Disposal of Old Countertops: Options, Costs, and Recycling
Quick Definition: When you replace countertops, the old ones need to go somewhere. Options include having the countertop installer haul them away (most common, often included in the installation price), donating intact stone countertops to a salvage organization, repurposing them for outdoor projects, or disposing of them through a dumpster rental or municipal waste service. Stone countertops are heavy and require special handling.
TL;DR
- Most countertop installers include removal and haul-away in their installation price (or charge $100-$300 extra)
- Intact granite or quartz countertops can be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore or similar salvage organizations
- Stone countertops can be repurposed as garden stepping stones, outdoor tables, workbench surfaces, or shelving
- Laminate countertops go to the landfill -- they're not recyclable in most areas
- A standard kitchen's old countertops weigh 300-600 lbs -- plan accordingly
- Dumpster rental for kitchen demo runs $250-$500 for a 10-yard container
- Some stone fabricators will buy back or accept old stone slabs
- Never put stone countertops in regular household trash -- they're too heavy and can damage trucks
Option 1: Installer Haul-Away (Most Common)
The easiest option is having your countertop installer remove the old countertops and take them away as part of the installation job.
How It Works
- The installation crew removes the old countertops before setting the new ones
- Old countertops are loaded onto the truck
- The installer disposes of them (typically at a construction debris facility)
Cost
| Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Included in installation price | $0 (many installers include this) |
| Added as a line item | $100-$300 |
| Large or complex removal (tile, mortar-set) | $200-$500 |
What to Ask
When getting countertop quotes, ask: "Does the installation price include removal and disposal of the old countertops?" If it's an extra charge, get the amount in writing.
Note: Some installers will remove the old countertops but leave the disposal to you (they'll set them in the garage or driveway). Clarify whether "removal" includes "haul-away."
Option 2: Donate Intact Countertops
If your old countertops are in decent condition -- no major cracks, chips, or stains -- they may be valuable to someone else.
Where to Donate
Habitat for Humanity ReStore: The most well-known option. ReStore accepts used building materials including countertops. Many locations offer free pickup for large items. Check your local ReStore for acceptance criteria.
Salvage yards and architectural salvage shops: Some salvage operations buy or accept used stone countertops, especially exotic granite or marble.
Community groups: Local Facebook groups (Buy Nothing, Marketplace), Craigslist, and Nextdoor are good places to offer old countertops for free pickup.
What Makes a Countertop Donatable?
| Condition | Donatable? |
|---|---|
| Intact granite, minor wear | Yes |
| Intact quartz, good condition | Yes |
| Marble with patina but no cracks | Sometimes |
| Laminate, good condition | Sometimes (low demand) |
| Tile countertop | Rarely |
| Cracked or broken stone | No |
| Stained or damaged | No |
Tax Benefits
Donations to qualifying nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity are tax-deductible. Get a receipt from the organization and consult your tax advisor for the deduction amount.
Option 3: Repurpose Old Countertops
Stone countertops are durable, weather-resistant, and can serve many second-life purposes:
Outdoor Projects
- Garden stepping stones: Cut into squares or irregular shapes
- Outdoor table or bar top: Mount on a base for a patio surface
- Potting bench surface: Stone is easy to clean and doesn't rot
- Fire pit surround: Granite is heat-resistant (don't use quartz for this)
- Garden edging: Stand pieces on edge as borders
- Bird bath base: Flat stone makes a sturdy platform
Indoor Projects
- Workbench top: Garage or workshop surface
- Shelving: Cut into shelf-sized pieces and mount with brackets
- Windowsill replacement: Stone sills are durable and attractive
- Laundry room surface: Mount on laundry room cabinets for a folding station
- Bathroom vanity top: If the size works, reuse as a guest bathroom vanity
Cutting and Modifying Old Countertops
If you want to repurpose old stone into smaller pieces, you'll need:
- A diamond blade circular saw or angle grinder with diamond blade
- Water supply for wet cutting
- Safety gear (eye protection, respirator, gloves)
- Outdoor workspace
Or hire a fabricator to make the cuts. Many shops will cut old stone for $50-$150 depending on the number of cuts.
Option 4: Dumpster Rental
If you're doing a full kitchen remodel (not just countertops), renting a dumpster is the simplest disposal method for all demolition debris including old countertops.
| Dumpster Size | Capacity | Typical Cost (7-day rental) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 yard | 3-4 tons | $250-$400 |
| 15 yard | 5-6 tons | $300-$500 |
| 20 yard | 7-8 tons | $350-$600 |
Weight warning: Stone countertops are heavy. A 40-square-foot kitchen in granite weighs approximately 400-500 lbs. If your dumpster has a weight limit, account for the stone weight plus any other demolition materials.
