Dirt Disposal Options
Rent a Roll-Off Dumpster
Renting roll-off dumpsters is simple and cost-effective, requiring only that you make an appointment to have them dropped off when you need them and picked up when your project is done. While this option means you’ll be loading the dirt yourself, it won’t be sitting on your grass or job site for too long. You can dispose of up to 10 tons of material in a single roll-off clean dirt dumpster.
Renting a roll-off dumpster saves you more time and money than other dirt removal services because you don’t need to be present for the pickup or removal of your dirt dumpster, and you’ll pay the cost upfront when you complete your order. This gives you more control over the dirt removal process, with guaranteed dirt disposal on a schedule.
If you’re thinking of renting a roll-off dumpster to remove your dirt, you should have an idea of the physical size of the material you’ll need to move away in cubic yards. You can measure this with a simple equation: length x width x depth (all in yards) = total cubic yards. The two sizes of clean dirt dumpsters at ASAP Site Services hold 280 and 560 cubic yards of dirt. For more information about our dumpster rental process and affordable pricing options, check out our roll-off dumpster rentals.
Check the Classifieds (or Place an Ad in Them)
Online classifieds are a great place to look if you want to get rid of your dirt for free or at a lower cost than using a removal company. You might also consider placing an ad there, since landscapers and contractors often check places like Craigslist to find free materials for their projects. Choosing this option means your dirt or soil will be sitting around your work site until someone can take it away, so this is not ideal for hauling large amounts of dirt.
Before selling dirt online, check with your local government to see whether or not you need a permit. Some states require mining permits to sell dirt that will be used at another property, so you should check first to be sure you are following local laws.
Leave Dirt Out With a “For Free” Sign
You can get rid of smaller amounts of dirt for free by leaving the material out on your property with a sign clearly stating “Free Fill Dirt.” Like working through the classifieds, this option leaves your dirt sitting around until someone can haul it away. You can make this easier by leaving your dirt in an easily accessible area of your property so people can take it when you aren’t around. If you need to be present for people to take your dirt, leave your contact information on the sign so interested parties can get in touch with you before they arrive.
Hire a Junk Removal Company
Hiring a junk removal company is a great way to have your dirt hauled away without doing the heavy lifting yourself. Before hiring one, though, first make sure that they will take dirt to begin with, and keep in mind that these companies can only haul about two tons of debris, or 4,000 pounds (this is the standard carrying capacity of most junk removal trucks). Check out ASAP’s Junk Removal page for more information about the junk removal services we offer.
Dump It Yourself
Of course, you can always dump your dirt yourself. Most public landfills will accept dirt, but you should check with yours first to make sure. While dumping debris yourself lets you work on your own deadline, it requires significantly more time and effort than the methods detailed above. Consider the amount of dirt you need to be removed and the distance to the closest accepting landfill as you weigh these different removal options.
Where Can I Dump Dirt?
Dirt can be dumped at any landfill, recycling center, or landscape supplier that says they will accept dirt and soil. You should always call or check online first before dumping your dirt to be sure the facility can take it.
Where NOT to Dump Dirt
Don’t dump dirt on any private property that doesn’t belong to you. You also should not dump dirt on public property, which includes wildlife preserves and parks.
How Much Does Dirt Disposal Cost?
The cost of dirt disposal varies depending on several factors, chief among them the size of your dirt or soil waste in both weight and cubic yards. Cubic yards are especially important to know if you have a lot of dirt and plan to rent a roll-off dumpster. The weight of your dirt is important to know for all the disposal options mentioned above. The weight of dirt greatly increases when it is wet—for example, a single cubic yard of dry topsoil weighs about 2,000 pounds, but when it becomes saturated, the same amount of dirt weighs about 3,000 pounds. Therefore, it is important to keep your dirt dry or account for the weight change if you cannot.
Junk removal services will differ based on your location, so shop around for a better idea of your local pricing options. Depending on how much dirt you need removed, a truck can cost between $362 and $630. When you hire a junk removal company, they will send representatives to assess the debris at your location and give you an estimate. You should factor this time into your overall dirt removal schedule.
Because clean dirt cannot be placed in a regular roll-off dumpster, you’ll need to rent a clean dirt roll-off dumpster. Clean dumpsters from ASAP Site Services come in two sizes: a 10-yard full dumpster or a 20-yard half dumpster, both of which can hold 10 tons (20,000 pounds) of homogenous debris. The prices for clean dumpsters range from $379 to $697 and will depend on your location and how much debris you need hauled away. You can find your local pricing on our roll-off dumpster rentals page.
Standard Roll-Off Dumpsters
10-Yard Roll-Off Dumpster (1 ton)
15-Yard Roll-Off Dumpster (1 ton)
20-Yard Roll-Off Dumpster (2 tons)
30-Yard Roll-Off Dumpster (2 tons)
40-Yard Roll-Off Dumpster (4 tons)
Dirt Recycling Options
Take It to a Landscape Supplier or Garden Center
Landscape suppliers and some garden centers will take leftover soil if you have the time and ability to bring it in. Not all of them will accept your dirt for free, so check first to see if they charge a fee.
Store It for Later Use
By keeping leftover dirt and soil out of sunlight in waterproof containers, you can store it on your property until you find a use for it. You should use soil sooner than later if you plan to garden with it because soil quality can degrade after about 6 months of storage.