Fill Dirt in San Jose, CA

Delivered fill dirt in San Jose commonly runs about $18 to $40 per ton, depending on screening, moisture, and haul distance. Because density varies, expect roughly $25 to $60 per cubic yard delivered; tighter site access, short-notice delivery, or extra handling can push the cost higher.

Hello Gravel connects you with local landscape yards, construction material suppliers, and construction-recycling yards that deliver screened fill dirt in San Jose and Santa Clara County. To get supplier names, up-to-date pricing, and delivery options for your zip code, use our site or contact our sales team so we can match you with nearby haulers.

A good rule of thumb is 1 cubic yard of loose fill dirt equals about 1.2 to 1.5 tons; compacted fill can be 1.4 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard. For a quick estimate, multiply area (sq ft) by depth (ft) and divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by 1.3 to convert to tons; our online calculator can do this automatically for accuracy.

For structural use under driveways and foundations, use engineered, well-graded compactable fill (commonly called '3/4-inch minus' or similar) rather than loose topsoil or clay-rich material. Typical compaction targets for engineered fills are 90% to 95% of standard (Modified Proctor) or as specified by your geotechnical engineer; always follow the project engineer and local building department for final specs.

Small residential deliveries are usually allowed, but larger fills, grading work, or long-term stockpiles may require permits, grading plans, or erosion and sediment control measures from the City of San Jose or Santa Clara County. Permit thresholds and haul-route restrictions vary by project size and location, so contact the City of San Jose Planning/Building Department or the County before ordering large volumes.

Plain fill dirt is designed as bulk subsoil, not a drainage layer; for drainage and slope stabilization, use free-draining granular materials (crushed rock or Class II base) or engineered fill mixes specified by a geotechnical engineer. In Bay Area clay conditions, avoid adding clay-rich fill at grade—use granular backfill and proper drainage layers to reduce settlement and water retention.

Fill dirt is the least expensive option but performs poorly as a finished surface—it compacts, erodes, and grows weeds. Decomposed granite offers a more stable, attractive surface for patios and paths, while crushed rock provides the best drainage and load-bearing for driveways; both cost more than basic fill dirt but deliver far better long-term performance.

Typical deliveries use tri-axle dump trucks that end-dump on-site; pneumatic bulk trucks are less common for fill dirt. Drivers may offer tailgate spreading at their discretion; narrow driveways, stairs, or difficult offloads can incur extra fees or require smaller trucks. Hello Gravel coordinates with local haulers to identify access issues and any additional charges before delivery.

Compacted fill dirt used as a finished surface will degrade relatively quickly in hot, dry summers: expect dust, erosion, rutting, and weed growth within one season unless stabilized. For low maintenance, cover with gravel, decomposed granite, pavement, or vegetation and regrade and recompact low spots as needed.

Both recycled construction fill and virgin quarried fill are available in the Bay Area; recycled material is often 10% to 25% cheaper but can vary in composition and may contain more fines or debris. Always request a material description or test report from the supplier and disclose intended use so you get material that meets performance needs and regulatory requirements.

Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum order and standard delivery lead time of two or more business days, with a next-day option for orders placed before noon CST for an extra fee. Add access notes and spreading requests at checkout, check local permit needs for large fills, and contact our team if you need help estimating quantities or scheduling a suitable delivery window.