Short answer: At City of Calgary landfills, clean drywall costs $90 per tonne in 2026, less than the $113 garbage rate. To get that rate, the load must be gypsum wallboard with less than 2% garbage, wood, metal or other material mixed in. During a renovation, most people put drywall in a rental bin with the rest of the debris. It is heavy, so allow for the weight when you choose the bin size.
What the City of Calgary charges for drywall
| Load | 2026 rate |
|---|---|
| Clean drywall (gypsum board, under 2% contaminants) | $90 per tonne |
| Any load under 250 kg | $25 flat per load |
| Regular garbage | $113 per tonne |
| Commercial loads with 10% or more construction and demolition material | $180 per tonne (disposal surcharge rate) |
Source: City of Calgary residential and commercial landfill rates, 2026.
The 2% rule is strict. Screws, tape and mud are part of the board, but chunks of wood, insulation, plastic or garbage in the load mean it no longer qualifies for the drywall rate.
How much does drywall weigh?
Drywall is heavier than it looks. Regular ½-inch board in a 4 × 8 ft sheet weighs roughly 23 kg (about 50 lb). Thicker and moisture-resistant boards weigh more. That adds up fast:
- A small bathroom tear-out can produce a few hundred kilograms of drywall
- A full basement can produce well over a tonne once you add framing and flooring
That is why weight, not space, often decides the bin size on a drywall job. A Cal-Waste 12-yard bin includes 1 tonne and a 20-yard includes 2 tonnes. Anything over is $125 per tonne, prorated.
Three ways to get rid of drywall in Calgary
1. Rent a bin for the renovation
For most renovations, drywall goes in the bin with everything else: framing offcuts, flooring, fixtures and packaging. You load it as you go, and delivery, pickup and disposal are in one price. If the job is mostly drywall, tell us when you book so we can suggest the right size for the weight.
2. Haul clean drywall to a City landfill
If you have a truck and only drywall, keep it clean and separate to get the $90 per tonne rate. Small loads under 250 kg are a $25 flat fee.
3. Leave it to your contractor
If a contractor is doing the work, check whether debris removal is in the quote.
How to load drywall into a bin
- Lay sheets and large pieces flat along the bottom. They stack tightly and leave room for bulky items on top.
- Break big sheets into manageable pieces. They are easier to carry and pack.
- Keep it dry if you can. Wet drywall weighs more, and weight is what costs extra. Covering the bin helps.
- Spread the weight evenly and keep everything below the top edge of the bin.
Our guide How to load a dumpster bin the right way has more tips for fitting more in.
Which bin size for drywall?
| Job | Usual choice |
|---|---|
| One bathroom or bedroom | 12-yard |
| Basement development or tear-out | 12-yard for one area, 20-yard for the whole basement |
| Whole-house renovation | 20-yard |
| Contractor job with ongoing debris | 20-yard, or a lidded 12-yard if the site is open to the public |
See What size bin do I need? for more project types, or our construction bin rental page if you are a contractor.
Frequently asked questions
Can drywall go in a rental bin in Calgary? Yes. Drywall from a renovation is normal renovation debris. Because it is heavy, choose your size with the weight allowance in mind.
Is it cheaper to take drywall to the landfill? For a single truckload of clean drywall, it can be: $90 per tonne, or $25 for loads under 250 kg. For a renovation with several loads of mixed debris, a bin saves the trips and the sorting.
Can I put drywall in my black cart? Check the City of Calgary’s “What Goes Where” tool for your item. Renovation drywall is usually far more than a cart can take, so plan for a landfill trip or a bin.
Does wet drywall cost more to get rid of? Disposal is charged by weight, and wet drywall weighs more, so keep it covered where you can.
Can drywall with mould go in a bin? Tell us before you load it. Water-damaged material is common after a leak or flood, and we will tell you how to handle it.
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Renovating? Book a 12-yard or 20-yard bin from Cal-Waste at 403-922-9334. Delivery, up to 14 days, pickup and disposal included.
Sources: City of Calgary, Landfill and Eco Centre residential materials and rates (2026); City of Calgary, landfill commercial rates (2026).
Internal links: /dumpster-rental/, /what-size-bin-do-i-need/, /how-to-load-a-dumpster-bin/, /construction-bin-rental-calgary/, /calgary-landfill-fees/, /contact/
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