Dirt removal in
Portland, Oregon.
Compare 20 roll-off dumpster companies for dirt removal in Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland
Post on Craigslist / Facebook
List "free clean fill dirt" with your Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland
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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8195 SW Hunziker Rd, Portland, OR 97223, USA
1120 SE Madison St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
833 SE Main St #334, Portland, OR 97214, USA
6639 SE 65th Ave, Portland, OR 97206, USA
1866 NW Aspen Ave, Portland, OR 97210, USA
5455 NE 109th Ave, Portland, OR 97220, USA
5410 NE 109th Ave, Portland, OR 97220, USA
5330 NE Skyport Way, Portland, OR 97218, USA
4949 N Macadam Dr, 47, Portland, OR 97239, USA
5308 SE Martins Ct, Portland, OR 97206, USA
1319 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, USA
6855 NE 82nd Ave Suite #1, Portland, OR 97220, USA
6264 NW 159th Pl, Portland, OR 97229, USA
12409 NE San Rafael St, Portland, OR 97230, USA
2711 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR 97202, USA
6614 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213, USA
7414 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217, USA
5627 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97206, USA
4324 NE Portland Hwy #4, Portland, OR 97218, USA
7202 NE 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97218, USA
Dirt removal FAQ
What size dumpster do I need for dirt removal in Portland?
A 10-yard dumpster is the maximum recommended size for dirt removal in Portland. 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 Portland?
Yes, if it's clean fill (no contaminants, no debris, no organic material). Construction sites, landscaping companies, and fill-wanted postings in the Portlandarea 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 Portland, Oregon?
A 10-yard dumpster for dirt in Portlandtypically 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.