Although it’s organic and comes from nature, dirt can't be dumped just anywhere. Renting a dumpster for bulk dirt removal is an effective strategy. Learn all about this and other dirt removal strategies that will work for your project.
\n\n\nThis is a major misconception that can get you in hot water with local, state, and even federal authorities. Just because dirt comes from nature doesn’t mean you can dump it in a local forest, open field, vacant land, park, or any other public place.
\n\nEnvironmental laws regulate where dirt can be dumped. These laws vary by state and municipality. If you plan to handle the dirt removal on your own, educate yourself about the local laws regarding dirt and inert waste disposal.
\n\nA quick search on Google will give you the information you need to avoid potential fines, vehicle impound, or stiffer penalties in some cases. Search Google for “inert waste landfill in [your city, state]”. Also, search “dirt removal near me” to find local legal dump sites that accept dirt.
\nIt may take a bit of searching to find a dumpster rental company that allows disposal of dirt and inert debris in their roll-off containers. If you can’t find one, consider hiring a junk removal company to load up and haul away the dirt. More on that later.
\n\nBe sure to follow the rental company’s policies on loading dirt. You’ll generally need to keep the load below a certain level in the container (e.g., 25% full). The biggest issue is maintaining an acceptable load weight.
\n\nDirt is dense and heavier compared to many types of construction debris or household trash and junk. So when filling a dumpster with dirt, the weight limit for the rented dumpster is particularly important. Exceeding the weight allowance could tack on $50-$100 per ton in overage fees. Tonnage adds up quickly with dirt…
\n\n| Type of Dirt | \n\t\t\tWeight (lbs) | \n\t\t
|---|---|
| Fill dirt | \n\t\t\t2,000 | \n\t\t
| Sandy, rocky, or gravely dirt | \n\t\t\t3,000 | \n\t\t
| Compost/organic matter | \n\t\t\t1,000 - 1,500 | \n\t\t
| Wet dirt | \n\t\t\t2,500 - 3,000 | \n\t\t
Sources: LoveBackyard and Dan’s Dirt & Gravel
\n\nLooking at the figures above, you can see how just a few cubic yards of dirt can quickly meet or exceed the weight allowance for many 10 or 20 cubic yard dumpsters. Depending on the dumpster rental company, the weight limit may range from 1,000 lbs. (1 ton) up to 8,000 lbs. (4 tons) for a 10 or 20 yard dumpster.
\n\n\n\n(Click image to enlarge.)
\n\nWhile a 10 yard dumpster has the capacity to hold 10 yards of dirt, the weight of a load like this would greatly exceed the lifting and carrying capacity of a roll-off truck. For this reason, dumpster rental companies put a strict limit on the amount of heavy debris, like dirt, allowed in the container.
\n\n\n\n\nExceed this limit and the driver may require you to unload some of the dirt until the load is within the truck’s lifting/hauling capabilities.
\n
Learn more about dumpster capabilities:
\n\n\n\nYour dumpster rental company may charge the “yard waste” or “inert debris” waste rates for dirt. These rates are usually equal to or less than the rates charged for construction debris or household junk disposal.
\n\n\n\nHere’s a breakdown of average costs for a 7-day dumpster rental:
\n\n| Dumpster Size | \n\t\t\tAverage 7-day Rental Cost | \n\t\t
|---|---|
| 10 yard | \n\t\t\t$300 | \n\t\t
| 20 yard | \n\t\t\t$380 | \n\t\t
| 30 yard | \n\t\t\t$440 | \n\t\t
| 40 yard | \n\t\t\t$490 | \n\t\t
Cost varies by location. The figures above are derived from data collected by HometownDumpsterRental.com. These are national averages.
\n\nAn alternative dirt removal strategy is to hire a junk removal company to load up and haul away the dirt. This option has many benefits.
\n\nSome junk hauling companies offer inert debris and dirt removal services. This can be a convenient option for customers that don’t have the time to load the dirt themselves, don’t have the physical capability to load it, or simply want the convenience of having someone else handle the job.
\n\nFind a junk removal company near you
\n\nThe cost of hiring a junk removal company for dirt removal is generally higher than that of renting a dumpster. That said, it really depends upon the weight of the dirt, ease of access to it, and labor costs to load the dirt. Junk removal costs generally start around $100 for small pick-ups; expect to pay at least double that for small dirt removal jobs.
\n\nKEEP READING: Junk Removal vs. Dumpster Rental
\n\nAbsolutely. A strategy that can work in some cases is to put an ad on Craigslist for “Free Fill Dirt” and see if anyone in your area wants to come pick it up. Depending on the quality of the dirt, local homeowners or contractors may be able to make good use of it and be willing to come haul it away at their own expense. This means no cost to you!
\n\nAdvertising it on Craigslist is no guarantee that the dirt will get hauled away at any point in time, if at all. So, if you need the dirt or inert debris hauled away as soon as possible, you’re better off renting a dumpster, hiring a junk removal company, or contacting a contractor that offers this type of service.
