Looking for dirt removal near me? Start here

If you are staring at a pile of soil after a project or you need to clear space for a driveway, patio, or new foundation, you might be asking the same question many Wisconsin property owners ask: how do I get this dirt off my property quickly and affordably. Searching for dirt removal near me is a smart first step, but it helps to know your options, the true costs, and how to choose a reliable contractor. This guide explains the most common approaches, the timelines and permits involved, and how RLP Diversified, Inc can help you haul, recycle, or reuse soil with confidence.

First, figure out what you have and how much

Before you book a truck or order a dumpster, take a short assessment of your soil. The right choice depends on quantity, quality, access, and your schedule.

Identify soil type and condition

Not all dirt is the same. Topsoil, fill dirt, clay, sand, and mixed demolition spoils have different uses and disposal paths. Clean fill may be reused or accepted at a lower tipping fee. Soil mixed with roots, sod, concrete, or asphalt often requires screening or a construction and demolition facility. If you suspect contamination from fuel, paint, or industrial materials, stop and consult a professional. Testing may be required before transport or disposal.

Estimate volume

Volume affects cost and equipment choice. Measure length, width, and height of the pile and convert to cubic yards. One cubic yard is about a 3-foot by 3-foot by 3-foot cube. A compact pickup carries roughly a half yard per load. A single-axle dump truck often carries 5 to 7 yards. A tandem can move 12 to 15 yards or more, depending on material weight and local limits.

Check site access

Consider how close trucks can get to the pile, the width of your driveway, and whether overhead lines or soft lawns will cause trouble. Good access allows faster loading with skid steers or excavators. Tight sites may require smaller equipment and more time.

Clarify your deadline

If you have a concrete pour, a deck build, or a closing date on the calendar, share that timeline when you request quotes. Many contractors can match your schedule if they understand your deadline upfront.

Your main options for dirt removal

There is no single best approach for everyone. Your budget, volume, and location will guide your choice. Here are the most common ways to handle dirt removal near me and how to pick the right one.

DIY hauling with a pickup or small trailer

If you have a small volume, a free weekend, and access to a local landfill or clean fill site, you can haul it yourself. Use a tarp to keep soil contained and follow local weight limits. Factor in landfill fees, fuel, and multiple trips. DIY is usually practical for two yards or less. Beyond that, time and tipping fees often make professional trucking more cost effective.

Dumpster or dirt bin rental

Some waste haulers offer dirt-only bins. These typically have strict weight limits, and you may be charged overage if you exceed the cap. Dirt is heavy, so even a small bin can reach the weight limit quickly. Bins can be convenient when you are loading gradually, but be sure you have space to place the container and room to load it safely.

Junk removal services

Bagged dirt or small piles can sometimes be handled by junk removal companies, but this route can be costly per yard. Many junk services avoid heavy loads or limit weight, so always verify what they accept and the price structure in advance.

Professional excavation and trucking

When you have more than a few yards, or when you want the job done fast, hiring a professional is usually the best value. A contractor like RLP Diversified, Inc can load, haul, and dispose of dirt with the right equipment and the right permits. Because they run multiple trucks and have access to aggregate yards and recycling options, you often save money and time compared to piecemeal approaches. Professional teams can also help with related needs like grading, backfilling, hauling in stone, or seeding afterward.

Reuse and recycling options

Not all dirt needs to be thrown away. Depending on quality and your site, you may be able to repurpose soil and reduce hauling.

  • Redistribute on site. Use clean fill to regrade low areas or improve drainage. This often requires compacting and proper slope design. A grading contractor can do this efficiently.
  • Screen topsoil. If your pile contains good topsoil mixed with small debris, screening can turn it into a useful landscaping product. This is common when stripping lawns for new construction.
  • Give away clean fill. Some neighbors or local projects need fill dirt. Always confirm the soil is clean and safe. Coordinate access and hauling to avoid damage to your property.
  • Partner with a contractor. Companies like RLP Diversified, Inc routinely move soil between projects. If your material is suitable as clean fill, it may be repurposed, which can reduce your cost.

