Whether you’re trenching, grading, or putting in a new foundation, you’re likely dealing with a ton of one material: dirt. Digging it out of the ground is one thing; hauling it away is another challenge. How do you haul and dispose of dirt in an efficient and cost-effective manner?
YEE-HAUL! TWO EASY WAYS TO HAUL THAT DIRT
That massive mound of dirt likely won’t fit on the back of a pickup. Plus, you shouldn’t have to get your hands dirty when another company can easily take that dirt off your hands. There are two common ways to haul it away:
- Rent a Roll-Off Dumpster – With large open containers designed to carry heavy loads, roll-off dumpsters are the most common way to haul away dirt. Delivery and pickup can be conveniently scheduled and rates are often straightforward and all-inclusive, with any extra fees clearly defined.
- Hire a Junk Removal Company – Although their trucks are typically smaller than dumpsters, junk removal companies are useful in a pinch, especially with smaller amounts of dirt. Before using a junk removal company, it’s best to verify that they do indeed handle this task.
KNOW YOUR WEIGHT IN… DIRT
Dirt is far denser and heavier than you may realize. Dry fill dirt can weigh up to 2,000 lbs. per cubic yard, while wet dirt can weigh up to 3,000 lbs. per cubic yard. Why does this matter?
- Weight limit: If you rent a dumpster to fill with dirt, you may reach the standard weight allowance for carrying a full load. For example, a 10-yard dumpster typically has a weight limit around 4,000 pounds.
- Extra fees: Exceeding the weight limit can lead to overage fees, so it’s important to make sure you fully understand the cost of carrying and dumping your dirt. Fees vary by company, but overage fees often range between $50-100 per ton.
DIRT DISPOSAL – DUMP HERE, NOT THERE
Dirt is part of nature, so you can dump anywhere, right? Wrong. Despite its earthly beginnings, you can’t simply dump dirt in any park, field, forest, or private property you come across.
Environmental laws on the local and state level regulate where you can dump your dirt. So how do you dispose of it?
- Landfills or Transfer Stations – Nearby landfills, transfer stations and other authorized dump sites are equipped to handle dirt disposal. Fortunately, dumpster rental services and junk removal companies will often know where to go and manage this for you.
- Send to Supplier – Depending on the quality and content of the dirt, certain landscape companies or building suppliers may be interested in taking the dirt. Call around to local companies to find out more.
- Contaminated Dirt – If your dirt is combined with any toxic, hazardous or flammable materials, then it cannot be hauled by a dumpster company or dumped in a standard facility. It will likely need to be analyzed by a soil engineer and sent to a treatment center.
WE HOPE THIS HELPS YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT DUMPSTER HAUL!
As you can see, there’s more to the hauling and disposal of dirt than meets the eye. However, most dumpster rental companies can help you better understand hauling, weight limits, fees, dump sites, and everything else. For more information or questions, feel free to give us a call!