\n\nAlthough it’s organic and comes from nature, dirt can't be dumped just anywhere. Renting a dumpster for bulk dirt removal is an effective strategy. Learn all about this and other dirt removal strategies that will work for your project.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"cbdb3b53-9a28-5eae-8001-460da17f460c","title":"What Does the World's Most Sustainable City Look Like?","url":"/blog/the-worlds-most-sustainable-city","image":{"path":"/static/a0673f3f31324e7e8af0cf34ee0b47d3/masdar-city-master-plan-640x466.jpg","alt":"Masdar City sustainable design"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"8a556635-2a85-5e01-a170-d18bb873bb0e","name":"Sustainability","slug":"Sustainability"}],"content":"An artist's rendering of Masdar City
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Smack dab in the middle of the desert is the location of one of the world’s greenest cities. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The city is actually still in the early stages of being developed, but several buildings are fully operational, including the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
\r\n\r\nThe Masdar Institute of Science and Technology
\r\n\r\n\r\n
Masdar City addresses every sustainability issue you could ever think of:
\r\n\r\nSince the focus of Trash Talk is waste/trash/garbage, that’s the part of the city’s master plan we were most intrigued by. Phase 1 of Masdar City’s waste management plan will divert 50 percent of all waste away from landfills, or the equivalent of about 11,000 metric tons. The plan is to sort waste into three main streams: dry recyclables (i.e., cans and cardboard), wet recyclables (i.e., food scraps) and residuals (i.e., empty food containers). Dry recyclables will be shipped to the recycling center while wet recyclables will be composted and used for landscaping purposes. Other residual waste, including toxic waste, will be handled outside the city.
\r\n\r\nIs Masdar City the city of the future? It very well could be. However, it’s tough to say for sure until the city is fully developed and operational. This won’t happen until 2025 assuming everything stays on schedule. On paper, the city looks incredible and is amazingly eco-friendly. That said, there’s no way of knowing how accurate this will translate in real life. My best guess is that Masdar City succeeds in developing the most sustainable city in the world. However, it comes with a steep price – estimates put the price tag at around $18 to $19 billion.
\r\n\r\n
\r\nImages via: Masdar City Official Website
Smack dab in the middle of the desert is the location of one of the world’s greenest cities. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The city is actually still in the early stages of being developed, but several buildings are fully operational, including the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:34:24+00:00"},{"id":"6e771073-df3f-570b-b1c9-b393c5c0b6d8","title":"How to Rent a Dumpster","url":"/blog/how-to-rent-a-dumpster","image":{"path":"/static/3e130f08ca0469937b979b893479ca54/roll-off-dumpster.png","alt":""},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"79f88323-9203-564c-a126-747925fc2bca","name":"Roll Off Dumpster","slug":"Roll-Off-Dumpster"}],"content":"If this is your first time renting a dumpster, Hometown can help with a short overview on how to rent a dumpster. Learning a few of the basics can greatly simplify your dumpster rental experience.
\r\n\r\n\r\nThe cost of renting a dumpster varies widely based on your location. The national average cost of renting a 10 yard dumpster is $300, while the national average cost of renting a 40 cubic yard container is nearly $500 for one-weekek rental. What you pay depends primarily on landfill fees in your area, the size of the container you need, and the dumpster company you select. To get the best price on a dumpster, get quotes from multiple rental companies.
\r\n\r\nMost companies quote one flat rate fee for delivery, pickup, and disposal (though some add delivery charges separately). The rental rate is usually for a standard period of time (for example... up to 7 days) and includes a certain amount of weight (for example... up to 3 tons). If you exceed this weight allowance, you will be subject to overage fees typically ranging from $50 to $100 per ton that you go over.
\r\n\r\nWhen comparing dumpster rental prices between two companies:
\r\n\r\nExtra charges may apply if you need the roll off dumpster for longer than a provider's standard rental period. This is typically a per day fee (ie $5 or $10 per day), but some dumpster services will negotiate with you up front if you need it for slightly longer than their standard period.
\r\n\r\nPay particular attention to the amount of weight included in your price if you are disposing of heavy construction debris like bricks, cement, roofing shingles, or demolition debris. If you're renting a trash dumpster for cleaning out your home of miscellaneous household debris, you will typically not have to worry about 'over weight' fees because the debris is lighter.
\r\n\r\nLearn how to rent a dumpster and be free of your debris. Get information about costs to rent a dumpster, choosing container sizes, and expert tips. Save on your dumpster rental wtih Hometown!
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:31:11+00:00"},{"id":"e4330393-eacd-54f6-ba04-8ffcbda8728b","title":"Comparing the Cost of Junk Removal to Dumpster Rental","url":"/blog/comparing-the-cost-of-junk-removal-to-dumpster-rental","image":{"path":"/static/63661a10d8a316fe97c44935ca6333db/dumpster-rental-and-junk-removal-cost-comparison.png","alt":"dumpster rental and junk removal cost comparison"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"When it comes to any sort of bulk waste or debris removal, your two best options are hiring a junk removal company or renting a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nBut how do you know which is the most cost-effective option for you?
