How much does it cost to remove artificial turf?

Removing artificial turf runs about $1.25–$2/sq ft for tear-out, plus roughly $50–$60 per 100 sq ft for hauling and disposal. For a 500 sq ft yard that is about $875–$1,300 all in; a 1,000 sq ft yard about $1,750–$2,600. Old, infilled, or glued-down turf costs more to pull up.

Why does removing artificial turf cost money at all?

It is demolition work. The turf is cut and pulled up, the infill is swept and bagged, staples or glue are removed, and the whole lot is hauled to disposal. Infill is heavy, so disposal weight — not just area — drives the haul cost.

Is removing turf cheaper if I do it myself?

The labor, yes — but you still pay to haul and dispose of the turf and its infill, which is heavy and not always accepted at curbside. Renting a dumpster or paying by the load is the main DIY cost. A large or glued-down area is hard, slow work.

Should I remove or replace my artificial turf?

If the backing has failed, the infill is fouled, or the turf is past its 8–15 year life, removal and replacement makes sense. If the problem is a seam, a burn, or a small worn patch, a repair is far cheaper. Removal cost is the same whether you re-turf or go back to a planted yard.

Does removal cost more for older turf?

Usually. Older turf is brittle, its infill is compacted and heavy, and glued-down installs on concrete or pavers take extra labor to lift and clean. Expect the higher end of the range for aged or adhered turf.

Artificial turf cost

Artificial Turf Removal Cost

Pulling out existing artificial turf is a demolition job: the turf is cut and lifted, the infill is swept up, and the whole lot is hauled to disposal. This page gives the cost to tear out and haul away artificial turf, from published 2026 pricing — separate from installing new turf.

Quick answer

Removing artificial turf costs about $1.25–$2/sq ft to tear out, plus roughly $50–$60 per 100 sq ft to haul and dispose of the turf and its infill. That is about $875–$1,300 all in for a 500 sq ft yard, or $1,750–$2,600 for 1,000 sq ft. Older, infilled, or glued-down turf costs more. These are planning estimates — get local quotes.

Tear-out: $1.25–$2/sq ft500 sq ft all-in: $875–$1,300Planning estimate — get local quotes

Turf removal cost by yard size

Each total combines tear-out ($1.25–$2/sq ft) and haul-away plus disposal ($50–$60 per 100 sq ft). Infill is heavy, so disposal weight drives the haul share.

Artificial turf removal cost by yard size, tear-out plus haul-away, 2026 planning range.
Yard size	Removal cost (tear-out + haul)
200 sq ft	$350–$520
500 sq ft	$875–$1,300
1,000 sq ft	$1,750–$2,600
1,500 sq ft	$2,625–$3,900
2,000 sq ft	$3,500–$5,200

Planning ranges, not quotes. Glued-down, aged, or heavily infilled turf runs higher. Removing turf to install NEW turf? Use the cost calculator →

Common questions

How much does it cost to remove artificial turf?: Removing artificial turf runs about $1.25–$2/sq ft for tear-out, plus roughly $50–$60 per 100 sq ft for hauling and disposal. For a 500 sq ft yard that is about $875–$1,300 all in; a 1,000 sq ft yard about $1,750–$2,600. Old, infilled, or glued-down turf costs more to pull up.
Why does removing artificial turf cost money at all?: It is demolition work. The turf is cut and pulled up, the infill is swept and bagged, staples or glue are removed, and the whole lot is hauled to disposal. Infill is heavy, so disposal weight — not just area — drives the haul cost.
Is removing turf cheaper if I do it myself?: The labor, yes — but you still pay to haul and dispose of the turf and its infill, which is heavy and not always accepted at curbside. Renting a dumpster or paying by the load is the main DIY cost. A large or glued-down area is hard, slow work.
Should I remove or replace my artificial turf?: If the backing has failed, the infill is fouled, or the turf is past its 8–15 year life, removal and replacement makes sense. If the problem is a seam, a burn, or a small worn patch, a repair is far cheaper. Removal cost is the same whether you re-turf or go back to a planted yard.
Does removal cost more for older turf?: Usually. Older turf is brittle, its infill is compacted and heavy, and glued-down installs on concrete or pavers take extra labor to lift and clean. Expect the higher end of the range for aged or adhered turf.