What does dirt removal cost

Pricing varies based on volume, soil type, distance to disposal or reuse sites, and how easy it is to load. While exact numbers require a site visit, the following points will help you set expectations and compare quotes fairly.

Main cost factors

  • Volume in cubic yards. More volume typically lowers the cost per yard when hauled in larger trucks.
  • Material weight. Wet clay weighs more than dry sandy soil, which affects trucking capacity and tipping fees.
  • Contamination. Impacted or regulated soils require testing and specialized disposal, which increases cost.
  • Access and loading time. Tight sites take longer. Easy access reduces labor and machine time.
  • Haul distance. Fuel and driver time depend on how far the material travels to a disposal or recycling site.
  • Add-on services. Grading, seeding, importing stone, or erosion control are separate line items.

How pricing is usually structured

  • Per load. You pay a flat rate for each truckload removed. Best for clear volumes and easy access.
  • Per hour. Equipment and operator time, plus trucking by the hour. Useful when conditions are uncertain.
  • Per yard. A straightforward approach for measured piles. May include loading, hauling, and disposal.

Ways to lower your cost

  • Consolidate the pile. A single accessible pile speeds up loading.
  • Keep it clean. Avoid mixing in sod, roots, concrete, or trash that complicates disposal.
  • Schedule in one window. A continuous loading session is more efficient than multiple visits.
  • Ask about reuse. Clean fill that can be reused may carry lower disposal fees.

Timelines, permits, and regulations

A smooth dirt removal project is about more than a truck showing up. Here is what to consider so your plan stays on schedule.

Typical timelines

Small residential projects can be scheduled within a few days if equipment and trucking are available. Larger volumes or tight sites may require a site visit and a short planning window. Weather matters, especially for wet soils and soft lawns. In busy seasons, booking in advance helps ensure you get your preferred dates.

Permits and local rules

  • Erosion control. Exposed soil can wash into storm drains. You may need silt fence, straw wattles, or other measures, especially near waterways.
  • Right of way access. If trucks or dumpsters sit in the street, you may need a temporary permit from your municipality.
  • Wetlands and waterways. Work near lakes, streams, and shorelines often requires special approvals.
  • Contaminated soils. Testing and manifesting may be required before transport and disposal.

An experienced contractor will advise when permits apply and can coordinate with local authorities. In Wisconsin communities like Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, Racine, Mequon, Kenosha, and Green Bay, requirements can differ by city, so local expertise matters.

Why many owners choose a full-service contractor

When you search for dirt removal near me, you will see a mix of haulers, dumpster providers, and excavation companies. A full-service contractor can often handle everything in one plan, which reduces risk and saves time. Here is what that looks like with RLP Diversified, Inc.

About RLP Diversified, Inc

RLP Diversified, Inc has served Wisconsin since 2000 from its base in Burlington. The company expanded in 2013 with the integration of Andy’s Excavating, building out a comprehensive fleet and team for grading, excavating, and hauling. RLP Diversified, Inc works across the state and brings a practical approach to dirt removal, site prep, and material delivery. The team runs equipment from trusted brands like Caterpillar, Bobcat, and New Holland for reliable performance.

Services that solve dirt challenges

  • Aggregate and trucking. Delivery and removal of topsoil, fill dirt, sand, stone, gravel, and limestone. If you need a material hauled out and a new base brought in, the same crew can handle both in one visit.
  • Grading and earthmoving. Rough and finish grading for new construction, driveway preparation, lawn restoration, and backfilling. This is ideal if you want to reuse clean fill on site and complete final shaping.
  • Excavating. From basements and parking lots to shorelines and irrigation ponds, the team can dig, load, and remove soil at scale.
  • Pond excavating and shoreline protection. Specialized equipment and know-how for water-adjacent work, including removal of old seawalls and shoreline stabilization.
  • Demolition and concrete recycling. When dirt removal is part of a larger project, RLP Diversified, Inc can coordinate demolition, site cleanup, and recycling to keep costs in check.

