Debris
How to dispose of drywall in Maine
By Junk Lords crew / Published / Updated
Why drywall is different
Drywall, also called sheetrock, is heavy for its size and is classed as construction debris. Most curbside programs will not take it, and many town transfer stations charge for it or limit amounts. In Lisbon, for example, the town fee schedule lists sheetrock by the yard.
Your options
- Small scraps: some towns accept small amounts in household trash if bagged. Check yours.
- Haul it: Maine Waste to Energy at 110 Goldthwaite Road in Auburn accepts sheetrock and construction debris. Fees are set by the facility.
- Pickup: we take drywall as construction debris, priced at the job price plus 20%.
Preparing drywall for disposal
- Stack full sheets flat.
- Bag broken pieces and dust.
- Pull out nails and screws where practical.
- Keep joint compound buckets separate. Let leftover compound dry out before disposal.
- Keep drywall dry. Wet drywall is much heavier.
Moldy drywall
Bag moldy drywall in heavy plastic and wear a mask while handling it. Mention it when you send photos.
Asbestos
Older drywall joint compound and some textured ceilings can contain asbestos. If your home was built before the 1980s and you are unsure, have it tested before demolition. We do not take asbestos.
Posted prices
Every job starts from the same posted price card. A single item is $64. A small job, up to about 1.5 cubic yards, is $119. A medium job, about 3 cubic yards or roughly a room, is $189. A large job, about 5 cubic yards or roughly a garage bay, is $239. An extra-large job, about 10 cubic yards, is $479, and anything past 10 cubic yards is $45 per yard. A mattress or box spring is $64 alone or $20 each on a job. A washer, dryer, stove or dishwasher is $69 alone and free on a job. A fridge, freezer, air conditioner or dehumidifier is $99 alone or $35 on a job. A TV or monitor is a $15 add-on. Construction debris is the job price plus 20%. Estate cleanouts start at $499 and hoarding cleanouts at $599. The full list is on the pricing page.
Drywall pricing examples
- A bathroom remodel worth of drywall: often a small job, $119 plus 20%, $142.80.
- A basement finish tear-out: often a medium or large job plus 20%.
Remodel planning
On a bigger renovation, decide early whether you will keep debris in the garage for one pickup at the end or clear it in stages. One bigger job usually costs less than several small ones, if you have space to store it safely and dry. Mixed piles of drywall and household junk are priced together, with the 20% applied to the debris part.
Contractors
Some town transfer stations do not let contractors use their bulky areas. A pickup avoids that issue, and we can invoice the homeowner or contractor.
Keeping scraps dry
Wet drywall is heavier, crumbles and can grow mold. Stack scraps flat on a tarp in a garage or under cover until pickup.
How booking works
Send photos through the quote form or text them to (207) 333-1422. No card is needed to ask. Caden looks at the photos and sends your price. If it works for you, you pay from the link he sends and that confirms the slot. The price we send is the price you pay unless the pile changes. If you add things after the price goes out, the price is updated before work starts, not after.
Related: construction debris, construction debris removal in Auburn, posted prices
Related reading: How much to tip junk removal.
Questions
How do you dispose of drywall?+
Haul it to a facility that accepts sheetrock, like Maine Waste to Energy in Auburn, or have it picked up as construction debris.
Can drywall go in the trash?+
Usually not in any amount. Check your town's rules for small scraps.
How do you dispose of drywall scraps?+
Bag them with the dust and add them to a debris pickup or facility trip.
How do you dispose of moldy drywall?+
Bag it in heavy plastic, wear a mask, and mention it when you send photos.
How do you dispose of drywall mud?+
Let leftover compound dry out in the bucket, then dispose of it with the debris.
What does drywall removal cost?+
It is construction debris, priced at the job price plus 20%.