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.
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How to dispose of dirt
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.
1. Sell it or give it away online
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.
2. Rent a roll-off dumpster
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.
3. Let others take it for free
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.
4. Hire a dirt removal company
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.
5. Dump it yourself
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.
6. Store it for another project
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.
7. Recycle the dirt
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.
Where can I dispose of dirt?
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 removal cost
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!
Dirt removal FAQs
If you have more questions about dirt disposal, explore our FAQs below.
How do I get rid of dirt?
There are several different ways to get rid of dirt. The cheapest options include selling it online, letting others take it away for free, dumping it yourself, and storing it for another project. Alternatively, you can rent a roll-off dumpster or hire a professional company to come and take it away.
Where can I get rid of dirt?
If you’re looking to dispose of dirt yourself, you either find a local transfer station or landfill online that’s open to the public and accepts dirt. Some local home and garden companies might also take dirt and soil for a nominal fee.
What are the typical weight limits for roll-off dumpsters when disposing of dirt?
While the article mentions that roll-off dumpster sizes and weight limits vary by location, it does not specify typical weight limits. Generally, weight limits for dumpsters can range from 2 to 5 tons for dirt disposal, depending on the dumpster size and the company's policies.
How can I determine if a "Free Dirt" method is compliant with local regulations?
We advise checking local regulations before using the "Free Dirt" method, but to determine compliance, you would typically need to consult your local city or county waste management department, or homeowners' association (HOA) rules to ensure that leaving dirt on your property for pickup is permissible.
Are there any environmental considerations when choosing a dirt disposal method?
Recycling or reusing dirt can be environmentally beneficial. Methods like giving dirt away for reuse in landscaping projects or recycling through C&D waste companies can help reduce landfill use and promote sustainability.
How long can it take to find someone to pick up free dirt listed online?
Finding someone to pick up free dirt can take some time depending on the area and time of year. It might take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to find a taker, especially during off-peak construction seasons or in less populated areas.
How do I choose between hiring a junk removal service and renting a dumpster for dirt disposal?
Choosing between hiring a junk removal service and renting a dumpster depends on your specific needs. If you prefer not to do any heavy lifting and need scheduled removal, hiring a junk removal service is suitable. If you are comfortable loading the dirt yourself and want to manage the timing more flexibly, renting a dumpster might be better.
This post was originally published on June 24, 2021. It was updated on August 20, 2024 to reflect the latest information.