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Disposing Of Dirt
You are highly likely to remain with loads of soil whenever you are making some improvement on your property. Sadly you can't be careless with such waste unless you are ready to serve jail time or pay hefty fines for illegal dumping. You also can't dump the soil in your regular waste bin. This article analyses some of the best ways of getting rid of such waste as well as how to do it. Keep reading to learn more.
What To Do Before Soil Disposal
The first step is to ensure that you are not dealing with contaminated soil. Prohibited contaminants include electrical waste, concrete, grass, bricks, and general waste. If your soil contains any of these, it will be classified as hazardous waste. As a result, most waste disposal facilities won't accept it.
Safe Places To Dump Your Soil
It can be hard finding places to safely dump your soil. This is especially difficult if you've never done it before. However, below are just some of the top options:
C&D Recycling Centers
These centres accept Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste. This is waste generated every time buildings and structures are demolished, refurbished, or constructed. This includes organics, plastics, glass, bricks, metals, concrete, and other materials, depending on how they were formed.
Clean Fill Dump Sites
Clean fill soil is a waste type that can be reused. A clean fill dump site is a location that collects disposed of clean fill dirt and recycles it in a different place. For waste disposal at clean fill dump sites, ensure it's not contaminated. Building materials such as gravel, sand, dirt, and topsoil are accepted at most clean fill waste sites.
Landfill or Transfer Facilities
A trash transfer station is a small industrial facility that temporarily stages solid waste-generated material before transporting it to a landfill or a waste-to-energy plant. On the other hand, landfills are locations where individuals can deposit their rubbish to be buried underground.
During this procedure, precautions must be taken to prevent the garbage from coming into contact with underground water and contaminating it. Landfills are divided into three categories. These include:
• Hazardous
• Industrial
• Municipal
It's essential to dispose of your dirt in the appropriate landfill. This means that you first need to know the contents of your soil.
Landscaping or Building Suppliers
Several landscaping companies and building suppliers accept dirt. Some recycle it and sell it while others repurpose it. Some prefer virgin excavated natural material and topsoil, which is suitable for making garden beds.
There are two primary places you are not expected to dump your soil. This is irrespective of its contents or whether you consider it safe to be dumped in such sites. These areas include:
• Private property other than your own
• Public places such as wildlife reserves and recreational parks
Also, some local councils do not allow giving away, selling, or dumping any soil. Check local laws to ensure you have the right permits.
Other Soil Disposal Options
Do you know of any ways to dump your dirt without breaking the law? There are several safer options for you. These include the following:
Create a Listing
While soil might be a waste to you, there are people in dire need of it. Many people and contractors are always looking for dirt to use in their projects. Websites such as Facebook, Freecycle, and Craigslist are full of soil disposal ads where you can create one to dispose of your unwanted soil. If you need to get rid of all the soil, you can promote it as available for complimentary pick-up or transport.
There are also dirt-specific classified sites. These sites will match you with locally available clients looking for soil or fill dirt. Dirtfill.com, clean-fill-wanted.com, and freedirt.com are good examples of platforms you can use to create your listing.
While you'll be charged for the advert, this option is good because it allows the dirt to be recycled. However, the dirt might stay outside for a long while since the removal time depends on the buyer. It's also not ideal for large volumes of dirt.
Advertise With a 'Free Dirt' Sign
A lot of people are always on the lookout for free dirt. If you’re seeking a free dirt disposal alternative, then having a ‘free dirt’ sign on your lawn might attract possible takers. If you’re away from home, make sure the dirt is easily accessible. Curious people might want to cart it away.
In case it's not close by, provide a phone number for them to contact you. Also, if you live on a property with a homeowners association, make sure you’re authorised to keep the dirt out in the open before you do so. This method is beneficial because:
• Very little work is involved
• The dirt can be recycled
• A free disposal option
However, this is not a guaranteed soil disposal option as the dirt might sit outside indefinitely. Furthermore, it is not suitable for the disposal of dirt on state land or construction sites.
Hire a Skip Bin
A skip bin is a container you can hire for a specific amount of time. It's a straightforward way of getting rid of any soil from any building project or garden waste. To get one, simply contact and organise a delivery time that is convenient for you to rent a skip bin. You have the option to pack the unwanted soil at your own time after the skip bin arrives.
The contractor will cart it away when you're done. This is an efficient method for getting rid of dirt from your lawn faster. This method is beneficial because:
• You won't need to be present during pick-up
• Offers a guaranteed schedule for dirt disposal
• Affordable rates are provided before your rental even arrives
This method is suitable for large volumes of unwanted soils. However, the size and weight of the skip bins vary, and you can only fill some with specific dirt. Furthermore, you'll have to load the dirt yourself, which might not be pleasant.
Dump it Yourself
No favourable option so far? If yes, you can always dump the soil by yourself in a landfill. First, you’ll need to find a landfill. Many local dump or transfer stations are available on online listings. Most of them have a predetermined fee per ton and accept inert garbage such as soil.
This method will work if dealing with small amounts of soil. However, larger volumes of soil will necessitate a more elaborate disposal option. Dumping the waste on your own will allow you to work at your own pace. Also, you’ll be sure you’ve dumped it appropriately; however, you will require a pick-up truck. Furthermore, the nearest dumping site may be far away, forcing you to make numerous trips.
Soil Recycling Options
There are many soil recycling options for your choosing. All that is important is the quality of that soil and what it can be used for. Here are your options:
Take it to a Landscape Contractor
You can recycle your soil by taking it to a landscaping contractor. It’s a lot easier if you have the time and a vehicle. Local houses and garden centres take soil and dirt for a small fee. They reuse the earth in various ways, such as by producing compost for their own plants or selling it if it's of good quality.
Find a C&D Recycler
Construction and demolition recycling firms will readily accept construction waste. In case you’re refurbishing your home, search for any C&D recycler near you.
Keep it for Future Use
In case you are planning on future outdoor projects, you can preserve your soil for that purpose. An excellent way to keep it is by hiring mini skips or storage containers. With numerous skip bin hire service providers, you'll quickly find one within your area. Make sure the soil is kept out of sunlight and in a waterproof bin. Here are ways you can reuse soil:
• Make a fire pit
• Create a play area in your backyard
• Re-do the flower garden
• Create a raised garden bed
You’ll always find safer options for dumping your dirt. Just do your research to avoid being on the wrong side of the law. If everything else fails, try creating a listing on trusted websites. It works miracles.
Use A Waste Clearance Service
Hiring a waste removal company solves this if you are desperate to get the unwanted soil off your yard or lawn. The firm will schedule a timeframe and dispatch two dirt experts to determine the rates. After that, they'll pack your soil and transport it away. Most dirt removal companies use 2-ton weight limit vehicles. This might be the best option in case you have small volumes.
This option is beneficial because the company will do the loading and provide scheduled disposal of your unwanted soil. However, if you have large volumes of dirt, this might not be ideal as it will substantially increase the cost of soil removal. Furthermore, you'll have to be present during pick-up.
Supreme Skips
Supreme Skips have the largest range of skip bins available for hire in the Adelaide, SA region.
