Dirt removal in
Houston, Texas.
Compare 64 roll-off dumpster companies for dirt removal in Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston
Post on Craigslist / Facebook
List "free clean fill dirt" with your Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston
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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7117 Belgold Dr Suite B, Houston, TX 77066, USA
1740 Elmview Dr, Houston, TX 77080, USA
13727 Office Park Dr, Houston, TX 77070, USA
13811 Daehne Dr, Houston, TX 77014
2323 S Voss Rd Suite 315F, Houston, TX 77057, USA
1301 Fannin St #2592, Houston, TX 77002, USA
10359 Tanner Rd Bldg B, Houston, TX 77041, USA
5718 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057, USA
1413 Upland Dr, Houston, TX 77043, USA
12211 Bedford St, Houston, TX 77031, USA
5959 S Sam Houston Pkwy E, Houston, TX 77048, USA
9914 2nd St, Houston, TX 77034, USA
14419 Henry Rd, Houston, TX 77060, USA
12651 Briar Forest Dr # 245, Houston, TX 77077, USA
1714 W Little York Rd, Houston, TX 77091, USA
7200 Eldridge Pkwy unit i, Houston, TX 77083
3518 De Soto St, Houston, TX 77091, USA
10217-D, 10217 Wallisville Rd, Houston, TX 77013, USA
5901 Bellaire Blvd Suite 104, Houston, TX 77081, USA
838 Woolworth St #77020, Houston, TX 77020, USA
1557 Lombardy St, Houston, TX 77023, USA
9311 Garfield Park Ln, Houston, TX 77075, USA
2718 Essex Terrace, Houston, TX 77027
5226 Browncroft St, Houston, TX 77021
10814 E Hardy Rd, Houston, TX 77093
505 Pearl St, Houston, TX 77029
1520 De Soto St, Houston, TX 77091, USA
2777 Briargrove Dr, Houston, TX 77057, USA
8007 Kempwood Dr, Houston, TX 77055
13519 Sundale Rd, Houston, TX 77038, USA
15113 Welcome Ln, Houston, TX 77014, USA
15703 Laurelfield Dr, Houston, TX 77059, USA
15730 Sellers Rd, Houston, TX 77060
2211 Live Oak St, Houston, TX 77003
9512 Derrington Rd, Houston, TX 77064
10544 Cypress North Houston Rd suite A, Houston, TX 77070
10138 Munn St, Houston, TX 77029
950 McCarty St Building A, Houston, TX 77029
6692 S Texas 6, Houston, TX 77083, USA
5055 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77056, USA
12222 Almeda Genoa Rd, Houston, TX 77034, USA
108 W 10th 1/2 St, Houston, TX 77008, USA
500 Jefferson St STE 200, Houston, TX 77002
1141 E 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
723 Dorchester St, Houston, TX 77022
2710 Campbell Rd, Houston, TX 77080
13630 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX 77085
8101 Little York Rd, Houston, TX 77016
11081 East Fwy, Houston, TX 77029
3721 Bluebonnet Dr, Houston, TX 77053, USA
15912 Hollister St, Houston, TX 77066
90 Hirsch Rd, Houston, TX 77020
10234 Lucore St, Houston, TX 77017
18335 Desert Marigold Dr, Houston, TX 77073
18813 Glen Ryder Ct, Houston, TX 77073
550 Old Genoa Red Bluff Rd, Houston, TX 77034
11107 Sagecrest Ln, Houston, TX 77089
3669 Eastex Fwy, Houston, TX 77026
2410 Tackaberry St, Houston, TX 77009
2600 S Texas 6, Houston, TX 77082
2319 Tackaberry St, Houston, TX 77009
2403 Gentry St, Houston, TX 77009
1931 Redway Ln, Houston, TX 77062
1700 W Loop S #350, Houston, TX 77027
Dirt removal FAQ
What size dumpster do I need for dirt removal in Houston?
A 10-yard dumpster is the maximum recommended size for dirt removal in Houston. 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 Houston?
Yes, if it's clean fill (no contaminants, no debris, no organic material). Construction sites, landscaping companies, and fill-wanted postings in the Houstonarea 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 Houston, Texas?
A 10-yard dumpster for dirt in Houstontypically 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.