Dirt removal in
San Diego, California.
Compare 23 roll-off dumpster companies for dirt removal in San Diego. At 2,200 lbs per cubic yard, dirt is one of the heaviest materials you can load — the right setup and disposal method can save you hundreds.
Dirt weighs 2,200 lbs per cubic yard — 10-yard max recommended
A full 10-yard dumpster of dirt weighs 11 tons — already exceeding most standard weight limits. Wet soil can weigh 50% more (3,300+ lbs/yd). Never order a 20 or 30 yard for dirt-only loads — you'll hit the weight cap with the bin barely 25–30% full and still pay full price. A 10-yard with an upgraded weight limit is the right call.
Dirt weight by volume
| Cubic Yards | Total Weight (lbs) | Total Weight (tons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 yd³ | 2,200 lbs | 1.1 tons |
| 2 yd³ | 4,400 lbs | 2.2 tons |
| 3 yd³ | 6,600 lbs | 3.3 tons |
| 5 yd³ | 11,000 lbs | 5.5 tons |
| 8 yd³ | 17,600 lbs | 8.8 tons |
| 10 yd³ | 22,000 lbs | 11.0 tons |
Based on dry dirt at 2,200 lbs/yd³. Wet or clay-heavy soil can weigh 2,800–3,300 lbs/yd³.
Clean fill vs contaminated dirt
Clean fill dirt
Often FREE to dispose— construction sites, landscapers, and developers actively seek clean fill dirt for grading, backfill, and site preparation.
What qualifies: Natural soil with no debris, no organic matter (roots, grass), no chemicals, no trash, and no construction materials mixed in.
Where to find takers:Craigslist “free” section, Facebook Marketplace, local contractor boards, and fill-wanted sites specific to the San Diego area.
Contaminated dirt
$50–$80 per ton at landfill— dirt with any contamination must go to a licensed disposal facility. No one will accept it for free.
What makes dirt “contaminated”: Oil or fuel spills, paint, chemicals, mixed construction debris, asbestos-containing materials, or any soil from brownfield/industrial sites.
Testing: If you suspect contamination (old gas station, industrial site, painted structures), get a soil test before disposal. Haulers can refuse contaminated loads.
Free dirt disposal options in San Diego
Post on Craigslist / Facebook
List "free clean fill dirt" with your San Diego location. Contractors and homeowners doing grading work will often pick it up for free — some will even bring their own truck.
Contact active construction sites
New construction and subdivision projects near San Diego often need fill dirt for grading. Call the site superintendent and ask if they're accepting clean fill.
Check with landscaping companies
Landscapers building retaining walls, raised beds, or doing grading work frequently need fill dirt. A few calls can save you $500+ in disposal fees.
Municipal fill sites
Some San Diego area municipalities operate clean fill disposal sites at no charge for residents. Check with your local public works department.
Important:Free disposal only works for genuinely clean fill. If your dirt has any debris, roots, or contamination, you'll need a dumpster and standard landfill disposal.
Recommended dumpster size for dirt in San Diego
A 10-yard is the practical maximum for dirt. At 2,200 lbs/yd³, a full 10-yard load hits 11 tons — at or above most hauler weight limits. Ask your hauler about upgraded weight limits (some offer 12–15 ton options for heavy material at $50–$100 extra). For large excavation projects, plan on multiple pulls.
Common dirt removal projects
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121 Broadway Suite 357, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
4901 Morena Blvd #105, San Diego, CA 92117, USA
424 15th St #209, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
5640 Surfrider Way, San Diego, CA 92154, USA
10981 San Diego Mission Rd #245, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
4260 Campus Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
1041 Market St #219, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
3223 Greyling Dr #23672, San Diego, CA 92193, USA
7515 Metropolitan Dr Ste 401, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
3660 Dalbergia St, San Diego, CA 92113, USA
2535 Camino del Rio S Suite 255, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
1545 & 1565, 1545 Hotel Cir S, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
4042 52nd St, San Diego, CA 92105, USA
770 1st St Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
860 15th St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
6974 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120
8210 Ronson Rd, San Diego, CA 92111
10601 Tierrasanta Blvd suite g-155, San Diego, CA 92124, USA
4966 El Cajon Blvd CA, San Diego, CA 92115, USA
9340 Cabot Dr, San Diego, CA 92126
6767 Nancy Ridge Dr, San Diego, CA 92121
6160 Cornerstone Ct E, San Diego, CA 92121
7880 Airway Rd, San Diego, CA 92154, USA
Dirt removal FAQ
What size dumpster do I need for dirt removal in San Diego?
A 10-yard dumpster is the maximum recommended size for dirt removal in San Diego. Dirt weighs 2,200 lbs per cubic yard, so a full 10-yard dumpster of dirt weighs 11 tons — already at or above most weight limits. Larger dumpsters (20 or 30 yard) will hit the weight cap with only a few yards of dirt inside.
Can I dispose of dirt for free in San Diego?
Yes, if it's clean fill (no contaminants, no debris, no organic material). Construction sites, landscaping companies, and fill-wanted postings in the San Diegoarea often accept clean dirt for free. Contaminated dirt (with oil, paint, chemicals, or mixed debris) cannot be given away and must go to a landfill at $50–$80/ton.
How much does dirt removal cost in San Diego, California?
A 10-yard dumpster for dirt in San Diegotypically costs $350–$600 for a 7-day rental with a 10-ton weight limit. If your dirt qualifies as clean fill, you may find free disposal options that reduce the overall cost significantly. For contaminated or mixed dirt, expect landfill tipping fees of $50–$80/ton on top of the rental.
Dirt removal near San Diego
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