Whatever your earthmoving project, the method by which you remove dirt is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. This decision will hinge upon whether the soil you’re wanting to shift is uncontaminated (cleanfill) or contaminated (category A, B, or C). Cleanfill soil will be sent to and processed at cleanfill sites, whereas contaminated soil will instead be sent to a waste transfer station. This is to prevent the spread of contaminants.
So, it’s important to know whether your soil is cleanfill or contaminated, to choose the right removal method. This blog will focus on cleanfill: how to know if your soil is cleanfill, the costs associated with moving it to a cleanfill station, and why hiring in the professionals is usually the best option.
What’s the Difference Between Cleanfill and Contaminated Soil?
Cleanfill refers to uncontaminated soil, rock, sand or gravel that has not been mixed with any other waste. It can be repurposed and recycled without causing environmental harm and gets processed at specialised cleanfill sites.
Contaminated soil, on the other hand, is soil that contains some level of contaminants. It falls into three categories, depending on the levels of contaminants present. These are, in ascending order:
- Category C: With moderate levels of contaminants, category C soil requires disposal at a licensed landfill.
- Category B: With high-level contamination, category B soil needs specialised transport and disposal.
- Category A: This soil is the most hazardous, and must be treated before it can go to landfill.
How Much Does Dirt Removal Cost?
The costs associated with removing soil from your site will vary depending on that soil’s volume and type, and the accessibility of your site. Generally, the average pricing structures are:
- Per Cubic Metre: Anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on soil category (i.e. cleanfill or category A/B/C).
- Per Truck Load: A standard 10m3 truck can cost between $700 and $1500 per load.
- Soil Testing Fees: We’d always recommend testing your soil first to be sure you choose the right removal method. Professional NATA-accredited testing usually costs between $250 and $600 per sample.
Costs will also be influenced by your soil’s moisture content; wet, heavy mud is more expensive to transport than dry, loose dirt. Also, if a large truck cannot reach the pile of dirt, your quote will be driven up by the costs of using smaller machinery and manual labour. And the further the licensed tip is from your worksite, the higher the transport fees.
Why you Should Hire Professionals
While the idea of DIY might seem fine for smaller projects, securing professional dirt removal is a good option for several reasons. With an expert like Fraser Earthworks by your side, you’ll ensure compliance with your General Environmental Duty. You’ll also get more specialised equipment, designed to take on all varieties of projects, and get access to more sustainable practices for soil disposal.
Planning a project and want a soil removal company you can trust? Contact our team today.
