Granite and quartz slabs are some of the heaviest things in a kitchen renovation. They crack when they are lifted the wrong way, and they are not wanted at many drop off sites. Before the old counters come out, decide where they are going.
Reuse comes ahead
A slab in good shape has value. A garage workbench, a laundry room or a basement bar may need a top, and a salvage business may buy or take the slabs. Metro Vancouver publishes a directory of deconstruction and salvage service providers across the region, including used building materials stores. Call before you bring anything, since each business sets its own rules. Metro Vancouver Recycles is a second place to look for places that accept an item.
If the countertop is already cut and has a sink hole, say so when you call.
What the city programs say
City curbside programs are not an answer for a slab. Surrey's Large Item Pickup lists countertops under demolition or home renovation materials that are not accepted. Richmond's program does not take home renovation materials. Coquitlam says construction and demolition waste is not accepted. For these, a facility is the route.
Richmond's Recycling Depot lists home demolition and construction materials as not accepted. The City of Vancouver's landfill page for construction waste lists recyclable materials such as drywall and concrete as not accepted in loads, so call before you haul stone there.
Move it safely
Stone is heavy and awkward to carry. Plan to have help, wear gloves and sturdy footwear, and do not stack slabs on top of each other in a vehicle. If the counter has been bonded to the cabinets, the installer may separate it as part of the job, so ask them at quote time.
Where a bin fits
If you are tearing out a kitchen, the cabinets, flooring and general debris can go in a junk bin, and a 20-yard is the common start. Granite and quartz counters can go into a junk bin too, as long as there is no asbestos in the load. Stone is heavy, so tell us how many slabs you have as you book. A large load of slabs goes in a 10 or 12-yard heavy bin instead. Delivery and haul away are on us. You load the bin. Our renovation debris page covers kitchen and bath work.
You do not need a permit for a bin on your driveway. For a bin on the street or lane, confirm with your City first, since some cities need a permit. We set delivery for any permit dates.
FAQ
Can granite countertops go in large item pickup? Surrey lists countertops under renovation materials that are not accepted. Other cities list renovation materials as not accepted too.
Where can I find a salvage business? Metro Vancouver publishes a directory of deconstruction and salvage service providers. Call first to confirm they take stone.
Can I put a quartz slab in a Trash King bin? Yes, in a junk bin, as long as there is no asbestos in the load. A big load of slabs goes in a 10 or 12-yard heavy bin, so tell us how many when you book.
What size bin for a kitchen reno? The 20-yard is the common starting size. Ask about other sizes when booking.