Dirt removal in
Columbus, Ohio.
Compare 25 roll-off dumpster companies for dirt removal in Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Post on Craigslist / Facebook
List "free clean fill dirt" with your Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus
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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2170 Eakin Rd, Columbus, OH 43223, USA
1191 Fields Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
5085 Westerville Rd, Columbus, OH 43231, USA
515 Schrock Rd, Columbus, OH 43229, USA
1030 Cable Ave Suite b, Columbus, OH 43222, USA
1941 Williams Rd Suite 2A, Columbus, OH 43207, USA
723 N James Rd, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
499 Derrer Rd, Columbus, OH 43204, USA
2523 Creekway Dr, Columbus, OH 43207, USA
D, 572 S Nelson Rd, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
1949 Camaro Ave, Columbus, OH 43207, USA
2938 Wambli Dr, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
1625 Bethel Rd #202, Columbus, OH 43220, USA
9203 Walker Park Dr, Columbus, OH 43240, USA
3228 Clime Rd, Columbus, OH 43223, USA
1491 Polaris Pkwy Suite 273, Columbus, OH 43240, USA
2066 Eakin Rd A, Columbus, OH 43223
5528 Hazelwood Rd, Columbus, OH 43229, USA
1690 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221, USA
3756 Agler Rd SUITE, US, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
470 W Broad St #1064, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
1568 Joyce Ave, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
3080 Framingham Cir, Columbus, OH 43224
1507 Chambers Rd # 3, Columbus, OH 43212
2386 Wood Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
Dirt removal FAQ
What size dumpster do I need for dirt removal in Columbus?
A 10-yard dumpster is the maximum recommended size for dirt removal in Columbus. 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 Columbus?
Yes, if it's clean fill (no contaminants, no debris, no organic material). Construction sites, landscaping companies, and fill-wanted postings in the Columbusarea 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 Columbus, Ohio?
A 10-yard dumpster for dirt in Columbustypically 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.