Where can I dump dirt?

Dirt can be dumped safely at the following locations: A nearby landfill or transfer station, C&D recycling centers, clean fill dump sites, landscape or building suppliers that accept dirt. Dirt should not be dumped on: Public property, including parks and wildlife preserves, or private property, other than your own. Remember, you should not dump, sell or give away dirt without obtaining the necessary mining permits required in your area.

How much does dirt weigh?

The weight of dirt can vary greatly based on its moisture content. For instance, 2 cubic yards of dry soil weighs almost 2 tons. But if wet, the same amount of soil can weigh around 3 tons. This variability can drastically impact the cost of dirt disposal, so keep that in mind when choosing the right disposal solution for your project.

What is contaminated soil?

Contaminated soil is dirt that has come into contact with or been mixed with hazardous, flammable or toxic materials, including oil, fuel, chemicals or heavy metals like lead or arsenic. Dirt most commonly becomes contaminated by coming into contact with paint or wood preservatives from older structures that has leeched into the ground due to rainfall. If you suspect that your soil is contaminated, you can have it evaluated by a qualified soil engineer.

How can I get rid of contaminated soil?

Contaminated soil is tricky to get rid of because so few places can properly treat and dispose of it. Dirt that is contaminated can be remediated and reused or disposed of at an approved soil treatment center. Search online to find a soil recycling center near you that is equipped to handle your materials.

Can I dispose of soil that is mixed with other materials?

Dirt mixed with rocks, leaves and other inert or biodegradable waste is not considered contaminated. It can typically be thrown into a roll off dumpster, but call ahead if you’re uncertain about your debris or area restrictions. Note that dumpster services cannot dispose of contaminated dirt, or soil that has been mixed with any other prohibited materials. Make sure your dirt is clear of these materials before throwing it away in a dumpster.

Home >Resources>Bulk Waste Disposal>How to Dispose of Rocks and Gravel

How to Dispose of Rocks

Have unwanted rocks and gravel lying around? Learn how to get rid of them with tips from the experts at Budget Dumpster.

The Complete Guide to Getting Rid of Rocks & Gravel

When starting a landscaping project, you’ll likely come across rocks in your yard, whether they’re buried in the dirt or part of existing hardscaping. We’ll walk you through the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to dispose of rock, from reusing them in a new landscaping project to renting a dumpster.

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7 Ways to Dispose of Extra Gravel and Rock

What’s the best way to get rid of rocks and gravel? Some disposal options cost nothing while others are labor-free. The details below can help you decide which choice is best for you.

Rent a Roll Off Dumpster

Pros: Upfront price and no landfill trips.
Cons: You fill the dumpster.
Cost: Starts at $217 per 10 yard bin.

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Order Online

Post Rocks Online

Pros: No cost to you.
Cons: You may have to deliver them.
Cost: Free.

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Leave a “Free” Sign Out

Pros: You don’t have to haul rocks.
Cons: Pickup time is up to the buyer.
Cost: Free.

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Give to a Landscape Supplier

Pros: You get rid of your rocks and repurpose them.
Cons: You’ll have to haul them to the landscaper.
Cost: Free.

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Reuse in Your Landscaping

Pros: Environmentally friendly (reduce, reuse, recycle!).
Cons: Rocks don’t leave your home.
Cost: Free.

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Hire a Junk Removal Company

Pros: They’ll do the heavy lifting.
Cons: You’ll have to pay per trip.
Cost: Starts at $450 per truckload.

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Dump Them Yourself

Pros: You can work at your own pace.
Cons: Might take several trips to the landfill.
Cost: Starts at $37 per ton.

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Rock Disposal Options

1. Rent a Roll Off Dumpster

Renting a dumpster is an easy and efficient way to dispose of rock and gravel. You can load a roll off dumpster with up to 10 tons of material at once, while a full-size pickup truck can only hold about 1 ton. So if you have a large amount of debris to get rid of, this is the way to go.

Please know that if you’re getting rid of heavy materials like rocks, a 10 yard roll off dumpster is probably your best option. Bigger containers may weigh too much to safely haul once they’re full of heavy rocks. Simply schedule your dumpster rental online, set a delivery date and load your rocks at your own pace. The best part? You won’t have to worry about making any trips to the landfill.

Benefits	Things to Consider
You get an upfront, flat rate before your dumpster arrives.	Best for large amounts of debris.
Lengthy rental periods make it easy to work at your own pace.	You will need to load your own materials.
You have a set rock disposal schedule.	Dumpster sizes and weight limits can vary depending on your location.

Getting Rid of a Lot of Rocks? Order Online

2. Post Rocks Online

An easy and free way to get rid of rocks is to post them to an online classifieds site. List your rocks and gravel for free and have someone pick them up, or post a delivery fee for extra cash in your pocket. You can create a digital listing on most sites. But for online forums, like Reddit, you’ll need to go to your city’s Subreddit to advertise your materials locally.

