How to Get Free Dirt for Landscaping Projects (Without Breaking the Bank)
Introduction
Landscaping projects are exciting—until you realize how expensive materials can be. One of the most overlooked (yet essential) materials is dirt. Whether you’re leveling your yard, building a berm, or creating garden beds, you’ll need a lot of soil—and costs can add up fast.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to pay for dirt. In fact, there are several ways to get clean, usable dirt completely free, especially if you know where to look.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to find free dirt near you for your landscaping project, what kind of dirt you need, and how to avoid hauling headaches with help from Earth Kingz.
Step 1: Know What Kind of Dirt You Need
Before sourcing dirt, figure out what type best fits your project:
- Leveling your lawn
- Planting trees or sod
- Building berms or mounds
- Raising flower beds
Fill dirt (fill material) is ideal for structure and elevation.
Topsoil is best for growing plants.
Most free dirt you find online or via Earth Kingz will be fill dirt, often leftover from construction or excavation sites.
Step 2: Use Earth Kingz to Find Free Dirt Near You
Instead of hunting Facebook groups or Craigslist, try Earth Kingz—a dedicated platform for dirt exchange.
How It Works
- Visit the Earth Kingz website
- Fill out the free exchange form
- Earth Kingz will contact you when a match has been found in your area
- Yes, it’s that easy—and free
You can also call Earth Kingz directly, for more immediate help.
Earth Kingz helps contractors and property owners connect locally to reduce hauling costs and landfill waste.
Step 3: Ask Around Your Neighborhood or Online
Aside from Earth Kingz, you can also try:
- Local landscaping companies (they often have excess soil)
- Homebuilders or excavators working on new developments
- Municipal composting centers or city fill programs
- Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor (use caution and vet the quality)
But remember: not all dirt is created equal. You should still ask the right questions…
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions Before Taking Free Dirt
Free doesn’t always mean good. Before you accept dirt from any source, ask:
- Where did the dirt come from? (Excavation, yard clearing, demolition, etc.)
- Is it clean fill? (No wood, trash, asphalt, or contamination)
- Has it been screened or mixed with topsoil?
- How much is available? (Make sure you have the right tools or truck)
If in doubt, take a sample. You don’t want to spread contaminated or poor-quality soil around your property.
Step 5: Be Ready to Load or Haul
Most free dirt listings are “you load, you haul.” Here’s how to prepare:
- Bring a pickup, trailer, or rent a dump trailer
- Shovel, wheelbarrow, and buckets (if hand-loading)
- Gloves, boots, and a tarp for your truck bed
- Know your vehicle’s payload capacity (don’t overload!)
Some people offer machine-loading assistance—if they have a skid steer or backhoe on site. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Earth Kingz can help facilitate the loading and hauling process to save you even more time and money.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Just Get Dirt—Give It Away Later
If your project ends and you’ve got leftover fill, you can list it for free on Earth Kingz.
This helps:
- Other homeowners or contractors in your area
- Keeps dirt out of landfills
- Saves someone else a costly trip to the quarry
One man’s dirt is another man’s driveway base.
Recap: How to Get Free Dirt the Smart Way
- Know your project needs – Fill dirt vs. topsoil
- Search Earth Kingz for local free dirt listings
- Vet the source – Ask questions about quality
- Be prepared to haul or receive delivery
- List leftovers to keep the cycle going
Conclusion
Free dirt isn’t just a myth—it’s everywhere. The key is knowing where to look and how to use it properly. Whether you’re landscaping a backyard or leveling a lawn, getting free fill dirt through Earth Kingz can save you money, reduce landfill waste, and keep your project on track.
Search free dirt listings near you on Earth Kingz
Or post a Dirt Wanted request—it’s fast and free.
