
Whether you’re breaking ground on new construction or redoing your flower beds, you may be wondering how to remove dirt from your yard in an efficient, cost-effective way. We’ve broken down the most common dirt disposal options so you can find the best way to get rid of soil for your specific needs.
This is a simple way to dispose of dirt from any landscaping or construction project. To rent a dirt dumpster, simply call and schedule a delivery time that’s convenient for you. Once your container arrives, you can load up the leftover dirt at your own pace and we’ll haul it away when you’re finished. This option is ideal for quickly removing dirt from your yard.
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Posting an online listing is a good way to get rid of dirt for free. Many contractors and DIYers browse sites like Craigslist, Freecycle and Facebook for dirt and soil to use in their projects. You could list your soil as available for free pickup or offer to deliver the soil yourself, if you really need to get it off your hands.
You can also browse dirt-specific classified sites, including FreeDirt.com, Clean-Fill-Wanted.com and DirtFill.com. These sites will match you with local wanted ads for soil and fill dirt, usually for a fee.
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Important:
Some states do not allow you to sell or give away dirt for use on another property unless you have obtained a mining permit. Mining permits can cost between $200-300, but this can vary depending on your area. Check with your local government to ensure that you’re complying with city regulations.
If you’re looking for a free dirt disposal option, you can always leave a ‘Free Dirt’ sign out on your lawn to attract potential takers. Make sure the dirt is easily accessible in case an interested passerby wants to haul it away when you’re not home. If it isn’t nearby, write a contact number on the bottom of the sign so they can get in touch with you. Also, if you’re a part of a homeowner’s association, check to see if you’re allowed to leave your materials sitting out in the open before doing so.
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Some junk removal companies can provide soil removal services. The company will schedule a delivery window and send out two professionals who will determine the hauling price upon arrival. Then, they will load up your dirt and haul it away for you. Typically, junk removal services use trucks with 2-ton weight limits, meaning they can carry up to 4,000 pounds. Because of this, this option is usually better for getting rid of small amounts of soil.
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Finally, you can always dispose of dirt at the landfill yourself. Most landfills will accept inert waste like soil for a set per-ton cost. Search online to find a local landfill or transfer station that accepts dirt and is open to the public. Dumping debris on your own works for some projects, but larger amounts of dirt may call for a bigger disposal solution.
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The cost to remove dirt is based on a few factors, including the weight of the soil. Unlike concrete and asphalt, 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.
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Because the weight of soil can vary so greatly, budgeting can be tricky, especially when using a smaller dirt disposal option like a junk removal service. Junk removal trucks are typically limited to a 2-ton load, which costs around $600. If your materials end up weighing more than this, they’ll have to schedule a second pickup, which can end up doubling your costs to $1,200.
In contrast, the average cost of a 10 yard roll off dumpster is $394, which can include up to a 10 ton weight limit depending on where you live. Because it can be hard to estimate the weight of dirt on large projects, it’s typically more cost-efficient to rent a dirt dumpster or haul and dump the materials yourself.
If you’re interested in recycling some or all of your leftover dirt, here are a few ways to put soil to good use.
You can keep leftover soil for use in future backyard projects with a few sturdy soil storage bins. Be sure to use waterproof bins and keep them out of the elements and direct sunlight. Some backyard projects you can reuse soil in include:
If you have a truck and some time on your hands, you can recycle dirt by taking it to a landscape supplier. Some local home and garden centers will accept dirt and soil for a small fee. From there, they can mix the dirt into compost to bed their own plants or, if the soil is high-quality, sell it on their own shelves.
Some recycling companies can accept dirt as construction and demolition, or C&D, waste. To find a C&D recycler near you, check out the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association’s facility locator.
Dirt can be dumped safely at the following locations:
Dirt should not be dumped on:
Remember, you should not dump, sell or give away dirt without obtaining the necessary mining permits required in your area.
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.
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.
Dirt mixed with rocks, leaves and other inert or biodegradable waste is not 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.
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.