How much does it cost to have soil removed?
The cost of soil removal averages between €150 and €700, depending on the quantity and type of soil. Soil removal includes excavating, loading, and transporting excess or contaminated soil after garden work such as terrace or pond construction. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of soil removal and what to look out for.
Table of Contents
What does soil removal cost?
Soil removal costs an average of €700 for 20 m³, including excavation and transport. The exact costs depend on the quantity of soil, the type of soil, and the required labour.
The total price consists of various components: hiring a container, excavating the soil, the professional's hours, and any additional costs for contaminated soil. Below is an overview of all cost items.
Overview of soil removal costs
Work activities | Unit | Costs |
|---|---|---|
Hiring a container | per container | €150 - €600 |
Excavation | per m² | €12.50 - €17.50 |
Costs for the gardener | per hour | €40 - €80 |
Surcharge for contaminated soil | per m³ | €15 - €40 |
Total garden soil removal | per 20 m³ | approx. €700 |
Hiring a container often forms the basis of the costs. A small container (3 m³) costs around €150, while a larger container (20 m³) can go up to €600. Soil excavation costs between €12.50 and €17.50 per square metre, depending on accessibility and depth. The connected professionals charge €40 to €80 per hour for their work.
For contaminated soil, you pay a surcharge of €15 to €40 per m³ for special processing. This soil must be taken to an authorised processing location.
All prices mentioned are indicative and include 21% VAT and labour.
Soil removal costs per activity
The costs for removing soil vary by stage of the project. Only hiring a container costs between €150 and €600, while a complete project with excavation and removal of 20 m³ of garden soil comes to approximately €700. Below you can see what each activity costs.
Work activities | Unit | Costs |
|---|---|---|
Hiring a container | per container | €150 - €600 |
Excavation | per m² | €12.50 - €17.50 |
Costs for the gardener | per hour | €40 - €80 |
Surcharge for contaminated soil | per m³ | €15 - €40 |
Total garden soil removal | per 20 m³ | approx. €700 |
Price-determining factors for soil removal
The costs for soil removal vary per situation. Several factors determine whether you end up at €150 for a small job or €700 for the removal of 20 m³ of garden soil. Below you can read which aspects influence the price.
Quantity of soil
The more soil you remove, the higher the total costs. For 3 m³, a small container of €150 is sufficient, but for 20 m³, you pay up to €600 for the container alone. More soil also means more labour hours for excavation and loading.
Soil type and contamination
Clean garden soil is easy to process. Contaminated soil requires special treatment and costs €15 to €40 extra per m³. The contamination class determines where the soil may go: class 0 is clean soil, classes I to III contain increasing concentrations of contaminants such as asbestos, oil, heavy metals, or PAHs. This soil must go to an authorised processing location.
Container size
Containers range from 3 m³ to 20 m³. A small container of 3-6 m³ is suitable for limited excavation work, a large one of 10-20 m³ for extensive projects. Larger containers cost more to hire but are more efficient for large quantities of soil.
Container or big bags
Containers are the standard solution. In case of difficult accessibility, you can choose big bags, but these require a crane to lift over the house. Crane hire significantly increases the costs.
Distance to the container
The further the soil has to travel to the container, the more wheelbarrow trips the professional has to make. This increases the number of labour hours and thus the total price. For large distances, an excavator can be profitable, but this requires an additional investment.
Required equipment
When using an excavator, a Klic notification is mandatory. This notification to the Cables and Pipelines Information Centre (KLIC) costs €16.50 and provides a map of all underground cables and pipelines. This prevents costly damage during digging.
Accessibility and preparation
A clear and accessible workspace saves time. Remove plants beforehand and mark the area to be excavated. In case of poor accessibility, the professional has to perform more manual work, which increases labour hours.
Season and weather
Wet soil is heavier and more difficult to process. In winter, freezing can limit accessibility and hinder machinery. Spring and summer offer ideal conditions: dry soil is lighter and easier to handle, which saves labour time.
Permits
If you place the container on a public road, you need a permit from the municipality. Costs vary by municipality. Apply for this permit well in advance to avoid delays.
Urgency versus planned
Urgent jobs cost more than planned work. Professionals have to adjust their schedule and potentially move other tasks. Plan your job ahead for the best price.
Weekend or weekdays
Work in the weekend is more expensive than during the week. The professional works outside regular hours, which increases hourly rates.
Region
In large cities, prices are higher than in rural areas. Higher labour costs and more expensive container hire in urban areas increase total costs.
Choose a local professional
Local professionals arrive on site faster. This saves travel time and prevents extra costs. At Zoofy, you know what you pay in advance, without call-out charges or surprises.
Extra costs and surcharges
Extra costs for soil removal depend on the situation. At Zoofy, you pay no call-out charges, wherever you live in the Netherlands.
Urgent jobs often have a surcharge because the professional has to adjust their schedule
Weekend work is more expensive than working during the week
Contaminated soil costs extra: €15 to €40 per m³ on top of the standard price
A Klic notification costs €16.50 and is mandatory when using excavators
A container permit for public roads has varying costs per municipality
Big bags require a crane, which increases costs
How does the professional work?