Coverage across Wisconsin

RLP Diversified, Inc serves the entire state, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, Racine, Mequon, Kenosha, and Green Bay. Local knowledge helps with scheduling, traffic routes, and disposal options. This regional reach also supports reuse opportunities when clean fill is needed on other jobs.

What sets RLP Diversified, Inc apart

  • Experience since 2000. Decades of field-tested solutions for residential and commercial sites.
  • Right-sized equipment. From compact loaders for tight yards to heavy trucks for large volumes.
  • Safety and compliance. Attention to erosion control, haul routes, and environmental best practices.
  • Integrated services. One team for removal, grading, and material delivery reduces delays.

How to choose the best dirt removal near me

Use a simple checklist to compare providers. Transparent pricing and clear communication are as important as the truck size.

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can you visit my site for an accurate yardage estimate and access check
  • Do your rates include loading, hauling, and disposal fees, or are they separate line items
  • What is the truck capacity per load and how many loads do you expect
  • How do you handle wet soils, heavy clay, or mixed debris
  • Can you reuse or recycle my material to reduce cost
  • Can you add grading, compaction, or seeding after removal if needed
  • What is your schedule and how soon can you start

Red flags to avoid

  • No written estimate or unclear scope.
  • Unwilling to discuss disposal destinations.
  • No plan for erosion control on open soils.
  • Poor communication about timing and access.

Step-by-step plan to get started

  1. Document the pile. Take photos and rough measurements to estimate cubic yards.
  2. Note access points. Measure gate widths, check overhead lines, and confirm where equipment can stage.
  3. Decide on outcomes. Will you regrade, seed, or install stone after removal
  4. Request quotes. Contact at least two providers and share your timeline, volume, and photos.
  5. Ask about reuse. If your soil is clean, ask if it can be repurposed to reduce cost.
  6. Schedule and prepare. Mark underground utilities, protect lawns with plywood if needed, and clear a staging area.
  7. Walk the site on arrival. Confirm scope, routes, and safety items with the crew lead.
  8. Inspect after completion. Verify the area is clean, graded as agreed, and any follow-up materials are delivered.

Common FAQs about dirt removal near me

How many yards fit in a dump truck

Smaller single-axle trucks often carry 5 to 7 cubic yards. Tandem trucks can carry 12 to 15 yards or more depending on material weight and local limits. Your contractor will size the truck to your site and the soil type.

Can I put dirt in a regular dumpster

Many general waste dumpsters do not allow dirt due to weight limits. If a provider offers dirt-only bins, confirm the maximum tonnage. Overages can add up fast with heavy soils.

What if my soil is muddy or frozen

Wet or frozen soil weighs more and can be harder to load. Professionals use the right buckets and sometimes schedule around freeze and thaw cycles. In some cases, letting soil drain for a day or two can save on trucking.

Is it cheaper to reuse dirt on site

Often yes, if the soil is clean and your grading plan allows it. Reuse reduces hauling and disposal fees. You may still need compaction and finish grading to achieve a stable surface.

Do I need a permit to remove dirt

In many residential situations, you do not need a special permit to remove dirt from your property. You may need erosion control measures or right of way permits for street placement of equipment. Your contractor can advise based on your municipality.

How soon can removal start

Small projects can begin within days depending on schedule and weather. Larger or complex jobs may need a site visit and planning window. Book early during peak construction months.

Ready to move that dirt? Partner with RLP Diversified, Inc

If you are searching for dirt removal near me in Wisconsin, RLP Diversified, Inc brings the equipment, experience, and statewide reach to get your site clean and ready for what comes next. Whether you need a single load hauled away or a full grading and restoration package, the team can tailor a plan that fits your timeline and budget. From Milwaukee and Waukesha to Madison, Racine, Mequon, Kenosha, and Green Bay, RLP Diversified, Inc is ready to help.

Contact RLP Diversified, Inc to request a quote. Share your photos, measurements, and goals. Ask about options to reuse or recycle soil and how grading or aggregate delivery can complete your project in one efficient visit. With a straightforward plan and a trusted contractor, that pile of dirt becomes one less thing on your to-do list.