How much does it cost to remove dirt?
How much does it cost to remove dirt?
$140 – $230 average cost per cubic yard
$140 – $180 average cost per ton
$1,400 – $2,300 1 dump truck load (10 cubic yards)
Dirt removal cost
Dirt removal costs $140 to $180 per ton, including dumping fees. The cost to remove fill dirt is $140 to $230 per cubic yard. The cost to haul off dirt is $1,400 to $2,300 per truckload. The cost to dump dirt at a landfill alone is $30 to $50 per ton.
| Pile size | Cubic yards | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 dump truck load | 10 | $1,400 – $2,300 |
| 2 dump truck loads | 20 | $2,800 – $4,600 |
| 3 dump truck loads | 30 | $4,200 – $6,900 |
| 4 – 5 dump truck loads | 40 – 50 | $5,600 – $11,500 |
*Prices for dry, loose fill dirt.
Cost to remove dirt per cubic yard
Fill dirt disposal costs $140 to $230 per cubic yard, depending on its weight. Organic matter or compost costs $50 to $125 per cubic yard to remove. The weight of any dirt type will fluctuate based on moisture levels.
| Dirt type | Weight per cubic yard (lbs.) | Removal cost per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Organic matter/compost | 700 – 1,400 lbs. | $50 – $125 |
| Fill dirt | 2,000 – 2,600 lbs. | $140 – $230 |
| Rocky dirt | 2,500 – 3,000 lbs. | $175 – $265 |
| Wet dirt | 3,000 – 3,400 lbs. | $210 – $300 |
*1 ton is equal to 2,000 pounds.
Cost factors to haul off dirt
Costs to haul off dirt vary based on many factors:
Weight – A cubic yard of dirt weighs approximately 1.1 to 1.5 tons, but it fluctuates based on dirt type and the amount of rocks and moisture in it.
Dirt condition – Contaminated dirt or rocky dirt costs more to get rid of than clean dirt.
Accessibility – The distance from the dirt to the dump truck changes labor and equipment fees.
Labor hours – Job duration depends on the amount of dirt, the removal method, and the distance to the disposal facility.
Equipment – Different fees apply for backhoes, excavators, and other machines.
Speed – Same-day service costs more than dirt removal scheduled in advance.
State regulations – The rules governing solid waste disposal prohibit dirt disposal at certain landfills or increase costs.
Permits – A dumpster permit costs $20 to $90 extra. Mining permit fees of $200 to $300 apply in some cities for selling or giving dirt to others.
Minimum fees – Companies that haul off large amounts of dirt have minimum fees or require a minimum amount of soil removal.
Transportation – Dirt hauling fees of $3 to$10 per mile may apply for sites outside of the standard delivery area.
Dirt replacement – New topsoil delivery costs $10 to $50 per yard on average.
Dumpster rental costs for dirt disposal
Dumpster rental prices are $220 to $580 per week on average for a 10-cubic-yard dumpster. This price does not include dumpster-filling labor. Rental companies offer pick-up on a scheduled or on-call basis. Delivery fees apply for longer distances from the dumpsite.
| Dumpster size (cubic yards) | Pickup truck loads | Average cost per week |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 3 | $220 – $580 |
| 20 | 6 | $280 – $700 |
| 30 | 9 | $300 – $725 |
| 40 | 23 | $350 – $780 |
*Fees of $40 to $100 per ton apply if exceeding dumpster weight limits.
Soil removal costs by project
Soil removal costs depend on the project type, size, and dirt-removal method.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Land grading and leveling | $0.40 – $2.00 per square foot |
| Excavation and dirt removal | $2.50 – $15.00 per cubic yard |
| Trenching | $5.00 – $12.00 per linear foot |
The cost to regrade or level a yard is $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.
Excavation costs $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard to prepare for a foundation or pool.
Trenching costs $5 to $12 per linear foot for installing underground lines.
Cost to dump dirt at landfill
The cost to dump dirt at a landfill is $30 to $50 per ton on average with self-delivery. Some landfills have minimum fees. Check beforehand if they only accept clean-fill dirt or all dirt types. Proof of soil testing may be necessary.
Contaminated soil removal and soil remediation costs
Contaminated soil removal costs $140 to $450 per ton on average if dumping in a RCRA-permitted landfill for hazardous waste. Soil remediation may involve decontamination and reuse of soil rather than disposal.
A soil test costs $25 to $200 to confirm the extent of contamination.
An underground oil tank removal costs $800 to $3,400 to prevent soil contamination from stored oil.
Free dirt removal and alternatives
Free dirt removal and alternatives include:
Raised flower bed installation costs $1,200 to $4,000 on average.
Advertise free dirt on online marketplaces.
Haul dirt to a landscaper or contractor who will take it for free.
Wait for a free dump day at the local landfill.
Build a backyard berm or landscaping-mound feature.
Use it to reinforce a new retaining wall.
Dirt removal FAQs
Where can I get rid of dirt?
Places you can get rid of dirt include:
A landfill
Construction and demolition recycling center
Landscaping companies
Construction companies
Building material suppliers
Plant nurseries
Private individuals
Some companies only accept clean-fill dirt that’s free of contaminants. Nurseries may only accept topsoil rather than dry fill dirt.
When would I need to have dirt removed?
You need to have dirt removed when your projects include:
Building construction (excavating, trenching, and grading)
Pool installation
Large-scale yard grading or drainage system work
Landscaping installation (patios, garden mounds, and flower beds)
Cleanup (chemicals, heavy metals, fertilizers, fuel, and oil)
Getting quotes from dirt removal services
Before hiring a dirt removal service near you, be sure to:
Get at least three quotes to compare services and costs.
Only hire a company that has a license, surety bonds, and insurance.
Look for companies with more than 5 years of experience.
Read online reviews of the company on Google and HomeGuide.
Remember low quotes may be a sign of low quality.
Get a signed copy of the contract or service agreement.
Don’t give the final payment before the dirt removal is complete.
Questions to ask
What equipment do you use to load your dump truck?
How much dirt can your dump truck haul per trip?
Do you offer dumpster rentals?
Will you dispose of other yard waste at the same time?
How should I prepare for dirt removal?
Are there things I can do to limit costs?
Do you know of any local businesses that recycle dirt?
Where do you dump the dirt?
What types of situations increase my costs?
Do you charge extra fees outside of your service area?
When will you let me know about unexpected costs?
Will you charge extra if my dirt has rocks and debris in it?
Do I need soil testing before removal?
Will you supply a landfill or dump receipt?
What is your clean-up procedure?