Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our services, processes, and materials.

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Common Questions Answered

Learn more about our fill management services, excavation processes, and how we can help with your project.

Is the clean fill really free?

Yes! Clean fill is free when you accept a minimum of 10 tri-axle loads. This includes both the fill material and delivery at no cost to you. Free fill availability is limited per area based on current excavation projects in your region. For smaller quantities, we offer competitive paid delivery options.

Why is clean fill free?

When we excavate construction sites, we generate surplus clean fill that needs to be relocated. Rather than paying disposal fees, we deliver this quality fill to property owners who need it. It's a win-win – you get free fill material, and we save on disposal costs. The 10+ tri-axle load minimum helps make the logistics economically viable.

What is the minimum order for free clean fill?

The minimum order for free clean fill delivery is 10 tri-axle loads. Each tri-axle load is approximately 16-18 cubic yards (or about 20-25 tonnes). This means you'll need space for at least 160-180 cubic yards of material. If you need less, we offer paid delivery options with no minimum.

Is free fill available in my area?

Free fill availability is limited per area based on current excavation projects nearby. We prioritize areas where we have active projects to minimize transportation costs. Call us at (289) 295-1622 to check current availability in your specific location. Areas we commonly service include Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Georgetown, Guelph, Kitchener, Cambridge, London, Barrie, and Niagara Region.

What is clean fill exactly?

Clean fill is uncontaminated soil, clay, sand, gravel, or rock that is free of debris, organic material, and pollutants. It meets Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) standards and is safe for use in construction, landscaping, and grading projects. Our clean fill is tested to ensure it's suitable for your property.

How much is 10 tri-axle loads of fill?

10 tri-axle loads equals approximately 160-180 cubic yards or 200-250 tonnes of material. To visualize: this would cover about 1,600 square feet at 3 feet deep, or about 5,400 square feet at 1 foot deep. This is suitable for filling in a large area like a pool removal, raising a property's grade, or preparing a building lot.

What types of fill material do you provide?

We supply various fill materials including: Native clay and fill dirt – ideal for backfilling and grading; Screened topsoil – for landscaping and finish grading; Granular A and B – for base layers and driveways; Crushed stone and recycled concrete – for drainage; Sand – for bedding and backfill. Tell us your project needs and we'll recommend the right material.

Is your clean fill MOE compliant and tested?

Yes, 100%. All our clean fill meets Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) Table 1 standards. We conduct regular testing and can provide documentation upon request. This ensures the fill is safe for residential, commercial, and environmental applications. We take compliance seriously – you won't have problems when inspectors visit your site.

How quickly can you deliver clean fill?

Delivery times vary based on availability and your location. Often we can arrange same-day or next-day delivery when fill is available in your area. For larger projects, we can schedule multiple deliveries across days or weeks to match your construction timeline. Call us to check current availability and scheduling options.

What if I need less than 10 loads?

For orders under 10 tri-axle loads, we offer paid delivery options. The cost depends on quantity, material type, and your location. Many customers find our rates competitive even for smaller loads. Contact us for a quote – we're happy to work with projects of any size, just note that free delivery applies only to 10+ loads.

Do I need to prepare my site before delivery?

Yes, please ensure: 1) Clear access for tri-axle trucks (minimum 10ft wide, 14ft overhead clearance); 2) A designated dump area that's accessible and level; 3) Any necessary permits from your municipality; 4) Someone on-site to direct drivers. We'll coordinate timing so you know when trucks are arriving.

How big are your delivery trucks?

We primarily use tri-axle dump trucks. These vehicles are approximately 35 feet long and require 10-12 feet of width for access. They need overhead clearance of about 14 feet. If you have a narrow driveway or limited access, let us know and we can discuss alternatives or arrange for you to pick up at one of our sites.

Can you spread the fill or do I need to arrange that?

Our trucks dump the fill in a pile at your designated location. Spreading and grading is the customer's responsibility unless you hire us for that service separately. We offer full site grading services if needed – just ask for a quote that includes spreading and leveling.

How much fill do I need to fill in a swimming pool?

It depends on pool size. A typical 16x32 ft pool (6ft deep) needs about 115-130 cubic yards or approximately 7-8 tri-axle loads. A larger 20x40 ft pool might need 180-220 cubic yards or 10-12 loads. Contact us with your pool dimensions and we'll calculate the exact amount needed, including material for proper compaction.

Do you provide complete pool fill-in services?

Yes! We offer comprehensive pool removal and fill-in services including: pool demolition and removal of concrete/liner, proper drainage installation, filling with MOE-compliant clean fill, compaction in layers, and final grading. We can also assist with permit acquisition. The yard will be ready for grass or future construction.

Do I need a permit to fill in my pool?

In most Ontario municipalities, yes. You typically need a demolition permit and sometimes a grading permit. Requirements vary by city – Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, and most GTA municipalities require permits. We can help coordinate with your local building department and include this in our full pool fill-in service.

What is the difference between clean fill and topsoil?

