What counts as household trash at the dump?
Household trash (dumps often call it "municipal solid waste" or MSW) is the everyday garbage from a home: the same things that go in your trash can each week. Nearly every landfill and transfer station takes it, and it is usually the cheapest thing to drop off.
Common examples
- Bagged kitchen and bathroom trash
- Food scraps and packaging
- Broken toys, dishes and small household items
- Old clothes, shoes and linens (if not donating)
- Small furniture pieces like a broken chair
- Overflow from a move or garage clean-out
Usually not included
- Paint, chemicals, motor oil and batteries (see household hazardous waste)
- Appliances, tires and mattresses, which often have their own fee
- Electronics, which many states ban from landfills
- Large loads of remodeling debris (see construction debris)
How to prepare your load
- Bag loose trash and tie the bags so nothing blows out.
- Pull out recyclables, appliances, tires and electronics before you go. They are often unloaded in a different spot.
- Tarp the load. Many sites charge extra for uncovered loads.
What it usually costs
Most sites weigh your vehicle in and out and charge by the ton, with a minimum charge for small loads. Some rural sites and transfer stations charge per bag or per pickup load instead. Residents of the county or city that runs the site often pay less, or nothing at all.
Rules and prices vary by site. Check the page for the dump you plan to use, and call before you go.
Common questions
Can I bring my regular trash to the dump?
Yes. Household trash is the most widely accepted material at landfills and transfer stations. Some city- or county-run sites limit it to residents, so bring ID with your address.
Is a transfer station or a landfill better for household trash?
For a car or pickup load, a transfer station is often closer to town and easier to unload. The trash ends up at a landfill either way.
Verified sites that accept household trash
Sites we've checked against official sources. Always confirm before you go.
| Facility | Location |
|---|---|
| Coffee County Sanitary Landfill | Elba, AL |
| Magnolia Landfill | Summerdale, AL |
| Three Corners Landfill | Piedmont, AL |
| Anchorage Regional Landfill | Eagle River, AK |
| Chandler Recycling-Solid Waste Collection Center (RSWCC) | Chandler, AZ |
| City of Glendale Municipal Landfill | Glendale, AZ |
| Berkeley Transfer Station | Berkeley, CA |
| North Area Recovery Station | North Highlands, CA |
| San Timoteo Solid Waste Disposal Site | Redlands, CA |
| Sunshine Canyon Landfill | Sylmar, CA |
| Central Diversion & Transfer Station | Fort Collins, CO |
| Cherry Island Landfill | Wilmington, DE |
| Citrus County Central Landfill | Lecanto, FL |
| Medley Landfill | Medley, FL |
| North Dade Landfill | Opa-Locka, FL |
| Orange County SLF | Orlando, FL |
| Pasco County Solid Waste Transfer Station | Dade City, FL |
| Sunset-Kendall Trash and Recycling Center | Miami, FL |
| Cobb County Transfer Station | Marietta, GA |
| Pine Bluff Landfill | Ball Ground, GA |
| Seminole Road MSW Landfill | Ellenwood, GA |
| Central Maui Landfill | Puunene, HI |
| Keehi Transfer Station | Honolulu, HI |
| Ada County Landfill | Boise, ID |
| Pickles Butte SLF | Nampa, ID |