Dirt removal in
Tampa, Florida.
Compare 42 roll-off dumpster companies for dirt removal in Tampa. 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 Tampa 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 Tampa
Post on Craigslist / Facebook
List "free clean fill dirt" with your Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa
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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3715 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, USA
6830 E Broadway Ave, Tampa, FL 33619, USA
1601 N 43rd St, Tampa, FL 33605, USA
3810 W San Carlos St, Tampa, FL 33629
204 W 109th Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
4802 N Coolidge Ave, Tampa, FL 33614, USA
9811 Meadow Field Cir, Tampa, FL 33626
13448 Bellingham Dr, Tampa, FL 33625, USA
2002 N Lois Ave #953, Tampa, FL 33607, USA
6421 N Florida Ave Ste D, Tampa, FL 33604, USA
3809 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, USA
1902 W Main St Suite 209, Tampa, FL 33607, USA
10110 Royal Acres Ct, Tampa, FL 33615, USA
4315 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611, USA
6007 N 54th St, Tampa, FL 33610, USA
5014 E Broadway Ave, Tampa, FL 33619, USA
1603 N 43rd St, Tampa, FL 33605
6220 E Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33617, USA
610 E Zack St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
206 N Gomez Ave, Tampa, FL 33609
6210 Anhinga Pl, Tampa, FL 33615
910 E 122nd Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
620 E Twiggs St Ste 306, Tampa, FL 33602
4707 W Gandy Blvd #10-G, Tampa, FL 33611, USA
8643 N Nebraska Ave b, Tampa, FL 33604
7320 E Fletcher Ave suite 109-3, Tampa, FL 33637, USA
8117 Blossom Ave, Tampa, FL 33614, USA
6912 E 9th Ave, Tampa, FL 33619
6008 W Sitka St, Tampa, FL 33634
7106 Hollowell Dr, Tampa, FL 33634
7805 Social Cir, 2818 W Kirby St, Tampa, FL 33614
2812 W Sitka St, Tampa, FL 33614
1001 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
5555 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33624
5102 Santa Fe Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
6606 N 56th St, Tampa, FL 33610
4017 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tampa, FL 33614
3904 Corporex Park Dr #102, Tampa, FL 33619
15411 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
4501 E Columbus Dr 1st flr c, Tampa, FL 33605
501 E Kennedy Blvd Suite 1500, Tampa, FL 33602
3050 N Rocky Point Dr W, Tampa, FL 33607
Dirt removal FAQ
What size dumpster do I need for dirt removal in Tampa?
A 10-yard dumpster is the maximum recommended size for dirt removal in Tampa. 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 Tampa?
Yes, if it's clean fill (no contaminants, no debris, no organic material). Construction sites, landscaping companies, and fill-wanted postings in the Tampaarea 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 Tampa, Florida?
A 10-yard dumpster for dirt in Tampatypically 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.