Dirt removal in
Richmond, Virginia.
Compare 27 roll-off dumpster companies for dirt removal in Richmond. 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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Post on Craigslist / Facebook
List "free clean fill dirt" with your Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond
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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1100 Welborne Dr ste 201, Richmond, VA 23229, USA
3516 E Belt Blvd, Richmond, VA 23234, USA
430 Southlake Blvd, Richmond, VA 23236, USA
1500 Brook Rd Suite R, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
642 E Southside Plaza, Richmond, VA 23224, USA
2028 Dabney Rd STE E 18, Richmond, VA 23230, USA
1330 Bellwood Rd, Richmond, VA 23237, USA
1405 Gordon Ave, Richmond, VA 23224, USA
4414 Sarellen Rd, Richmond, VA 23231, USA
2 S 6th St, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
4501 Oakleys Ln, Richmond, VA 23231
901 Potomac St, Richmond, VA 23231, USA
7801 Redpine Rd Ste I, Richmond, VA 23237, USA
3520 N Hopkins Rd, Richmond, VA 23224, USA
2175 Tomlynn St, Richmond, VA 23230, USA
2550 New Market Rd, Richmond, VA 23231, USA
4205 Eubank Rd, Richmond, VA 23231, USA
412 S Cherry St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
2800 Hull St, Richmond, VA 23224, USA
2490 Charles City Rd, Richmond, VA 23231
938 E 4th St, Richmond, VA 23224, USA
2001 Charles City Rd, Richmond, VA 23231
3506 N Hopkins Rd, Richmond, VA 23224
1915 Huguenot Rd #301, Richmond, VA 23235
1910 Byrd Ave UNIT 203, Richmond, VA 23230
5604 Chamberlayne Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
5 E Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond, VA 23222
Dirt removal FAQ
What size dumpster do I need for dirt removal in Richmond?
A 10-yard dumpster is the maximum recommended size for dirt removal in Richmond. 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 Richmond?
Yes, if it's clean fill (no contaminants, no debris, no organic material). Construction sites, landscaping companies, and fill-wanted postings in the Richmondarea 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 Richmond, Virginia?
A 10-yard dumpster for dirt in Richmondtypically 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.