What Is Free Fill? Everything Australian Homeowners and Contractors Need to Know
Free fill is surplus soil, dirt, clay, or other bulk material that an excavator or construction site wants removed at no cost. Instead of paying to truck it to a licensed tip, the site owner posts it as available — and anyone who needs fill material can have it delivered for free, or for simply the cost of the truck transporting it.
In Australia, free fill is generated constantly by residential and commercial earthworks projects — swimming pool excavations, building sites, road works, dam construction, and land clearing. Rather than pay tip fees of up to $300 per load, excavators prefer to find a property that needs the material.
What types of free fill are available?
The material available varies depending on what local projects are generating at any given time. Common types include:
| Material Type | Common Source | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Clean fill dirt / clay | Building footings, pool excavations | Levelling blocks, dam walls, road base |
| Topsoil | Landscaping, park development | Garden beds, lawn raising |
| Sand | Trenching, pipeline works | Under-slab bedding, play areas |
| Gravel / road base | Road construction, driveways | Driveways, hardstand areas |
| Mulch | Tree removal, land clearing | Garden beds, erosion control |
| Recycled drainage material | Infrastructure projects | French drains, soakage trenches |
Is free fill actually free?
Yes — the material itself costs nothing. The excavator wants it gone and will typically deliver it to you free of charge, or for simply the transport cost of moving it. The two parties agree on the arrangement directly — ReadyFill connects them, but the details of delivery and cost are worked out between the excavator and the property owner.
There are a couple of other costs worth knowing about:
- Testing: For sensitive applications (vegetable gardens, near waterways), you may want to pay for a basic contamination test — usually $150–$400 depending on the lab.
- Labour: Spreading and compacting the material once it arrives is your responsibility — though you can also find earthworks contractors through ReadyFill to handle this for you.
What is clean fill?
Not all free fill is equal. Clean fill is material that contains no contaminants — no asbestos, no chemicals, no building waste, no organic matter that will decompose. It is typically inert subsoil, clay, rock, or sand. Clean fill is safe to use in most applications without restriction.
Contaminated fill — sometimes called “dirty fill” — contains building rubble, oil, chemicals, or organic waste. Accepting contaminated fill can create a liability on your property and, in some states, require expensive remediation. Always ask the lister to confirm the material type before accepting a delivery.
How to find free fill near you in Australia
The fastest way to find free fill near you is through ReadyFill. Download the app or use the website, enter your location, and browse active listings from excavators in your area who need their surplus removed. You can filter by material type and contact listers directly.
ReadyFill has active listings across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Geelong, Ballarat, and Warragul.
Who posts free fill?
Free fill is most commonly posted by:
- Pool excavation companies — a standard backyard pool generates 20–40 cubic metres of clay or subsoil
- Building contractors — footing and slab excavations generate significant volume
- Civil engineers — road works, drainage projects, and subdivisions generate large quantities
- Homeowners — renovations, retaining walls, and landscaping projects often produce excess soil
Frequently asked questions about free fill
Can I use free fill for a vegetable garden?
Only if you are confident the material is uncontaminated topsoil. Clay subsoil is not suitable for growing vegetables. Ask the lister specifically about the material type and its source before using it in a garden.
How much free fill can I get?
It varies — some listings offer a few cubic metres (a small ute load), while larger excavation sites may have hundreds of cubic metres available. Browse ReadyFill listings to see current quantities.
Do I need to be a business to collect free fill?
No. Homeowners and individuals can create a free account on ReadyFill and contact fill listers directly. You do not need a business account for small-scale collections.
Is free fill available everywhere in Australia?
ReadyFill operates nationally, with the most active listings in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Rural areas may have fewer listings, but activity is growing.