\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\nCosts can vary greatly when renting a dumpster or hiring a junk hauler and are based on multiple factors.
\r\n
We'll go over:
\r\n\r\nA dumpster costs $250-$450 on average to rent, but as we've mentioned, prices can vary.
\r\n\r\nDumpsters are typically the most cost-effective option for medium to large projects or when you need to manage debris during an ongoing project.
\r\n\r\nA kitchen or bathroom renovation, house addition, demolition project, or large deck removal job are projects where a dumpster may be the more economical solution.
\r\n\r\nHaving a dumpster on-site for bigger projects allows you to fill it up at your convenience while keeping a clean, safe site.
\r\n\r\nBelow are a few real-world examples of dumpster rental costs around the country to help give you a general idea of what to expect.
\r\n\r\n| Dumpster Size | \r\n\t\t\tLocation | \r\n\t\t\tCost | \r\n\t\t
| 10 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tMarietta, GA | \r\n\t\t\t$275 | \r\n\t\t
| 10 yard roll-off dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tYonkers, NY | \r\n\t\t\t$300 | \r\n\t\t
| 15 yard roll-off dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tWorcester, MA | \r\n\t\t\t$350 | \r\n\t\t
| 30 yard debris box | \r\n\t\t\tLos Angeles, CA | \r\n\t\t\t$400 | \r\n\t\t
| 40 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tSpringfield, IL | \r\n\t\t\t$550 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Learn more about pricing:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies charge a minimum amount for any junk removal, with the average around $75 to $100.
\r\n\r\nIf you have one or two items you’re getting rid of—like a TV, sofa, or mattress—you’ll probably be charged the minimum amount.
\r\n\r\nFor small cleanups, junk removal is typically the more cost-effective option.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company may remove a small garage-worth of items for $200 when it may cost you $250 to rent a 10 yard bin to do the loading yourself.
\r\n\r\nIn this case, junk removal is the cheaper (and less back-breaking) option.
\r\n\r\nBelow are a few real-world examples of junk removal costs around the country to help give you a general idea of what to expect.
\r\n\r\n| Junk Removal Description | \r\n\t\t\tLocation | \r\n\t\t\tCost | \r\n\t\t
| Refrigerator removal | \r\n\t\t\tManhattan Beach, CA | \r\n\t\t\t$165 | \r\n\t\t
| Removal of 2 TVs | \r\n\t\t\tOmaha, NE | \r\n\t\t\t$45 | \r\n\t\t
| Living room set removal (sectional couch, two china cabinets) | \r\n\t\t\tToms River, NJ | \r\n\t\t\t$169 | \r\n\t\t
| Storage unit cleanout | \r\n\t\t\tSandy, UT | \r\n\t\t\t$375 | \r\n\t\t
| Hoarding home cleanout | \r\n\t\t\tFranklin, MA | \r\n\t\t\t$1,500 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Remember: Every project is different, so calling at least two dumpster rental and two junk removal companies to compare pricing is the best way to determine the most economical debris removal solution.
\r\nDumpster rental and junk removal costs vary based on a number of factors, including the type and amount of debris, where you're located, the accessibility of your property, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nYour exact project cost will depend on these factors, and the best way to get an accurate estimate for your rental or project is to reach out to multiple service providers in your area for a quote.
\r\n\r\nThis not only ensures you get the best price but also allows you to choose the best company for the job, not just the cheapest.
\r\n\r\nDo you live out in the country or far off the beaten path?
\r\n\r\nIf so, you can expect your dumpster rental or junk removal service to cost more due to the cost of travel incurred by the company.
\r\n\r\nCost of living and local disposal fees also play a large role in cost.
\r\n\r\nFor example, you’ll pay significantly more in New York City to rent a dumpster than you would in Memphis, TN based on the difference in cost of living.
\r\n\r\nYou'll also likely pay more for an apartment cleanout that requires hauling items up and down flights of stairs compared to the same size cleanout in the same zip code that is conveniently located on the first floor.
\r\n\r\nSome service providers—dumpster and junk removal—charge differently for household wastes vs. construction and demolition (C&D) debris.
\r\n\r\nC&D debris is often heavier, so it may end up costing more to haul away than general household trash.
\r\n\r\nThe heavier the load, the more you’ll pay.
\r\n\r\nFor junk removal, costs rise as the volume of junk increases.
\r\n\r\nA full truckload of junk, for example, costs more than a load taking up just half of the truck’s total capacity.
\r\n\r\nLikewise, if you exceed the weight limit of your dumpster rental you'll likely be hit with overage fees.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nThe two best ways to remove bulk waste are to either rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal company, but which option is the most cost-effective? Learn about the average costs associated with each service to determine which is the best option for your project.
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