Option 5: Municipal Waste or Special Pickup
Some municipalities offer bulky item pickup or construction debris disposal services:
- Curbside bulky item pickup: Some cities offer scheduled pickups for large items. Stone countertops may qualify, but check weight limits.
- Transfer stations: Municipal transfer stations accept construction debris for a per-ton fee (typically $40-$80 per ton).
- Special collections: Some areas have periodic construction debris collection events.
Call your local waste management department to ask about stone countertop disposal options and fees.
Disposal by Material Type
| Material | Best Disposal Method | Recyclable? |
|---|---|---|
| Granite | Repurpose, donate, or fabricator buyback | Not traditionally recycled but infinitely reusable |
| Quartz (engineered) | Donate or haul away | Not recyclable (resin content) |
| Marble | Repurpose, donate | Reusable as building material |
| Quartzite | Repurpose, donate | Reusable as building material |
| Laminate | Landfill | Not recyclable in most areas |
| Solid surface (Corian) | Landfill or manufacturer takeback | Some manufacturers accept returns |
| Tile countertop | Landfill | Not recyclable (mixed materials) |
| Butcher block | Repurpose, firewood, compost | Biodegradable |
| Concrete | Crush for aggregate | Recyclable as fill/aggregate |
Costs Summary
| Disposal Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| Installer haul-away (included) | $0 |
| Installer haul-away (extra charge) | $100-$300 |
| Donation (with free pickup) | $0 (plus potential tax deduction) |
| Donation (self-delivery) | Transportation cost only |
| Dumpster rental | $250-$500 |
| Municipal transfer station | $40-$80 per ton |
| Curbside bulky pickup | $0-$50 (varies by municipality) |
Environmental Considerations
Stone countertops don't decompose in landfills -- they'll sit there essentially forever. While they're not toxic, diverting them from landfills is environmentally preferable:
- Donating extends the material's useful life
- Repurposing avoids new material extraction
- Stone can be crushed and used as fill material or aggregate (though this is rarely done for residential countertops)
Quartz (engineered stone) is harder to recycle due to its resin content. Some manufacturers are exploring recycling programs, but they're not yet widespread.
FAQ
Does the countertop installer remove old countertops? Most do. Many include removal in the installation price, while others charge $100-$300 extra. Ask during the quoting process.
Can I put old granite countertops in the trash? Not in regular household trash -- they're too heavy and large. Use a dumpster, municipal transfer station, or installer haul-away service.
Can old granite countertops be recycled? Granite can be reused (donated, repurposed) but isn't traditionally "recycled" into new products. The best environmental option is donation or repurposing.
How heavy are old countertops? Granite and quartz countertops weigh approximately 12-20 lbs per square foot (3cm thickness). A 40-square-foot kitchen weighs 480-800 lbs.
Will Habitat for Humanity take old countertops? Many ReStore locations accept intact, undamaged countertops. Call your local ReStore to confirm they're currently accepting them and ask about pickup service.
Can I sell my old granite countertops? Possibly. Exotic or high-value granites in good condition can be sold through online marketplaces or to salvage dealers. Standard granites have lower resale value.
How do I remove countertops myself? Disconnect plumbing, remove sink and faucet, cut caulk seams with a utility knife, and carefully lift the countertop off the cabinets. Stone is very heavy -- you'll need at least two people and probably more.
Can I reuse my old countertops in another room? Yes, if they're in good condition and the dimensions work. A kitchen countertop section could become a laundry room surface, bathroom vanity, or workbench top.
What does it cost to rent a dumpster for old countertops? A 10-yard dumpster (sufficient for countertops plus light demolition) runs $250-$400 for a 7-day rental in most markets.
Can I break up stone countertops for easier disposal? Yes, but use caution. Granite and quartz can be broken with a sledgehammer (wear safety gear, work outdoors). Cut pieces are easier to handle and fit in smaller containers.
simplify Your Customer's Entire Experience
For fabricators, handling old countertop disposal is part of providing a complete customer experience. SlabWise's Customer Portal lets you clearly communicate what's included (and what's extra) in the removal and disposal process -- preventing the "I thought disposal was included" complaint.
Sources
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore -- Accepted Donation Items
- EPA -- Construction and Demolition Debris Management
- HomeAdvisor -- Countertop Removal and Disposal Costs
- Waste Management Inc. -- Dumpster Rental Pricing
- Green Building Advisor -- Reuse of Building Materials
- Construction & Demolition Recycling Association -- Stone Waste Options