Dirt is a necessary part of life. We need it to grow our food and to build our homes. But what to do with all the dirt we don’t need? There are many ways to dispose of dirt, and each method has advantages and disadvantages. Excavation projects come in all shapes and sizes, from unearthed pools to forming building foundations.
No matter the project’s scope, tons of dirt must be excavated and removed from the work site. You can not just leave it anywhere not only will it create an eyesore, but it could also contaminate potable water sources. In this blog post, we will discuss how to dispose of dirt safely and environmentally friendly way!
Dirt Disposal Considerations
1. Determine Soil Type
Different types of dirt have different debris mixed in. Demolition sites may have insulation or concrete chunks, while landscapes often contain compostable food scraps. By determining the type of dirt, you can better understand how to get rid of it and what sort of transportation is necessary.
Underground fuel storage tanks commonly have cracks that leak oil into the surrounding soil, causing contamination. If you find this on an old property, it’s important to take immediate action by calling a specialized company that can dispose of the contaminated soil correctly and legally.
Construction dirt can be either clean fill or non-clean fill. Clean-fill dirt contains eco-friendly materials that work well for construction, such as soil, brick, concrete, sand, cement, and gravel.
Clean construction dirt is free of toxic substances and can be recycled. Non-clean fill construction dirt contains plastics, glass, metals, fiberglass, cardboard, household waste, or contaminated soils. Recycling is not possible with this type of dirt.
2. Calculate the Amount of Soil for Disposal
Dirt is heavier than it appears to be. When wet or dry, dirt’s weight changes despite its ability to be picked up in one hand. For example, when excavated, wet dirt weighs about 3,000 lbs per cubic yard. If the dirt is loose and dry or compacted soil, it may weigh around 2,100 lbs per cubic yard instead extravagant.
Determine the weight and calculate the effort it would take to move it before deciding whether to hire local companies or use a more efficient dumpster service for your needs.
How to Dispose of Dirt?
With an understanding of your soil composition and amount, you can more easily determine where to dispose of extra dirt. Landscaping companies often accept organic and inorganic waste for their compost heaps, reducing landscape project costs.
1. Construction Companies or Landscaping Companies
Construction companies often accept donated dirt since it can be used in trenches and low-lying areas. The dirt may contain loose soil, clays, and rocks. Construction and demolition companies will likely accept your donation if you’re willing to cover the costs of transporting the dirt. Those same organizations also utilize clean-fill sites when necessary.
2. Recycling Center
Most recycling centers accept dirt as long it is clean and uncontaminated. Soil that contains concrete or other demolition waste can also be recycled at these locations. However, hazardous soils cannot be disposed of in landfills if the soil is contaminated.
3. Hauling Considerations for Fill Dirt
Always start a project like this by determining the weight and condition of the soil. This will help you decide what equipment you need, whether a dumpster or a hauling company.
4. Roll Off Dumpsters
If you need to dispose of a lot of dirt, hiring a roll-off dumpster specifically for dirt can make the job much easier. With this service, the dumpster company delivers the container and returns to haul it away once you’re finished loading. Sizes vary depending on which dumpster company you choose, but some offer units that are 10 yards in size with a weight limit of 10 tons.
The type of dumpster you select depends on how you plan to haul the dirt inside. If using an excavator, skid steer, or backhoe, choose an open-top dumpster so that the articulated arm can lift the dirt inside.
Soil dumpsters allow you to roll wheelbarrows inside, making it easy to move dirt around. Another option is to use a mini skid steer or compact loader to move the dirt into the dumpster. This way, you can shovel the dirt directly from the machine into the dumpster. However, many companies refuse soil containing food waste or hazardous materials.
5. Junk Removal Companies
In addition to rubbish removal, some companies provide dirt removal too. The fees differ if they haul a full bedload or a quarter bedload. Depending on weight and soil conditions, extra fees might be charged, for example, moist dirt or heavy clays.
Most companies won’t haul certain hazardous materials because they don’t have the proper permits, So you need to call beforehand and find out what they will agree to haul.
Keep in mind that many junk removal companies use smaller trucks. It takes several hauling/loading trips to clear large dirt piles. These removal companies are fast and affordable if you’re working on a small project.
Other Options for Leftover Soil Removal
- You can haul away the dirt if you own a truck and have some time. If you choose this method, you can control your costs by taking it to landfill or recycling companies. They might charge a small fee, but it varies depending on soil quality. This option is best for hauling smaller loads; anything larger will probably require multiple job-site trips. Something else to keep in mind is that heavier soils weigh more- which could also affect the cost. Overloading your vehicle with damp, compacted soil could cause severe damage to the automotive parts.
- No one can transport hazardous materials without a permit. If you need to get rid of hazardous waste, finding a company that specializes in contaminated soil and has the proper permits is best. These companies know how to transport the waste safely so that there is no danger to yourself or those around you.
- You could provide the dirt to local farmers interested in reusing it, but keep in mind that people will likely take large amounts of dirt over an extended period. Easy access for retrieval is important. You may have people call you first to plan for pick-up, and certain municipalities may require a mining permit.
The Bottom Line
When you need to get rid of a lot of dirt quickly, the best solution is to hire a roll-off dumpster company. This service provides you with a container to fill and then takes it away when you’re done. If you have less dirt or want to save money, consider using a junk removal company. These companies typically have smaller trucks, so it may take multiple trips to clear a large area.
You could also haul the dirt away, which is only practical for small loads. A company with the proper permits must handle hazardous materials. You could provide the dirt to farmers or other interested parties for reuse, but keep in mind that this could take some time. Whichever method you choose, make sure to follow all local regulations.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get rid of dirt?
The quickest and most budget-friendly solution to soil removal is arranging a domestic skip hire. Some benefits of hiring a soil skip when starting a landscaping or gardening project are that: You can load the skip as slowly or quickly as you want, based on your work speed.
Can I sell soil from my garden?
Several people need the soil you don’t want anymore, so market it to them. You can either advertise online or locally. It is possible to advertise surplus soil online via a variety of websites.
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