Clean fill is subsoil – clay, sand, gravel, or rock used for structural filling and grading. It's typically used for backfilling foundations, raising grades, and filling holes. Topsoil is the nutrient-rich surface layer used for gardens, lawns, and landscaping. We supply both, but free fill is typically native clay/fill dirt, not topsoil.

Can I use clean fill to raise my property's grade?

Yes, this is one of the most common uses for clean fill. Many property owners use it to address drainage issues, level uneven terrain, or build up low areas. Note that significant grade changes may require municipal permits and should maintain proper drainage away from buildings. We can advise on the right approach for your situation.

What is Land Development?

Land development is the process of preparing raw land for construction. This includes clearing and grubbing, rough grading, installing infrastructure (roads, utilities, drainage), and preparing individual lots. We handle all phases from initial excavation through final grading, working with developers, municipalities, and individual property owners.

How does foundation excavation work?

Foundation excavation involves digging out the area where a building's foundation will be poured. We excavate to the specified depth and dimensions, ensure proper drainage, and remove the excavated material. The hole must be properly shored or sloped for safety. After the foundation is poured, we return for backfilling with appropriate material.

What size excavation projects can you handle?

We handle projects of all sizes, from residential foundation digs to large commercial and industrial excavations. Our fleet includes equipment for jobs requiring anywhere from 10 to over 100,000 tri-axle loads of material movement. No job is too big – we've worked on major infrastructure, subdivision developments, and industrial sites across Ontario.

What if my soil is contaminated?

Contaminated soil requires special handling under Ontario regulations. We provide environmental cleanup services including soil testing, remediation, and proper disposal at licensed facilities. Contaminated material cannot be disposed of as clean fill. Contact us for assessment and we'll develop an appropriate remediation plan meeting all regulatory requirements.

Do I need soil testing for my project?

It depends on your project and location. Soil testing may be required for: properties near former industrial sites, environmentally sensitive areas, projects requiring municipal permits, and commercial/industrial developments. We coordinate with certified labs for soil analysis when required and can advise on testing requirements for your specific situation.

What are MOE Table 1 standards?

MOE Table 1 refers to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment's Soil, Ground Water and Sediment Standards. Table 1 represents the strictest standards – full depth background site condition standards. Clean fill meeting Table 1 is safe for unrestricted use on residential, commercial, or industrial properties. All our fill meets or exceeds these standards.

What areas do you serve in Ontario?

We serve all of Southern Ontario with primary focus on the GTA and surrounding regions. Key service areas include: GTA: Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan; Halton: Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Georgetown, Acton; Hamilton-Niagara: Hamilton, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland; Waterloo-Wellington: Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Erin; Other: Barrie, London, and more. Free fill availability varies by area.

Why is free fill limited per area?

Free fill comes from active excavation projects we're working on. Availability depends on where those projects are located at any given time. If we're excavating a site in Mississauga, we'll prioritize free fill delivery to nearby Peel Region properties. This keeps transportation costs manageable and makes the free delivery economically sustainable for everyone.

How do I get on the list for free fill?

Call us at (289) 295-1622 or submit a request through our contact form. Provide your location, the approximate quantity needed (remember: 10+ loads minimum for free fill), your timeline, and what you're using the fill for. We'll check availability in your area and get back to you, usually within one business day.

How long have you been in business?

Fill Management has been serving Ontario since 2003 – over 20 years of experience in excavation, fill delivery, and earth moving services. We're a family-owned company with deep roots in the GTA construction industry. Our longevity speaks to our reliability and the trust we've built with contractors and homeowners alike.

How big is your truck fleet?

We operate a fleet of 30+ tri-axle dump trucks plus excavation equipment. This capacity allows us to handle multiple large projects simultaneously and provide reliable delivery schedules. For major projects requiring high-volume delivery, we can coordinate multiple trucks per day to keep your project on schedule.

Do you work with contractors and builders?

Absolutely. A significant portion of our business is with contractors, builders, and developers. We offer priority scheduling, volume pricing, and flexible delivery options to keep your projects moving. Whether you need regular fill deliveries, excavation services, or soil hauling, we integrate seamlessly with construction timelines.

What are your operating hours?

Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Deliveries typically occur during daylight hours, Monday through Saturday, depending on municipal bylaws in your area. For urgent needs or special scheduling, call us to discuss options. We try to be flexible to accommodate project requirements.

How do I get a quote?

Getting a quote is easy: 1) Call us at (289) 295-1622 or submit a request online; 2) Tell us about your project – location, quantity needed, type of material, and timeline; 3) We'll provide a quote, usually within 24 hours. For free fill (10+ loads), we'll confirm availability in your area. No obligation, no pressure.

Do you offer other services besides fill delivery?

Yes! We're a full-service excavation and earth moving company. Our services include: Large excavations, Foundation digging, Site preparation, Grading and leveling, Pool fill-ins, Demolition, Drainage solutions, Soil hauling, Land development, Environmental cleanup, Retaining wall construction, Equipment rental, and Consultation. Visit our Services page for details.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is ready to help answer any questions about your project. Contact us for a free consultation.

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