Cost of Clean Fill: Prices, Factors, and How to Budget 2026
Average prices for clean fill depend on quantity, transport, and site access. This article breaks down the cost of clean fill, including per-cubic-yard and per-truckload pricing, so buyers can budget accurately and compare quotes.
Assumptions: typical residential projects, standard compaction not included, Midwest-to-Sunbelt regional ranges, common fill dirt quality, standard delivery radius.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean fill material price (per cubic yard) | $5 | $12 | $25 | Soil with minimal debris |
| Delivery fee (per load or per mile) | $50 | $135 | $350 | Distance and access impact |
| Labor for offloading and spreading (per hour) | $40 | $60 | $85 | On-site handling required |
| Compaction (optional, per cubic yard) | $0 | $2 | $6 | Compact not always included |
| Permits or disposal (if needed) | $0 | $25 | $150 | Local rules or disposal fees |
Typical Price Range for Clean Fill by Truckload or Yard
Prices vary by quantity and distance, but typical residential orders fall within a predictable band. Clean fill by the cubic yard usually ranges from $5 to $25, with average around $12. A full truckload (about 10–12 cubic yards) can run $180 to $300 for material plus delivery in many regions, with heavier access adding costs. For small projects, some suppliers quote per load with a $60–$150 delivery fee and a per-yard price at the curb.
Major Cost Components in Clean Fill Deliveries
The total price blends material, transport, and on-site handling. Materials and delivery top the bill, while labor and optional compaction add steps. The following table summarizes typical parts of a clean fill quote.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (per cubic yard) | $5 | $12 | $25 | Quality and debris content affect price |
| Delivery/Transport | $50 | $135 | $350 | Distance, fuel, and access drive cost |
| Labor for offload/spread | $40 | $60 | $85 | On-site work varies by slope and access |
| Compaction (optional) | $0 | $2 | $6 | Per cubic yard if included |
| Permits/Disposal | $0 | $25 | $150 | Regulatory or landfill fees |
Key Variable: Material Type and Purity
Clean fill can include soil with different purity levels, gravel, or sand blends. Purity and particle mix drive both handling difficulty and compaction needs, shifting the price by roughly 20% to 60% between low-purity and high-purity options. For example, excavated soil with organic debris may cost less initially but incur additional disposal costs if waste exceeds acceptable limits.
Regional Price Variations Across the United States
Prices cluster regionally due to labor, fuel, and disposal costs. In the Southeast, clean fill might trend toward the lower end of ranges, while Western urban areas can push costs higher due to trucking and permitting. Delivery radius and local permit requirements can add 10%–40% to the final bill depending on location.
Impact of Site Access and Job Size on Total Cost
Access improves or worsens the final price. Narrow driveways, steep slopes, or gated sites require equipment and time, increasing labor and delivery fees. For larger projects (100+ cubic yards), bulk pricing often lowers per-yard costs, but logistics may add processing time and staff hours. Site access and project scope are among the strongest cost drivers for clean fill.
Labor and Equipment Needs for On-Site Spreading
Most jobs include offloading and spreading, sometimes with light grading. If equipment like a skid steer is needed, expect labor plus equipment rental to be $60–$120 per hour overall, depending on crew size and regional rates. For smaller projects, hand spreading can reduce equipment costs but raise labor time.
Regional Pricing Scenarios for Common Project Sizes
Project scopes can be expressed in cubic yards and typical delivery zones. Residential driveways or yards often fall in a narrower band than commercial sites. A 20-yard requirement normally costs significantly less per yard than a 200-yard project due to fixed delivery and mobilization fees.
Cost Reduction Tactics for Clean Fill Projects
To lower overall price, consider batching deliveries, consolidating multiple sites, or selecting lower-cost but compliant fill material. Bundle orders within a single delivery window to minimize trips, or choose a regional supplier with stable pricing rather than urgent weekend delivery. Avoid unnecessary compaction or over-specifying material purity to keep costs reasonable.
Common Add-Ons That Affect the Final Price
Flagged extras include small-volume disposal, special permits, haul-away of existing soils, or rapid-delivery surcharges. Disposal fees and rush delivery can double or triple a quote in tight markets, so plan with realistic lead times and request itemized quotes.
Summary Table: Quick Budget Snapshot
| Scenario | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential clean fill, 10 yd | $150 | $250 | $500 | Material + delivery + basic labor |
| Residential, 20 yd with 5-mile delivery | $300 | $450 | $900 | Scale improves per-yard price |
| Commercial, 100 yd, remote site | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Delivery, fuel, access, and disposal vary |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard materials, normal access.