Soil removal proceeds in several fixed steps, from inventory to delivery.
Inventory: The professional determines the quantity and type of soil. If there is doubt about contamination, a soil test is performed to determine the contamination class.
Permits and notifications: If necessary, the professional applies for a container permit with the municipality. When using an excavator, a Klic notification is made for the map of underground pipes.
Placing the container: The container is placed on private property or on the public road with a permit. The size depends on the quantity of soil.
Excavation: The soil is excavated with a shovel, wheelbarrow, or excavator, depending on the amount and accessibility. This is the labour-intensive part that determines the costs.
Loading and checking: The soil is loaded into the container. Only soil is allowed, no green waste or other garden waste.
Removal and processing: The full container is collected and the soil is processed. Clean soil can be reused, contaminated soil is cleaned or dumped according to regulations.
Delivery: The workspace is left tidy. You pay after completion via QR code. Depending on the scale, the project takes a few hours to several days.
How can you save on soil removal?
There are several ways to save on the costs of soil removal.
Share the costs: Discuss with neighbours or friends whether you can hire a container together and share the costs. This lowers the price per person significantly.
Reuse the soil: Dutch garden soil is often of good quality. Ask the municipality or neighbours if the soil can be reused for other projects or soil banks. This saves removal costs.
Good preparation: Clear the workspace, remove plants and roots, and ensure the route to the container is accessible. This saves working hours and reduces labour costs.
Estimate the quantity correctly: Calculate the quantity with length × width × depth. Take into account the swelling of soil after excavation (approx. 20% more volume). A correct estimate prevents oversized containers.
Choose the right moment: Plan the work during the week and not urgently to avoid surcharges. Spring and summer offer ideal conditions with dry soil.
Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after completion of the job.
Common problems with soil removal
Various problems can occur during soil removal that increase costs.
Underestimating quantity
Soil swells after excavation by approx. 20%, which causes many people to hire a container that is too small. This leads to extra costs for a second container or extra removal trips.
Unexpected contamination
During digging, contaminated soil may be discovered. This means a different processing route and higher costs of €15 to €40 extra per m³.
Damage to cables and pipes
Without a Klic notification, you run the risk of damaging underground infrastructure. Repair costs can run into thousands of euros.
Find the best professional for soil removal
Choosing the right professional prevents problems and keeps costs under control.
Choose based on project scale: For small quantities of soil, a gardener is sufficient; for large projects with excavators, a specialised groundworker is suitable.
Check experience and certifications: Verify if the professional is familiar with regulations regarding earthmoving and has the correct certifications.
No call-out charges: You never pay extra for the professional's arrival, regardless of where you live in the Netherlands.
Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the price is, without surprises afterwards.
Quick booking without quote hassle: Book a professional directly and choose a time, without requesting quotes.
Payment via QR code: You pay after completion of the job, when the work is finished.
Reliable, vetted professionals: All connected professionals are screened before they are allowed to carry out jobs.
Frequently asked questions about soil removal
What does it cost to remove 10 cubic metres of soil?
Removing 10 m³ of soil costs an average of between €350 and €450, including container hire and labour. The exact costs depend on the soil type, accessibility, and potential contamination.
What is the price per m³ for soil removal?
Removing clean garden soil costs approx. €35 per m³ including labour and transport. For contaminated soil, you pay a surcharge of €15 to €40 per m³ on top of the standard price.
What does it cost to dig up and remove soil?
Excavating soil costs €12.50 to €17.50 per m², excluding container hire. For a complete project with excavation and removal of 20 m³, you pay approx. €700, including all costs.
How do I get rid of my soil?
Small quantities can often be taken to the recycling centre for free. For larger quantities, hire a container and have the soil removed by a professional. At Zoofy, you book a professional directly without call-out charges.
Am I allowed to take soil to the recycling centre myself?
Yes, for small quantities you can often go to the recycling centre for free or at low cost. Inquire beforehand about the rules and maximum quantity per visit.
How do I know if my soil is contaminated?
A soil test determines the contamination class (0 to III). In case of doubt or in risk areas, a soil investigation is mandatory, especially when asbestos, oil, or heavy metals are present.
What is the difference between construction soil and garden soil for removal?
Construction soil can contain rubble or other materials and falls under different waste categories. Garden soil is organic soil without construction materials and is easier to process.
Can soil be removed in winter?
Yes, but wet or frozen soil is heavier and more difficult to process. This increases labour hours and thus the costs.
How long can a container stay on the street?
This depends on the permit from the municipality, usually a few days to weeks. Check this beforehand with your municipality.
What happens to the soil after removal?
Clean soil is reused for other projects or soil banks. Contaminated soil is cleaned or dumped according to legal requirements at authorised processing locations.
Book a professional for soil removal
Ready to have soil removed? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy pairs you with a reliable, vetted professional. You only pay once the work is done.