Reader Victor asks, “When I broke up a concrete patio, underneath it was a huge mound of sand mixed with fill dirt. Can I reuse it to grade my yard?”
You can absolutely reuse sand and fill dirt — unless they’re contaminated with chemicals or oils. When demolishing or removing a concrete slab or structure, it’s common to find a large mound of sand and fill dirt remaining.
The mixture may seem like nothing but waste to haul away and discard, but with a little salvaging and creativity, the sand and soil can benefit you and your yard in numerous ways. It can be incorporated into a variety of outdoor projects we’ll delve into below.
Leveling Pavers
Before your uncovered pile of sand and soil gets messy, shovel off the cleanest sand on top to reuse under pavers, walkways, and smaller hardscaping projects.
Even small installations like edging timbers benefit from a layer of sand to make them level. The sand provides an even base and allows precise positioning. Compact the sand before setting hardscaping on top.
Cleaning Tools
Put sand in a bucket with oil to make an instant garden tool cleaner. The coarse sand and oil will scour off caked-on dirt. Swish tools around to remove residue from shovel heads, trowels, pruners, and more. This method can rejuvenate older tools and keep good tools in prime condition.
Adding some oil to a bucket of sand makes for a quick and easy way to clean all your landscaping tools. The gritty texture helps scrub off stubborn dirt and debris that builds up on shovel heads, trowels, loppers, and more. Simply dunk the tools in and swish them around in the mixture.
This homemade cleaner can bring new life to older implements and ensure your quality tools stay in tip-top shape for their intended tasks.
Top-Dressing and Grading
Sand makes a great soil amendment to use for top-dressing and grading, but avoid pure sand as it can mix with clay soil to form concrete-like layers. If your sand and fill dirt mound contains less than 50% soil, mix in enough extra peat, compost, or topsoil so the mixture is about half and half.
The sand fills pores, creating a better soil structure. Blended with organic matter, it aids drainage and water retention. Aside from improving the soil, top-dressing also levels bumps, hills, and dips to even lawn and garden spaces.
In my experience, fall is ideal for improving your yard through top-dressing and leveling low spots. In winter, use shovelfuls of the sand and soil mixture for traction on icy driveways.
So, is Reusing Sand and Fill Dirt a Good Idea?
Reusing clean sand and fill from projects is eco-friendly and budget-friendly for most homeowners.
The materials can be used in various outdoor projects. Sand is versatile for leveling pavers, cleaning tools, and amending the soil for beds and lawns. Remember to blend sand with organic matter to improve soil structure. With planning, you can use leftover sand rather than just haul it away.
FAQs About Reusing Sand and Fill Dirt
What are some precautions for reusing sand and fill dirt?
Avoid materials containing chemicals, oils, or other contaminants. Don’t use pure sand in beds, as it damages soil structure — blend sand with equal amounts of organic matter. Don’t use fill from an unknown source, as it may harbor weeds and invasive plants.
How can I tell if sand or fill dirt is contaminated?
Look for discoloration, oily sheens, or foul odors. The source matters too — for example, sand from a leaky oil tank would be unsafe. When uncertain, discard the materials rather than risk contamination.
Can I use salvaged sand for concrete mixes or mortar?
It’s not recommended. The varying size of recycled sand’s particles means consistent concrete can’t be guaranteed. Only use sand from trusted quarries or suppliers.
What equipment helps reuse sand and fill dirt effectively?
Wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, tarps, and carts are handy. Cement mixers are great for mixing amendments. Skid loaders or tractors move large volumes efficiently.
