Construction Debris Disposal Guide for Los Angeles Contractors

Construction debris disposal in Los Angeles is more regulated than most contractors expect. Here is what you need to know to stay compliant and keep your job site clean.
Los Angeles County C&D Regulations
Los Angeles County requires that at least 65% of construction and demolition (C&D) debris be diverted from landfills. This applies to most permitted construction projects. Failure to comply can result in fines and permit issues.
Junk Master is certified to haul C&D debris to approved facilities that meet LA County diversion requirements. We provide documentation on request.
What Counts as Construction Debris
- Concrete and masonry
- Drywall and plaster
- Lumber and wood framing
- Roofing materials (shingles, felt, flashing)
- Flooring and tile
- Cabinets and countertops
- Insulation
- Metal and scrap
- Dirt and soil (limited quantities)
Dumpster vs. Per-Haul: Which Is Better for Your Project?
Choose a Dumpster When:
- You are generating debris over multiple days
- You want to control the pace of disposal
- You have a mix of materials that will accumulate over time
- You want a fixed cost for the rental period
Choose Per-Haul When:
- You need debris removed immediately after a demo
- You do not have space for a dumpster on the job site
- You have a one-time large load to remove
- You need same-day service
Weight Limits and Overweight Fees
Concrete, masonry, and roofing shingles are heavy. A 10-yard dumpster filled entirely with concrete will exceed the weight limit. Our weight limits by dumpster size:
- 10 yard: 2 tons (4,000 lbs)
- 20 yard: 4 tons (8,000 lbs)
- 30 yard: 5 tons (10,000 lbs)
- 40 yard: 6 tons (12,000 lbs)
Overweight fee: $119 per ton over the limit. For heavy material jobs, we recommend mixing concrete with lighter debris or calling us to discuss the best approach.
Prohibited Materials
These cannot go in any dumpster or haul truck:
- Asbestos (requires certified abatement contractor)
- Lead paint (requires certified removal)
- Hazardous chemicals and solvents
- Tires
- Medical waste
Commercial Accounts for Contractors
If you are a contractor with ongoing debris removal needs, a Junk Master commercial account gives you priority scheduling, monthly billing, and a dedicated account manager. Call (310) 754-5567 to set up an account.
