Buyers typically pay for clean fill dirt by the cubic yard or per load, including delivery and placement. Main cost drivers are material quality, haul distance, loading, and dump fees. This article provides practical price ranges and breakdowns for clean fill dirt in USD, helping buyers compare quotes and plan a budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (per cu yd) | $8 | $15 | $25 | Clean fill dirt without debris |
| Delivery (per load) | $60 | $150 | $300 | Depends on distance and access |
| Load/Spread (per cu yd) | $5 | $12 | $25 | Optional placement service |
| Minimum Charge (per order) | $60 | $100 | $150 | Applied when small quantity |
| Total Project (per 1,000 cu yd) | $8,000 | $18,000 | $32,000 | Includes material, delivery, and placement |
Assumptions: Midwest and Southern markets, standard access, residential delivery, no compaction or grading upgrades.
Typical Cost For Clean Fill Dirt By The Cubic Yard
Costs vary by region, but clean fill dirt typically lands in a $8-$25 per cubic yard range. In urban areas with tight access, expect higher delivery surcharges and minimum loads. For larger projects, bulk pricing often reduces per-cubic-yard costs, with a common average around $15-$20 per cu yd including basic delivery. If the dirt must be screened or screened and screened, per-yard prices can rise to the $18-$28 range due to material handling.
Major Price Components In Clean Fill Dirt Quotes
A clear breakdown helps compare bids on clean fill dirt. The main components are Materials, Delivery, and Placement. The following table outlines typical cost drivers and ranges.
| Cost Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (per cu yd) | $8 | $15 | $25 | Quality and grading affect price |
| Delivery (per load) | $60 | $150 | $300 | Distance and access drive the rate |
| Placement/Spread (per cu yd) | $5 | $12 | $25 | Labor to unload and level |
| Minimum Charge | $60 | $100 | $150 | Applies for small orders |
| Taxes/Permits | $0 | $5 | $20 | Depends on local rules |
| Dump/Disposal Fees | $0 | $25 | $100 | At the fill location or disposal site |
Assumptions: Standard residential or small commercial sites, typical access, no site prep beyond leveling.
Influences On Price: Regional Labor And Hauling Distances
Distance to the dirt source and crew rates are the largest price levers. In the West and Northeast, hauling costs rise due to fuel and access constraints, often adding $0.50-$1.50 per mile per load. Regions with flat terrain and abundant local suppliers may see lower delivery quotes, sometimes reducing overall cost by 10-20% versus high-density metro areas. Weather windows and seasonal demand can push delivery fees up temporarily.
Cost Differences By Dirt Source And Material Quality
Source quality and screening level drive variability in price. Clean fill dirt without debris typically costs less than clay-rich fill or material with construction debris. If the soil is recycled or regraded for compaction, expect modest price increases due to processing. Per-cubic-yard pricing frequently reflects the screening step: simple fill often hovers near $8-$12, while screened or extra-fine material can reach $18-$25.
Timing And Availability Impact On Price
Availability and lead time affect delivery windows and price. Short-notice orders can incur rush or weekend surcharges, commonly 10-25% above standard rates. Seasonal demand in spring and fall, when soil work is common, may also raise availability-based pricing. For projects with flexible start dates, securing early bids in a non-peak week can save a meaningful amount.
Delivery Fees And Minimum Load Charges
Delivery logistics often set the base price. Many suppliers impose a per-load delivery charge plus a minimum order. A typical minimum is 1-2 cubic yards, with delivery charges ranging from $60 to $180 depending on distance. If the site requires a second drop or special equipment, add $40-$120 per extra load.
DIY vs Professional Delivery: When To Hire
Professional delivery reduces site risk and ensures proper compaction planning. For small projects under 6 cubic yards, a DIY pickup may save money if the customer has access to a truck or trailer and can spread material safely. For larger jobs, professional delivery with spreading helps avoid under- or over- filling and reduces rework. Expect higher unit costs when choosing DIY for multi-yard runs due to multiple trips.
How To Get Accurate Quotes For Clean Fill Dirt
Request written quotes with clear scope to compare fairly. Provide specifics: quantity in cu yds, delivery distance, access, whether you want just material or placement, and any compaction requirements. Ask for per-yard and per-load rates, minimums, and any disposal or dump fees. Request itemized line items and note any assumed equipment or labor hours so quotes are apples-to-apples.
Practical Quote Example Set
Three realistic estimates illustrate how quotes differ by scope.
- Project A: 50 cu yd delivered and spread on a residential driveway, 12 miles from supplier. Materials $12/cu yd, Delivery $140/load, Spread $10/cu yd. Estimated total: $2,600-$3,000.
- Project B: 200 cu yd sourced and compacted for a yard regrade, 25 miles away. Materials $15/cu yd, Delivery $180/load, Placement $15/cu yd, Disposal $0. Estimated total: $5,000-$6,000.
- Project C: 1,000 cu yd for a commercial site, 45 miles away. Materials $13-$19/cu yd, Delivery $200-$300/load, Spread $12-$22/cu yd. Estimated total: $15,000-$28,000.
Assumptions: Standard residential and small commercial sites, no testing, no grading beyond simple leveling.
Regional Price Snapshot Across Markets
Prices fluctuate by market type and access. In rural markets, dirt may be cheaper but delivery can be slower and less reliable. Metropolitan regions often see higher delivery charges and minimum loads, sometimes increasing per-yard costs by 20-40%. The following quick ranges summarize typical regional differences.
| Region | Material (per cu yd) | Delivery (per load) | Placement (per cu yd) | Total Range (1,000 cu yd) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rural | $7-$14 | $50-$120 | $5-$15 | $7,500-$15,000 |
| Suburban | $9-$18 | $100-$180 | $8-$18 | $12,000-$24,000 |
| Urban Metro | $10-$22 | $120-$300 | $10-$22 | $15,000-$34,000 |
Assumptions: Standard access, typical city block, no special handling or utilities in the path.
