You can dump dirt at local landfills ($30 to $50 per ton), give clean fill dirt away free on DirtMatch or Craigslist, or hire a hauling service. The cheapest option depends on volume and whether your dirt is clean fill or contaminated. Dropcurb does not pick up dirt or gravel, but it can take the bagged leaves and clippings from the same yard project.
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| Disposal Method | Cost | Best For | You Do... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Give away as free fill dirt | Free | Clean fill, any volume | Post on DirtMatch, Craigslist, or Facebook — someone picks it up |
| Self-haul to landfill | $30–$50/ton | Truck owners, large loads | Load your truck, drive to facility, pay tipping fee |
| Composting or yard waste site | Varies by facility | Topsoil with organic matter | Call ahead, then drop it off |
| Dirt removal service | $140–$230/cubic yard | Large excavation projects | Company loads and hauls with equipment |
| Roll-off dumpster | $300–$500 + weight fees | Multi-day projects | Fill dumpster yourself, watch weight limits |
| Construction site donation | Free | Clean fill, large volume | Call local contractors who need fill for grading |
How Do I Get Rid of a Lot of Dirt?
The cheapest way to get rid of large amounts of dirt is to give it away. Platforms like DirtMatch connect people with excess dirt to those who need fill for grading, drainage projects, and landscaping — listing is free for both sides. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace "free fill dirt" posts regularly attract takers within 24 to 48 hours — especially for clean fill.
If no one wants your dirt, self-hauling to a landfill or transfer station is the next cheapest option. Landfill tipping fees for clean dirt run $30 to $50 per ton. A standard pickup truck bed holds roughly 1 to 1.5 tons of soil, so each trip costs $30 to $75. Most facilities require clean dirt to be separated from construction debris and organic waste.
For large excavation projects producing 10 or more cubic yards, hire a professional dirt removal service. HomeGuide reports costs of $140 to $230 per cubic yard, with full truckload hauling running $1,400 to $2,300. These companies bring equipment (skid steers, dump trucks) and handle loading, transport, and disposal.
How Much Does Dirt Removal Cost?
Dirt removal costs vary dramatically based on volume and method.
Per cubic yard: Professional dirt removal costs $140 to $230 per cubic yard according to HomeGuide and HaulNOff. Homewyse places the cost at $197 to $243 per cubic yard as of January 2026. These prices include loading, hauling, and disposal.
Per ton: Landfill tipping fees alone cost $30 to $50 per ton. One cubic yard of dirt weighs approximately 2,000 to 2,700 pounds (1 to 1.35 tons), so the dump fee for a single yard is $30 to $68.
Per truckload: A full dump truck load (10 to 14 cubic yards) costs $1,400 to $2,300 for professional removal. This is the most cost-effective rate per yard for large projects.
Yard debris from the same project: Dropcurb does not pick up dirt or gravel, but it takes bagged leaves, grass clippings and small trimmings from outside: $69 for the first contractor bag of 50 lb or less and $20 for each extra bag.
Use the dump fees by state guide as a starting point for self-haul costs, then confirm the facility accepts your soil and how it charges for that material.
How Do I Dispose of Dirt Near Me?
Finding a disposal site depends on your dirt type and location.
Clean fill dirt (uncontaminated subsoil with no debris, organics, or chemicals) has the most options. Landfills, construction sites, and individuals on platforms like DirtMatch all accept it. Many landscaping companies take clean fill for free because they use it in grading projects.
Topsoil (soil with organic matter) is accepted at composting facilities and yard waste sites. It's usually easier to give away than fill dirt since gardeners want it.
Contaminated dirt (soil exposed to chemicals, petroleum, lead paint, or asbestos) requires environmental testing ($100 to $300 per sample) and disposal at a licensed facility. Costs jump to $300 to $1,000 or more per ton. Never dump contaminated soil at a regular landfill — fines for illegal disposal start at $1,000 and can exceed $50,000.
To find facilities near you, search your county's waste management website or check Waste Management and Republic Services facility locators. Many Reddit users recommend calling your local landfill first, since some facilities refuse dirt entirely while others have dedicated clean fill areas.
Clearing the rest of the yard project? Dropcurb picks up bagged leaves, clippings and small trimmings from $69, same day when you book by 2 PM.
Get Instant PricingCan I Put Dirt in a Dumpster?
