Chain Link Fence Removal Cost Toronto 2026

Removing a chain link fence might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a systematic approach, most homeowners can tackle it over a weekend. Beyond clearing your yard, there's a financial upside: chain link is galvanized steel with real scrap value, and in many cases you can get the haul-away done for free by booking a scrap metal pickup.

Chain Link Fence Removal Cost in Toronto 2026

The total cost depends on whether you DIY or hire a contractor, and how much concrete removal is involved.

What Affects the Removal Cost

• Total linear footage: The primary cost driver. Measure the full perimeter before getting quotes.
• Number of posts: More posts means more extraction time, especially if set in concrete.
• Concrete footings: Posts set in concrete require breaking out the plug — add $15–40 per post for this work.
• Gates: Single pedestrian gates are quick; double-wide driveway gates take longer and often bump up the quote.
• Property access: Tight side yards or limited equipment access increases professional removal costs.
• Fence height and gauge: Taller or commercial-gauge fence is heavier and harder to roll, adding labour time.

Scrap Value of Chain Link Fencing

Chain link is galvanized (zinc-coated) steel. It's not the highest-value scrap, but it adds up on larger jobs:

A typical 100-foot residential fence with posts weighs 250–400 lbs. At current galvanized steel prices ($0.04–0.08/lb), that's $10–32 in scrap value. Scrap metal pickup services will take it for free rather than charging haul-away fees — making it a no-cost disposal option once you've done the removal work.

DIY Chain Link Fence Removal: Step-by-Step

Allow 3–8 hours for a 50–100 foot fence depending on post depth and concrete. Two people make it significantly faster.

Tools You'll Need

• Heavy work gloves and eye protection (galvanized wire edges are sharp)
• Bolt cutters or lineman pliers
• Adjustable wrench or socket set (tension bands and rail fittings)
• Post puller or farm jack (for extracting posts)
• Sledgehammer (loosening posts or breaking small concrete footings)
• Wire ties or rope (to secure rolled fabric bundles)
• Wheelbarrow (for moving heavy post segments)

Step 1: Remove Tension Wire and Top Rail

Start at the bottom: cut and remove the tension wire running along the base. Then loosen the fittings at each post and slide the top rail sections out. Stack them separately — they're easy to bundle for scrap.

Step 2: Roll Up the Chain Link Fabric

At a terminal post (end or corner), unwind the knuckle that attaches the fabric. Once free, roll the chain link fabric toward the center of the span. Roll tightly and secure with wire ties — rolled fabric is far easier to transport and stage for pickup than loose coils.

Step 3: Pull Line Posts

Intermediate line posts are smaller diameter and often not in concrete. Wiggle them back and forth while pulling upward to loosen from the soil. A post puller tool dramatically reduces effort. For hard clay, pour water around the base the night before to soften the ground.

Step 4: Remove Terminal Posts

Corner, end, and gate posts are larger and almost always set in concrete. You'll need a vehicle chain or heavy post puller, or cut them at ground level with a reciprocating saw if extraction isn't possible. Note: cutting leaves a stub that will need addressing during future landscaping.

Step 5: Handle Concrete Footings

Extracted posts often bring their concrete plug out with them. Plugs still in the ground can be broken up with a sledgehammer or rented electric jackhammer. Deep footings (over 12 inches) are often the most time-consuming part — factor this in when comparing DIY vs. professional costs.

When to Hire a Professional

Consider hiring a fence removal contractor when:

• You have more than 150 feet of fence to remove
• Most posts are in concrete and need full footing extraction
• You're on a tight timeline (pre-construction or landscaping project)
• You lack a vehicle or trailer to haul the material
• The fence is on a shared property line requiring careful documentation

Get at least two quotes and be explicit about concrete footing removal — some contractors quote fence removal only and add footings as a separate line item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remove a chain link fence in Toronto?

Generally no. Permit requirements in Toronto apply to fence installation, not removal. However, if the fence is on a shared property line, notify your neighbour first — shared fences have legal implications around costs and replacement.

Can I put chain link in a skip bin?

Most skip bin providers accept chain link, but it is wasteful and adds unnecessary cost. Chain link is 100% recyclable steel. A free scrap metal pickup costs nothing and keeps the material out of landfill.

How do I dispose of posts with concrete attached?

Scrap yards won't accept posts with large concrete plugs attached — concrete contaminates steel loads and damages equipment. Break the concrete off with a sledgehammer before scrapping, or haul the concrete-attached posts to a concrete disposal facility or demolition depot.

Is galvanized chain link worth more or less than plain steel?

About the same at Toronto yards. The zinc galvanizing adds minimal weight, and scrap yards process galvanized steel at standard steel rates. No stripping or special preparation needed — just clean of large plastic or rubber attachments.

How long does chain link fence removal take?

A 50-foot fence with 8–10 posts and no concrete: 2–4 hours DIY. Add 1–2 hours per major concrete footing requiring breakout. A 100-foot fence with concrete footings throughout is a full day job for two people.