Dirt removal in
Austin, Texas.
Compare 50 roll-off dumpster companies for dirt removal in Austin. 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 Austin 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 Austin
Post on Craigslist / Facebook
List "free clean fill dirt" with your Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin
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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600 W 28th St #105, Austin, TX 78705, USA
223 W Anderson Ln. SUITE B 500, Austin, TX 78752, USA
7600 Chevy Chase Dr suite 300, Austin, TX 78752, USA
9709 Brown Ln Suite A, Austin, TX 78754
9601 Dessau Rd Suite 104, Austin, TX 78754
9301 US-290 Ste 104, Austin, TX 78736
2501 Gardenia Dr, Austin, TX 78727, USA
13825 Farm to Market Rd 2769, Austin, TX 78726, USA
1314 Arcadia Ave, Austin, TX 78757, USA
9906 FM812, Austin, TX 78719, USA
9322 S Hwy 183 Bldg B, Austin, TX 78747, USA
4812 N Interstate Hwy 35 Suite B, Austin, TX 78751, USA
1250 S Capital of Texas Hwy Building 3, Suite 400-450, Office 450, Austin, TX 78746, USA
3304 Laurel Cir, Austin, TX 78731, USA
7300 Daffan Ln, Austin, TX 78724, USA
9904 FM812, Austin, TX 78719
1127 Penion Dr, Austin, TX 78748, USA
305 E Huntland Dr, Austin, TX 78752, USA
2900 FM973, Austin, TX 78725, USA
925 S Capital of Texas Hwy building 2 suite 125, Austin, TX 78746, USA
701 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
701 Tillery St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
6518 Carisbrooke Ln, Austin, TX 78754, USA
8106 Brodie Ln Suite 106, Austin, TX 78745, USA
Parking lot, Austin, TX 78701, USA
501 Terrace Dr, Austin, TX 78704
701 Tillery St #12, Austin, TX 78702
213 Verrado Path, Austin, TX 78748
2000 Windy Terrace Suite 5A, Austin, TX 78726
104 W Annie St, Austin, TX 78704, USA
13776 Research Blvd #107a, Austin, TX 78750, USA
5442 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756, USA
1923 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
14917 Jolynn St, Austin, TX 78725
3601 Toro Canyon Rd, Austin, TX 78746
5700 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78749
Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759
8002 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758, USA
11416 N FM 620, Austin, TX 78726, USA
3310 W Braker Ln, Austin, TX 78758
1421 Arena Drive, Austin, TX 78741
11608 Moore Rd, Austin, TX 78719
509 Brushy St, Austin, TX 78702
9301 Amberglen Blvd 110 Bldg J, Austin, TX 78729, USA
5511 Parkcrest Dr STE 103, Austin, TX 78731
9413 Neils Thompson Dr, Austin, TX 78758
8300 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78753
1701A S 2nd St, Austin, TX 78704
5005 Nesting Way, Austin, TX 78744
7880 US-290, Austin, TX 78736
Dirt removal FAQ
What size dumpster do I need for dirt removal in Austin?
A 10-yard dumpster is the maximum recommended size for dirt removal in Austin. 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 Austin?
Yes, if it's clean fill (no contaminants, no debris, no organic material). Construction sites, landscaping companies, and fill-wanted postings in the Austinarea 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 Austin, Texas?
A 10-yard dumpster for dirt in Austintypically 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.