How Much Does Fence Removal Cost?
Removing an old fence usually costs $3–$8 per linear foot, including hauling. Concrete footings, overgrowth, and tight access are what push the price toward the top of that range.
Updated November 2026 · U.S. pricing
Most homeowners only think about removal when they are replacing a fence. That is also the cheapest time to do it: a contractor already mobilizing for a new install can often remove the old fence for less than a standalone removal job.
Fence removal cost per foot
| Fence material | Removal per linear foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | $3–$6 | Fast to tear down; posts may be set in concrete |
| Chain link | $3–$7 | Fabric is quick; concrete-set posts take longer |
| Vinyl | $4–$8 | Panels are bulky and need careful disposal |
| Aluminum / metal | $4–$8 | Heavy sections; scrap value may offset a little |
| Composite | $4–$8 | Heavy and not recyclable in most areas |
Ranges include tear-down, hauling, and standard disposal. Concrete footing removal and difficult access are extra.
What a 150-foot removal costs
A typical 150-foot wood fence costs $450–$900 to remove and haul away. Chain link runs about $450–$1,050, and vinyl or composite can reach $600–$1,200 because of the volume and weight of the old panels.
If posts are set in concrete, add roughly $5–$20 per post. With posts every 6–8 feet, that is about 19–25 posts on a 150-foot run, or $100–$500 in extra labor and disposal.
What is included
- Tearing down panels, rails, posts, and gates
- Pulling or digging out posts, including concrete footings
- Loading and hauling debris
- Disposal or landfill fees in most quotes
Confirm disposal in writing. Some contractors quote removal but bill dumpster rental or landfill fees separately, which can add $200–$600.
What changes the price
Concrete footings
Posts set in concrete are the biggest variable. They must be broken out, which is slow, dusty work. A fence with concrete footings can cost 20–40% more to remove than one with packed-dirt posts.
Overgrowth and access
Vines, shrubs, and fencing buried in soil slow removal. So does a narrow side yard where debris must be carried out by hand instead of wheelbarrow or machine.
Material and condition
Leaning, rotted fences come down quickly. A fence with rusted bolts, heavy gates, or masonry piers takes longer and may require cutting equipment.
Disposal rules
Some areas charge extra for treated wood, composite, or metal at the landfill. Ask the contractor where the debris goes and whether the fee is included.
Removal-only vs. removal with a new fence
A standalone removal job has to cover mobilization, so the per-foot price is higher. If the same contractor installs the new fence, removal often drops to the low end of the range — sometimes $2–$4 per foot for wood. Get both prices in writing: removal-only and removal-plus-install.
Fence removal FAQ
How much does it cost to remove a 150-foot fence?
About $450–$900 for wood, $450–$1,050 for chain link, and $600–$1,200 for vinyl or composite at typical U.S. rates. Concrete footings and difficult access add to the low end.
Can the old fence posts be reused?
Sometimes, if the posts are sound and not set in deteriorating concrete. Most contractors replace posts when installing a new fence because reusing old footings risks early failure and voids workmanship warranties.
Does fence removal include dumpster rental and disposal?
Most quotes include ordinary hauling and disposal, but not always. Ask explicitly, and get the dumpster or landfill fee stated in the estimate so it does not appear as a surprise charge.
Is it cheaper to remove a fence yourself?
You can save labor, but you still pay for disposal, tools, and time. Concrete footings are heavy and slow to remove, and improper disposal of treated wood may violate local rules. For a short fence in open access, DIY can make sense; for a long run with concrete posts, a pro is usually worth it.