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How to Dispose of Dirt

How to Dispose of Dirt

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Excavation projects take on many forms, from simple underground pool projects to placing in building foundations. These projects require removing tons of dirt from the work area.

Unfortunately, you cannot dump the dirt anywhere. Besides being an eyesore on the yard, it could contaminate potable water sources. Let's look at some ways on how to dispose of dirt for a landscaping or construction project.

Dirt Disposal Considerations

Determine Soil Type

Not all dirt is the same. Demolition dirt may have other debris, such as insulation or concrete, or even automotive fluids, mixed in. Landscape dirt may have food mixed in for composting. Determining the type of dirt may help to figure out the best way to dispose of it. You also narrow down your choices on how to haul it away.

This tactic becomes vital if you encounter underground fuel storage tanks on old residential properties. Cracks in the tank leak fuel oil into the nearby soil. This soil contamination requires specialized work while following all federal disposal regulations. Typically, the contaminated soil becomes transported to a treatment facility.

Construction dirt becomes categorized as clean fill and non-clean fill. Clean fill dirt contains eco-friendly construction materials. These materials consist of soil, dirt, brick, concrete, sand, cement, and gravel.

Clean construction dirt is free of toxic substances and is recyclable. Non-clean fill construction dirt contains plastics, glass, metals, fiberglass, cardboard, household waste, or contaminated soils. The dirt cannot be recycled.

Calculate Amount of Soil for Disposal

Dirt weighs more than it looks. While you easily scope up a handle in one palm, it has different weight when wet or dry. Wet dirt weighs roughly 3,000 lbs. per cubic yard when excavated. If it is dry and loose or compacted, the soil may weight about 2,100 lbs. per cubic yard. Calculating the weight helps you determine whether to hire local companies to haul it or using a dumpster.

Where to Dispose Dirt

Once you understand the soil composition and amount from your DIY project, it is easier to figure out where to dump unwanted soil. Landscaping companies take extra dirt. They may also accept it when containing organic or food waste or yard waste. These companies create compost heaps to use for landscaping projects.

Give to Construction Companies or a Landscaping Company

Construction companies in most regions may also take extra dirt. They love free dirt! These companies use it for filling in certain projects, such as trenches and boggy areas. The dirt may contain loose soil, clays, and rocks. Construction and demolition companies eagerly accept dirt donations if you handle the hauling costs. Clean fill sites accept clean fill dirt as construction companies use it when necessary.

Take Excess Soil to Recycling Center if it Accepts Dirt

Some recycling centers accept dirt. They may take demolition waste containing dirt and concrete to recycle it. Usually, these centers will not take contaminated soil. Landfills provide another option. As with recycling centers, hazardous soils cannot go to landfills.

An infographic detailing how to dispose of dirt
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Hauling Considerations for Fill Dirt

Hauling the dirt depends on the available equipment and soil considerations. That is why you should always start the project by determining soil conditions and weight. Using a dumpster or a hauling company are two viable options.

Roll Off Dumpsters

Specialized roll off dumpsters specifically for dirt allow you to perform the heavy lifting and loading work. A roll off dumpster company delivers the dumpster for a stated amount of time. They return the full dumpster and dispose of the contents. Sizes available vary based on the dumpster company. Yet they may have dumpsters up to 10 yards with a 10-ton weight limit.

Selecting a dumpster depends on how you plan to haul the dirt inside. You may obtain an open-top dumpster as an excavator, skid steer, or backhoe will lift the dirt inside using the articulated arm.

Other dumpsters allow for end access. You may roll wheelbarrows inside. Another option is to use a mini skid steer or compact loader to move the dirt right to the dumpster. Then you may shovel the dirt from the machine and into the dumpster. Many dumpster companies refuse soil containing food waste or hazardous materials.

Junk Removal Companies

Junk removal companies may also provide dirt removal services. Their fees depend on whether they are hauling a full bedload or quarter bedload. They may charge extra fees based on weight and soil conditions, such as moist dirt or heavy clays. Most companies refuse certain hazardous materials because they don't have the required permits. So you need to call in advance and learn what they will haul.

Keep in mind that many junk removal companies use smaller trucks. It takes several hauling/loading trips to clear large dirt piles. If working on a small project, these removal companies are fast and affordable.

Other Options for Leftover Soil Removal

You could move the dirt itself. If you have the truck and the time, you control your own costs for disposal by putting it in the truck bed. Contact landfills and recycling companies to learn if they are open to the public. They might charge a small fee for excess dirt waste disposal, but it depends on how much soil. Select this option for hauling smaller loads. Anything larger could require multiple trips from job sites. Also, keep in mind the weight of the soil. It's worth noting that loading too much damp and compacted soil could cause excessive wear to vehicle parts.

You cannot move hazardous things yourself. You require a hazardous materials permit to transport such materials on local roadways. It is better to contact a company that handles contaminated soil. They have the permits and knowledge to safely haul the materials away.

You could give the dirt away for free to interested parties for reuse. Local farmers could be potential takers. Keep in mind that people typically take large amounts of dirt at their leisure. So it may sit on the driveway for long periods of time. Certain municipalities and jurisdictions may require you to obtain a mining permit to give away dirt for free. Provide easy access to retrieve the dirt. You may have people call you first to plan for pick up.

What Not to Do with Excess Dirt or Soil

Never Dump Excess Soil Illegally

Never try to dump dirt on a neighbor's yard or landscaping without them knowing. They may press charges against you for illegal dumping. Check specific rules and laws by contacting your local government.

You should also never dump dirt on public property not suitable for dumping. Leaving dirt in parks, nature preserves, or wildlife preserves could introduce contaminates to existing soil or water sources. People may also encounter the dirt that could contain construction waste such as metals or glass. Adults and children could injure themselves on the dirt.

Don't Mix with Other Things

Also, avoid mixing clean dirt with other materials, such as pesticides, before hauling it. You may pick this option to cut down on the number of trips to the landfill. However, keeping the dirt clean provides additional dumping options that vanish if you mix it with other materials that are not environmentally friendly.

Plan Early

You will usually know weeks to months in advance regarding possible excavation projects. Start deciding on what to do with the debris early on. Then compare hauling fees and prices. Once you decide on an option, it allows you to move ahead with your excavation project.

In addition, you can set up timelines on when you will require the use of dumpsters. You keep the project moving forward at a good pace to meet deadlines without having to wait for the dumpster delivery.

If you are renting excavation equipment, having a set schedule for hauling and dumping dirt also helps to keep rental costs on target. You do not want to pay extra to keep equipment longer than necessary to clean the dirt up from the worksite. You also want to avoid having to constantly rent out the equipment just to do that single job.

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