Get Rid of Rocks on These Sites:

Benefits	Things to Consider
Free rock disposal option.	Isn't a guaranteed removal option.
Allows for gravel and rock recycling.	Not ideal for large amounts of debris.
Can make money by charging a delivery fee.	Debris removal time depends on the buyer.

3. Leave a "Free" Sign Out

Leave your rocks outside your home in an easily accessible spot with a “Free” sign for your neighbors and other passersby to grab. If you’re part of a homeowners association, check that you are allowed to leave a sign and debris outside first.

Free Sign on Pile of Rocks in Front Yard

Benefits	Things to Consider
Free rock disposal option.	Isn't a guaranteed removal option.
Very little extra work involved.	Leaves debris sitting out indefinitely.
Allows people to recycle your rocks.	Takes up space in your front yard.

4. Take Them to a Landscape Supplier

If your rocks are clean and in good shape, you may be able to dispose of them through a local landscaper or landscaping supply store. Depending on the quantity and quality of your materials, this can be a great way to dispose of rocks cheaply or for free and repurpose them. If your local landscaper charges a fee for rock recycling, you can also donate them to a local charity, like a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Benefits	Things to Consider
Inexpensive or free rock disposal option.	You’ll have to haul your rocks there.
You repurpose rocks without keeping them in your yard.	You may have to clean your rocks and gravel.
If given to a charity, your donation may be tax deductible.	Best for a smaller amount of rocks.

5. Reuse Them for Your Own Landscaping

A great way to repurpose unwanted debris is to reuse rocks and gravel in your own landscaping. Recycling rocks gets heavy debris out of the way and transforms it into a new garden feature.

Ways to Repurpose Rocks in Your Yard

Looking to put your old landscaping materials to good use? Recycling is a great way to do it. Here are a few creative (and free!) ways to dispose of rocks and gravel.

Use larger rocks to create a low-budget backyard fire pit.
Reuse gravel in your xeriscape landscaping.
Recycle backyard rocks to form a footpath.
Create a low-maintenance pathway with gravel.

By repurposing your rocks, you’ll save on both disposal and new project costs.

Benefits	Things to Consider
You don’t have to pay for disposal.	You aren’t actually getting rid of rocks and gravel.
You’re recycling rocks and gravel.	You may have more debris than you need for reuse.
Repurposed rocks and gravel keep new landscaping project costs low.	The rocks you remove may not be ideal for the project you’re considering.

6. Hire a Junk Removal Company

Hiring a junk removal company is another way to get rid of rocks and gravel. They’ll come to you on a date that works for your disposal timeline and haul the heavy debris away so you keep your hands clean. However, you’ll have to pay per trip. Rocks are heavy, and sometimes the company can’t fit as many rocks in their truck as they thought. Often the quoted price may change once they arrive on-site and see your debris in person. If you have a lot of rocks to get rid of, it may become a costly option.

Benefits	Things to Consider
Heavy lifting is done for you.	Price may increase upon arrival.
You can schedule disposal on your timeline.	Must be present for debris pickup.
You don’t have to go to the landfill.	There may be a limit to how much debris you can dispose of.

7. Dump the Rocks Yourself

Lastly, you can dispose of rocks and gravel at a landfill near you. Just make sure your local facility is open to the public and will take your heavy debris. Some county landfills offer free dump days a few times a year. Keep in mind, you’ll need a truck and some help from friends and family to load your materials and haul them to the dump. Depending on how much rock and gravel you have, this could take multiple trips.

Benefits	Things to Consider
Low-cost disposal option for small amounts of rock.	You need a truck to transport your materials.
You can work at your own pace.	It might take multiple trips.
	Landfill may be far away.

How Much Does Rock Removal Cost?

The average cost of rock and gravel disposal depends on the amount of debris you need to get rid of. Typically, the less rock you have, the lower the cost.

If you have a lot of heavy debris, consider renting a roll off dumpster or hiring a junk removal company.

A junk removal service usually costs between $450 and $650 to get rid of a full truckload of debris.
In contrast, a 10 yard dumpster rental can usually haul up to 10 tons of rocks and gravel at an average cost of $410.

There are also several free options for disposing of rock. But keep in mind these disposal methods will require some heavy lifting on your part.

Costs of Various Rock Disposal Methods

Disposal Option	Unit	Average Cost
Rent a Dumpster	Per 10 yard dumpster	$410
Post Rocks Online	Per ton	Free*
Leave a “Free” Sign Out	Per ton	Free
Take Rocks to a Landscape Supplier	Per ton	Free*
Reuse Rocks in Your Own Landscaping	Per ton	Free
Hire a Junk Removal Company	Per truckload	$450
Dump the Rocks Yourself	Per ton	$58*