Easiest Way to Remove a Blacktop Driveway

Where to Find an Excavator

• Something more than a hand tool is required if you have a larger driveway and the asphalt is thicker than 1 inch. Excavators, though they are large devices, can help immensely. You'll need to know how to operate it if you're a do-it-yourselfer; if not, hire a professional or even ask a friend who has some experience.

  Look for an excavator at local equipment rental shops. Also rent a Dumpster for the pieces of asphalt.

Breaking up the Asphalt

• Once you have the machine on site, wear appropriate safety equipment such as gloves and a hard hat. Check the machine and the area to make sure nothing is in its way.

  Once started, you can rip up larger chunks of concrete. You don't have to break it up too much because the chunks come up quite easily when the surface is broken. There will be less debris in the end as well.

Cleaning Up

• Once the asphalt is broken up into chunks, scoop up the pieces with the excavator and dump them in the Dumpster, or remove them with a shovel. The latter makes it much more difficult. Ideally, you should be able to pick up most of the pieces with the machinery, and then collect smaller pieces by hand. If you want a more environmental way of clearing up the mess, there are some recycling programs for this type of material, and one might be available in your area.

  Use a dust mask, especially while working with the really small pieces. It is very easy to breathe in the dust.