Just replace the laminate. It's cheaper and easier in the long run to order a flat deck top with the edge that you want, in the color and finish that you want. Cutting off the backsplash takes off too much depth for a tile backsplash to cover. The front edge would also have to be built up to accept a flat edge rather than a postformed edge. I know of no one who would go to this effort to reclaim a laminate top. They're just too cheap to make the effort. If you want to salvage it for another use, like a garage or basement, that's fine. But, the returns on your labor for your idea are in the negatives.

I agree with LWO: reuse the counter elsewhere in your house if you want to avoid the landfill, and buy a new one for your kitchen.

We're doing a super-frugal DIY whole-house gut, and even I wouldn't do a "re-laminate counters in place" project.

Is the backsplash post formed or a set-on type? It isn't a big deal to screw a strip to the front edge, backfill the bullnose with bondo and re-laminate.

Don't even think about it. It's great you're concerned about waste, but it will be less wasteful to replace them. Thought about granite? Prices start at around $40 a square foot, but you can get it for $25-30 if you use odds and ends.

I want to keep my existing countertops too! I hate the 4"backsplash and want it cut off. Surely there Is a small circular saw that can get right in there? Then maybe seal the exposed particle board and pop in a ceramic bull nose at the wall? I will tile the wall with subway til backsplash. Comments?

Maeve,what you propose can be done but asking if you can do it is like me asking you if I can play "The Cello Concerto-Tout un monde lointain". It would be challenging for the average woodworker,cutting one's teeth on it wouldn't be judicious.

Laminate counter tops are cheap. Get new ones.

Everything has a useful life. You are letting the landfill concern get in the way of making a sound decision.

I figure stephz82 has already made a decision over the last 22 months regarding the landfill and Maeve is simply trying to save a buck.

Can you recommend a circular saw at least?

The local big box stores don't sell laminate counter tops WITHOUT backsplash. IKEA does but it will cost $98 for the 9' and over $300 to have it shipped to my state.

"Can you recommend a circular saw at least?"

Yes, I can. But I won't until you answer my two previous questions.

This is what I use for all hand held cutting and have been very satisfied. Milwaukee Model #6477-20,sell's for $179 at Home Depot. It will cut anything the lumber yards sell and should last the average homeowner a life time. If you injure yourself,remember that we advised you not to try it.

You would not use a circular saw to cut that. You would use a multi tool. Safer. MUCH safer. But you won't like what you get. A tile backslash will not cover the cut edge. And that is if you manage to not butcher the cut.

You can order flat deck laminate tops from any counter supplier, including the box stores. But you won't be far in expense away from granite if you are looking at an installed laminate price.

If you want a counter without backsplash, then skip the big boxes and find a local counter maker. They can fab you up a flat one like the photo above.

For a basic slab counter, a box store will be eons cheaper than a custom counter maker. For laminate, those almost don't exist anymore. Granite has taken over even the low end market. It gets put in every single apartment and entry level house there is being built. Not laminate. And the box stores employ the only laminate fabricators worth employing in each market. Plus they buy the goods in volume.

Maeve- I am in the same position. While I realize many are steering you towards just buying new, I realize it's multiple steps to get a new countertop. Hence the reason I am avoiding it. My fix is for 2 years until I get new cabinets (lower) with a granite counter installed. There are trim options, even in ceramic, to create a lip (a little hackish) between the edge of the counter once removed. You could also hack it with a a bit of round (be sure to reinforce the finish when painted for water contact. Do you plan to RE-finish the counter top? I would assume you will need to relaminate or cement it. I am using a heavier finish. I am using this: Daich Coatings Inc.spreadstone ($80+) for a slate look, I am hacking their technique (emailed them to make sure it would work). Once the back lip/splash is removed it's going to leave some attractive particle and maybe some uneven areas. I have seamfill and putty to bridge the gap. Is this cheaper than a new laminate counter, yes. Is the time worth it, maybe not. I'm not sure about refinishing the counter with wallpaper (meant to mimic a finish) or laminate look sheets. Some of those are inexpensive.

Stone Coat Counters show a couple of ways to cut the formed back splash in their videos. they suggested using a flush cut blade on a Dremel multi-tool and then fill in the gap with bondo. Alternative, use a saws-all to cut the back splash off. Another show a different filler before you use the bondo.