Dirt removal in
Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Compare 18 roll-off dumpster companies for dirt removal in Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
Post on Craigslist / Facebook
List "free clean fill dirt" with your Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
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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9322 Charbar Cir, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA
4308 3rd Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37416, USA
2608 Benton Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37406, USA
6802 Ringgold Rd Ste 105, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
1106 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404, USA
1387 Wisdom St, Chattanooga, TN 37406, USA
1725 Gray Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA
651 E 4th St Suite 200, Chattanooga, TN 37075, USA
6223 Airpark Dr #109, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA
3105 Freeman St, Chattanooga, TN 37406, USA
2803 Taylor St, Chattanooga, TN 37406, USA
3000 Alton Park Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37410, USA
2305 Crutchfield St, Chattanooga, TN 37406, USA
1018 E 38th St, Chattanooga, TN 37407, USA
5408 Dayton Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37415, USA
1369 Wisdom St, Chattanooga, TN 37406, USA
319 E 10th St, Chattanooga, TN 37403
310 W 17th St, Chattanooga, TN 37408, USA
Dirt removal FAQ
What size dumpster do I need for dirt removal in Chattanooga?
A 10-yard dumpster is the maximum recommended size for dirt removal in Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga?
Yes, if it's clean fill (no contaminants, no debris, no organic material). Construction sites, landscaping companies, and fill-wanted postings in the Chattanoogaarea 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 Chattanooga, Tennessee?
A 10-yard dumpster for dirt in Chattanoogatypically 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.