Yes, but weight limits are the catch. Dirt is extremely heavy — one cubic yard weighs 2,000 to 2,700 pounds. A standard 10-yard roll-off dumpster has a weight limit of 2 to 4 tons, which means you can realistically fit only 2 to 3 cubic yards of dirt before hitting the cap.
Most dumpster rental companies charge overage fees of $75 to $150 per extra ton. A Reddit user in r/landscaping reported being quoted $700 for a dumpster to dispose of leftover yard dirt — more than the dirt was worth.
If you go the dumpster route, rent a "heavy debris" or "concrete/dirt" dumpster specifically rated for dense materials. Budget Dumpster and local haulers offer these for $300 to $500 including disposal. Make sure to ask about the weight allowance before booking.
How to Save Money on Dirt Disposal
The single best way to save money is to find someone who wants your dirt.
Post it for free online. DirtMatch, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are the top platforms. Include photos, volume estimate, and whether the dirt is clean fill or topsoil. Mention if you need it picked up or if you can deliver. Most posts attract interest within 1 to 2 days.
Call local contractors. Construction companies, landscapers, and road builders often need fill dirt and will pick it up for free — or even pay you if you have clean fill in large quantities.
Self-haul small loads. If you have a pickup truck or can borrow one, hauling dirt to the landfill yourself costs only $30 to $50 per ton — a fraction of the $140 to $230 per cubic yard a professional charges.
Keep the dirt separate. Most facilities require clean dirt to be separated from construction debris and organic waste, so keep soil apart from yard waste and junk. The soil goes to a taker, the landfill or a dirt hauler; bagged yard waste and old outdoor items can go to a curbside pickup.
How to Get Rid of Dirt, Step by Step
Separate the dirt
Keep clean fill apart from rocks, roots, construction debris and yard waste. Most facilities require clean dirt to be separated before they accept it.
Offer it free first
Post clean fill or topsoil on DirtMatch, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace with photos and a volume estimate. Most posts attract interest within 1 to 2 days.
Haul or hire for the rest
Self-haul small loads to a landfill ($30 to $50 per ton) or hire a dirt removal service ($140 to $230 per cubic yard) for large volumes. Bagged yard waste from the same project can go to a Dropcurb pickup.
Yard project left bags of leaves and clippings too? Dropcurb picks them up from $69, same day when you book by 2 PM. No truck, no landfill trip.
Book Curbside PickupFrequently asked questions
Where can I dump dirt for free?
Post clean fill dirt for free on DirtMatch.com, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. Construction sites and landscaping companies often accept free clean fill. Some county landfills have free clean soil drop-off areas — call ahead to confirm.
How much does it cost to dump dirt at a landfill?
Landfill tipping fees for dirt range from $30 to $50 per ton. One cubic yard of dirt weighs roughly 2,000 to 2,700 pounds, so dumping a single yard costs $30 to $68. Some facilities charge a flat minimum fee of $20 to $30 regardless of amount.
How do I get rid of a lot of dirt?
For large volumes, give clean fill dirt away on DirtMatch or Craigslist. For professional removal, dirt hauling costs $140 to $230 per cubic yard or $1,400 to $2,300 per truckload. Self-hauling to a landfill costs $30 to $50 per ton if you have a truck.
Can I put dirt in a regular trash can?
Most waste collectors prohibit dirt in regular trash cans because of the weight. A 32-gallon can full of dirt weighs over 200 pounds — well above the 50-to-60-pound limit most haulers set. Bag small amounts in contractor bags and schedule a separate pickup or take to the landfill.
What is the cheapest way to get rid of dirt?
The cheapest way is to give it away for free. Post on DirtMatch, Craigslist, or call local contractors who need fill. If you need to pay for disposal, self-hauling to a landfill ($30–$50/ton) is cheapest. Without a truck, a dirt removal service ($140–$230 per cubic yard) is the fallback.
How do I get rid of loads of soil from my yard?
For 1 to 3 cubic yards, give it away or self-haul to a landfill; a pickup truck bed holds roughly 1 to 1.5 tons of soil per trip. For 5+ cubic yards, hire a dirt removal service ($140–$230/cubic yard) or rent a dumpster rated for heavy materials ($300–$500). For 10+ yards, a dump truck service ($1,400–$2,300) is most cost-effective.