What are spoils in the context of excavation?

In the context of excavation, spoils refer specifically to the waste material that is excavated or removed from a dig site. When an excavation project is undertaken, the earth that is displaced is often not needed for the construction or landscaping project and is referred to as spoils. This material can include soil, rocks, and other debris that are not used in the final project and need to be managed appropriately, typically by either hauling it away or stockpiling it for future use. Understanding this definition is crucial for recognizing how spoils impact the logistics and overall workflow of excavation projects, as well as environmental considerations regarding how they are disposed of or reused.