Planning a pool dig in Alliston or a major landscape overhaul in Shelburne this year? You need to know about Ontario Regulation 406/19.
As of 2026, the rules for moving dirt in Ontario are fully in effect. If you’re digging up your yard, you are legally responsible for where that soil goes. Gone are the days when you could just "dump it in a field" without a paper trail.
At Tor Bin Rental, we handle hundreds of "Clean Fill" bin rentals every season. We see the confusion firsthand. This guide breaks down the technical jargon into simple steps so you can stay compliant, avoid massive fines, and keep your project on track.
⚠️ Why These Rules Exist
Ontario’s "Excess Soil" laws were designed to stop contaminated dirt from being dumped on farmland or near water sources. While the laws target big developers, they legally apply to every property owner, including you.
If your project generates soil that leaves your property, you are considered a "Project Leader." This means you are responsible for:
Knowing if your soil is clean.
Ensuring it goes to an authorized site.
Keeping records of where it went.
🔍 Is Your Project "Low-Risk"?
Good news: most residential projects in Simcoe County are classified as Low-Risk. If your home is a standard residential property (not an old gas station or factory site), you bypass the most expensive requirements.
You are likely Low-Risk if:
✅ Your land is currently used for a house, townhouse, or condo.
✅ Your property was never used for industrial purposes, dry cleaning, or fuel storage.
✅ You are not digging up soil that is "obviously contaminated" (smells like oil, looks blue/green, or contains metal scraps).
If you are Low-Risk, you do not need to hire an environmental consultant or register your project on the Excess Soil Registry for small residential jobs.
📏 The 100 Cubic Metre Rule
For homeowners, the most important number is 100 cubic metres (m³).
UNDER 100 m³: If you are removing less than 100 m³ of soil and sending it directly to a licensed waste or transfer station, you are exempt from filing a notice on the provincial registry.
OVER 100 m³: If you exceed this, or if you are sending soil to a "reuse site" (like a farm that wants fill), the rules get tighter.
How much is 100 m³? Imagine about 10-12 large dump truck loads. A standard in-ground pool usually generates between 30 m³ and 80 m³. Most backyard renovations stay well under the 100 m³ limit.
🚜 Pool Excavations: What You Need to Do
Building a pool is the most common reason homeowners generate excess soil. Even if you hire a contractor, you are the one who owns the dirt.
1. Estimate the Volume
Ask your pool builder exactly how many cubic yards or metres they expect to pull out.
If the soil stays in your yard (for grading or berms), these laws do not apply.
If it leaves your yard, follow the steps below.
2. Confirm the Destination
If your contractor says they "have a guy with a farm" who wants the dirt, be careful. Under 2026 rules:
The farm owner must agree in writing to accept the soil.
The soil must meet the specific quality standards for that farm's location.
3. Use a Clean Fill Bin
The simplest way to stay compliant for small to mid-sized digs is to use a dedicated Clean Fill Bin. We deliver these across our service area, providing a clear paper trail that your soil was handled by a professional waste management company.
🌿 Landscaping and Yard Waste
Re-grading your yard or installing a new patio often involves "mixed" loads. This is where many homeowners get into trouble with pricing and regulations.
Soil vs. Yard Waste
Clean Fill: Pure soil, sod, small stones (under 2 inches), and bits of concrete.
Yard Waste: Branches, leaves, stumps, and grass clippings.
Mixed Loads: If you mix soil with wood or garbage, it is no longer "Clean Fill." It becomes "Household & Construction Waste," which costs more to dump and has different regulatory paths.
📋 Your 2026 Soil Compliance Checklist
Before the first shovel hits the ground, run through this list to ensure you aren't breaking O. Reg. 406/19.
Check Property History: Was your house built on an old landfill or factory? (If yes, stop and call a pro).
Calculate Total Volume: Will you exceed 10 truckloads (100 m³)?
Choose Your Bin: Book a bin specifically for Clean Fill if you are moving dirt and sod only.
Verify the Hauler: Ensure your bin company is locally operated and understands Simcoe/Dufferin County disposal rules.
Keep Receipts: Save your bin rental invoices. They prove the soil was moved and disposed of properly.
🛡️ Protecting Your Property During the Dig
Digging out a pool or a new driveway involves heavy machinery. The last thing you want is a $10,000 driveway repair bill after you’ve already spent a fortune on landscaping.
Most bin companies use heavy roll-off trucks that can crack asphalt or leave rust stains. At Tor Bin Rental, we use a driveway-safe system.
We place wood blocks under every bin to prevent scratches.
Our light-duty delivery trucks are designed for residential driveways, not just industrial sites.
We offer 24/7 online booking so you can coordinate with your excavation schedule instantly.
🚫 What You CANNOT Put in a Clean Fill Bin
To stay within the law and avoid "contamination surcharges" at the dump, never put these in a soil bin:
❌ ASPHALT: Must be handled separately.
❌ PLASTIC: No landscape fabric or bags.
❌ WOOD: No pressure-treated lumber or old fence posts.
❌ METAL: No rebar or pipes.
❌ GARBAGE: Absolutely no household trash.
If your bin contains these items, the disposal site will reject it as "Contaminated," and you will be charged the much higher Standard Rate per tonne.
💡 Summary: Keep It Simple
The 2026 soil laws sound scary, but for the average homeowner in Alliston or Shelburne, they boil down to one rule: Be honest about what’s in your dirt.
If you are digging a standard pool or garden, keep your soil separate from your trash, book a Clean Fill bin, and keep your receipt.
Ready to start your project? Don't let soil laws slow you down. Book a driveway-safe bin in seconds and let us handle the disposal paperwork for you.
➡️ Book Your Clean Fill Bin Now