used in landscaping is the first step toward sorting them out. Let's discuss some of the rocks used for landscaping because every rock comes with some specific challenges. So before their disposal, all the things about them should be known.

    River Rocks

    River Rock
    Photo: @classicrockstoneyard

    River rocks are from the natural water processes, round and smooth. They vary in shape and size. River rocks are useful for many purposes. If you have to dispose of river rocks then it's not too much to be done with. For smaller quantities, use a wheelbarrow to carry them, and if the area is large, then book a loader accordingly and transport them to your chosen location. Now, if we talk about the challenges with river rocks, then their weight makes the process a bit challenging and gives trouble while transportation.

    Large Boulders

    Large Boulders
    Photo: @cavicchiogreenhousesinc

    These types of rocks serve as focal points in landscaping, which clearly means that they are strong and big. These are used for designing or to provide seating space in the garden. So, if you are looking for their disposal, then it will require specialized equipment like a skid steer, excavator, or crane. As the process will require expertise, it will be a better option to hire professionals for this. On a manual level, the biggest challenge with this is its heavy weight, which makes it very difficult for a human to move these rocks from their place. That's why professionals are needed with the needed equipment.

    Lava Rocks

    Lava Rock
    Photo: @petroglyphnps

    Just like river rocks, lava rocks are also light in weight and are porous. They can also be carried easily without any machine if in small quantities but will require machinery like loaders for large quantities of rocks. But the disadvantage it has while transporting is that they are very light in weight and during windy days they are prone to scattering which will end up creating mess and will require cleaning later on.

    Granite Rocks

    Granite Rock
    Photo: @mathieucornelus

    Flexible in everything and useful for pathways to decoratives, granite rocks are one of the common rocks used for landscaping due to their durability and versatility. Their impactful nature makes them difficult to carry manually. So, if you are having granite rocks in your garden to dispose of then hiring professionals will be a good decision.

    How Can You Dispose of Landscape Rock?

    Renting a Dumpster

    Suppose you want to dispose of the landscape rock and don't want to make much effort for that. Then, the easiest way for it is to rent a dumpster that can take up to 10 tons of material at once. You can book them online and give the date according to your availability at home. They will come and take those rocks into the landfills, for which you don't have to get worried. The only thing you will have the accountability for is the payment; otherwise, they will manage on their own.

    Give It for Free

    Letting the rocks as it is and giving them for free has always been an option. Your rocks are already outside, so all you have to do is put a notice of FREE near it. This will let people know that they are free to take it. Any association or your neighbors who are in need of those rocks will take them, and your area will get free from them.

    Hiring Professional

    Some rocks can be removed manually, but some won't. They require machinery for that, so it is better to hire professionals to dispose of the rocks. So, they will take care of all the parameters and help you to free your space. For hiring them, you can first check-up with several companies offering this service and then get finalized with the one suiting your needs and pocket.

    Using Those Rocks Again

    A great way to find a purpose for your unwanted rocks and gravel is to reuse them again for your landscaping. Yes, you read it right. This way will save you money, and you will get a chance to utilize your rocks. For example, if you have larger rocks, then you can reuse them for making a backyard and many more things. This will be a good deal which will end up giving you new things by using the extra rocks kept in your garden.

    Earn Through Them

    Your unwanted rocks in the garden can benefit you financially.  This can happen by selling them to someone locally and earning money. Rocks and gravel are always in demand. You can sell them in any popular online forum and get in touch with the buyers. Enter the correct information about the rock, the type, and the quantity specifically. Some of the online forums are Freecycle, OfferUp, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. You can try others as well and utilise your rocks for earning.

    What Amount Will Rock Removal Cost?

    Not all the rocks can be moved out to the destination manually. Some of them need expertise for which the expenses need to be known at first. Although the cost varies as they depend on some factors, i.e., type of rocks, quantity, location, etc., in an average of how much it will cost then, it typically falls between $50 to $200 per cubic yard.

    Many charge hourly and many on a daily basis, but the final costing covers the charges of machinery used in the process, labor costs, and additional removal fees. There are many companies that have expertise in this and also charge differently from each other. So, you can select the professionals as per your needs and the expenses you can afford.

    Now, if you have rocks that will only require a dumpster to move out, then the charges should also be disclosed first. So, the average cost in which you can rent a dumpster is around $380 per week. For making the dumpster part affordable you can go for local ones too. Maybe those will negotiate with the cost. Apart from cost, your location does matter and makes a difference in cost.

    Conclusion

    Now, disposing of the old rocks and gravel won't be a complicated task. With the right approach, you can get rid of your old landscaping rocks. When you are aware of the right ways of disposing of them, then it will lessen your burden and take them away from your garden area. Many ways have been discussed above, you can go for the one which will suit you the best.

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