A Complete Guide To Dirt Removal

Whether you’re a contractor or construction professional breaking ground on a new lot, or you’re simply removing soil from your own backyard, you’re probably wondering how to dispose of dirt in the most efficient and cost-effective way. Here are some common dirt removal methods, their benefits and their drawbacks.

There are a lot of dirt disposal options out there, from selling it online to hiring a dirt removal company to dumping it yourself or storing it for another project. Let’s review the top seven top ways of how to get rid of dirt.

One of the easiest way to dispose of dirt is to list your unwanted dirt online, either for free or at a price. DIYers and contractors browse online marketplaces frequently, looking for soil and dirt to use in their projects.

DirtMatch, for example, is an entirely free option to connect homeowners, contractors, and other construction professionals who have extra dirt with those who need it. We love this website because it makes it simple to coordinate with the person buying or taking your dirt.

Pros: This dirt removal method saves on disposal fees and trucking costs. Plus, it’s either free or profitable.

Cons: The only difficulty of selling your dirt online is finding a time that works for both parties to come pick up the soil. Depending on your area and the time of year, it could take some time to find someone who wants it, but that’s not usually too much of an issue.

Renting a roll-off dumpster is a simple way to get rid of dirt from a landscaping or construction project. To rent one, imply call your local rental company and have them drop it off at a time that’s convenient for you.

Once they drop it off, you can load the dirt at your own pace and call them to come haul it away. It’s a good option if you don’t want the dirt on your driveway or grass for an extended period.

Pros: With a roll-off dumpster, you’re guaranteed that someone will pick up the dirt. You can enjoy all-inclusive rates and you don’t actually have to be home for the dumpster delivery.

Cons: You’ll have to load the dirt yourself, and sizes and weight limits vary depending on your location.

Leave a “Free Dirt” sign along with the pile, and someone is sure to pick it up (eventually). It’s probably the easiest, most hands-free dirt removal approach on this list, but it also has some of the most significant drawbacks. Leaving a pile of dirt for someone to haul it away doesn’t take much effort, but it’s best to check local regulations and your HOA rules before doing so.

Pros: This dirt disposal method is free, allows for easy recycling, and involves very little extra work.

Cons: It’s not ideal for large amounts of dirt, and there are no guarantees that someone will pick it up. As such, there is a risk that the soil might sit out indefinitely.

Many junk removal companies can help you with dirt disposal. Typically, they’ll schedule a delivery window, and when they show up, they’ll do all of the work. This option lets you sit back while the junk removal team loads the dirt and hauls it away. The trucks they use usually hold about 4,000 pounds, meaning that this option isn’t very efficient or affordable if you have a large amount that needs to be removed.

Pros: With this method, you can dispose of dirt in a scheduled, effort-free way with no heavy lifting on your part.

Cons: Typically, they price the dirt removal on-site, meaning that you won’t know the final cost until the removal company arrives. You also need to be present for the pickup.

You can also haul off the dirt and dump it yourself. Most landfills will accept dirt at a set price per ton, and it’s typically a pretty cheap option. Some local home and garden companies might also take dirt and soil for a nominal fee.

You can easily find a local transfer station or landfill online that’s open to the public and accepts dirt. Dumping it yourself works great for smaller projects, but it’s better to look for a bigger dirt removal solution for larger ones.

Pros: Since you’re dumping it, you know it’ll get done. You can also work on the removal at your own pace.

Cons: The downsides of dumping dirt yourself are that you’ll need access to a large truck, it might take more than one trip, and depending on your location, the nearest dump site might be far away.

If you’d rather recycle your dirt or store it and reuse it for another project, that’s another great option. To store it for future use, all you need is a few solid, sturdy storage bins (ideally waterproof and stored out of direct sunlight). There are various backyard projects you can reuse your dirt for, like:

• Making your own raised garden bed.

• Build a DIY fire pit.

• Create a backyard play area for the kids.

Another way to dispose of dirt is to find and contact a C&D (construction and demolition) waste recycling company. You can find a local C&D recycler here. Depending on the company, they’ll either recycle your unused dirt for free or they may charge a small fee.

You can also recycle your unused dirt by giving it to a landscape supplier. Many times they’ll take it for free, but there’s a catch: you’ll have to deliver (and possibly unload) the dirt at their location. They’ll typically use that soil to bed their own plants or to sell it to other contractors and homeowners. While not the ideal option, it’s a relatively easy way to get rid of your dirt quickly.

If you’re looking to dispose of dirt yourself, you can easily find a local transfer station or landfill online that’s open to the public and accepts dirt.

Most landfills will accept dirt at a set price per ton too, and it’s typically a pretty cheap option. Some local home and garden companies might also take dirt and soil for a nominal fee.

Dirt disposal costs vary based on many different factors. High-weight soil can be quite expensive if you decide to pay someone to dispose of it for you.

• Renting a dumpster can cost anywhere from $220 to $580 per week.

• Hiring a junk removal company can run you anywhere from $200 to $600 per load.

• Dumping unused dirt yourself typically costs around $40 per ton plus time spent, gas, and truck rentals.

Getting rid of large amounts of dirt quickly is not cheap. That’s why our favorite removal method is to give away or sell your dirt online — it’s free, and you might even make a profit!

If you have more questions about dirt disposal, explore our FAQs below.