Fill dirt creates a stable, compactable base for construction and landscaping projects. Unlike nutrient-rich topsoil, fill dirt is valued for its inorganic composition, which prevents future settling and structural failure. The term “clean fill” refers to material free of organic matter, debris, and contaminants. Selecting a certified source is a primary step for ensuring a project’s long-term integrity and environmental safety before commencing grading, leveling, or foundation work.
Understanding the Requirements of Clean Fill Dirt
Clean fill dirt is primarily composed of inorganic subsoil materials such as sand, clay, silt, and small rocks, excavated from beneath the topsoil layer. Its low organic content is essential because decomposing plant matter creates voids that lead to unpredictable settling over time. This uniform composition allows the material to be properly compacted to achieve the density needed for structural support under foundations or driveways.
Clean fill must be free of large debris, including building materials, metal, plastic, or rocks exceeding a few inches in diameter. It must also be certified free of hazardous contaminants such as heavy metals or petroleum products. For large projects, suppliers should provide a soil report or geotechnical certification validating the material’s composition and purity. This documentation protects the buyer from liability related to contaminated material.
Commercial Suppliers and Aggregate Yards
The most reliable way to source verified, clean fill dirt is through established commercial operations specializing in bulk materials. These suppliers offer consistency and guaranteed quality. They can be located by searching online for “aggregate yards near me” or “certified clean fill supply.”
Large-scale quarry or aggregate operations are the best option for projects requiring hundreds of cubic yards, offering high volumes of consistently screened material. These facilities often provide different grades of fill, such as “select fill,” which has a higher clay content for superior compaction. Landscape supply companies also sell fill dirt, but their stock is better suited for smaller residential projects not involving structural foundations.
Specialized soil brokers act as intermediaries, managing a network of excavation sites and quarries to match material needs with available supply. Working with a broker simplifies the logistics of finding a specific soil type or securing a large volume of certified material.
Navigating Local and Temporary Sources
While commercial suppliers offer certainty, many users seek lower-cost or free options from local, temporary sources, which require significant vetting. Construction sites undergoing excavation, such as new subdivisions, often need to dispose of large quantities of subsoil. You can connect with these sources by contacting site foremen or using online soil exchange websites.
When inspecting material from a temporary source, perform a thorough visual inspection for physical contaminants. Look for discolored soil, which can indicate chemical contamination, or any unusual odors. The presence of trash, roots, or large concrete pieces means the material is unscreened and unsuitable for structural applications.
Always request documentation on the source site’s history and any available soil testing reports to confirm the absence of pollutants. The seller may have a geotechnical report detailing the subsurface conditions and suitability for structural backfill. Obtaining this report is necessary for mitigating liability, as the responsibility for the material’s quality transfers to the receiving party upon delivery.
Delivery, Pricing, and Volume Considerations
Pricing for clean fill dirt is quoted either by the cubic yard (volume) or by the ton (weight). This difference is important because a quote by the ton can fluctuate significantly based on the material’s moisture content. For example, a cubic yard of dry fill dirt weighs around 1,080 pounds, while wet dirt can weigh up to 2,000 pounds.
Clean fill dirt generally costs between $8 and $25 per cubic yard, excluding delivery fees; specialized structural fill costs more. Transportation is the most substantial financial factor after the material cost, as bulk orders are delivered via large dump trucks. Most suppliers enforce a minimum order requirement, often one full truckload, which holds between 10 and 14 cubic yards of material.
Delivery costs are calculated based on the distance from the source to the project site. Many suppliers offer free or reduced-cost delivery within a small radius. For longer distances, a mileage surcharge is often added to the total cost. Confirm the delivery logistics, including the necessary clearance for a heavy dump truck to safely access and offload the material.