Dump Fee Guide

Baltimore Dump Fees & Disposal Guide for Junk Removal Operators

MSW from $70–$135/ton across 7 county jurisdictions. Baltimore City's small hauler rate is $20/load — the cheapest entry point in the metro.

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Last updated: Mar 2026

At a Glance

Fee range

$70–$135/ton

Per ton at most facilities; $20 flat rate for small haulers in Baltimore City

Facilities listed: 6
Cheapest MSW: $70/ton
City small hauler: $20/load
Updated: Mar 2026

MSW
C&D
Yard Waste
Bulky Items
Tires

Biggest cost trap: Baltimore City raised large hauler tipping fees to $135/ton in November 2025 — but the small hauler program charges just $20/load for vehicles under 7,000 lbs GVW. If you operate pickup trucks or small box trucks, the small hauler permit saves hundreds per day versus the per-ton rate.

Disposal costs

Typical Costs in Baltimore

Baseline pricing before you dig into individual facilities.

MSW (Household Junk)

$70–$135/ton

Minimum: $8⁠–⁠$20 (facility-dependent)
Basis: Per ton or per load

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Rates vary dramatically by jurisdiction. Carroll County: $70/ton (cheapest, effective Jan 2026). Anne Arundel County: $100/ton. Howard County: $106/ton (FY2026). Baltimore County: $125/ton. Baltimore City large haulers: $135/ton ($127.50 base + $7.50 disposal fee, effective Nov 2025). Baltimore City small haulers (vehicles under 7,000 lbs GVW): $20/load flat rate — the cheapest option for lighter trucks.

If operating vehicles under 7,000 lbs GVW, get a Baltimore City Small Hauler Permit — $20/load versus $135/ton saves hundreds per day
Carroll County at $70/ton is $65/ton cheaper than Baltimore City ($135/ton) — worth the ~40-minute drive to Westminster for full truck loads

C&D (Construction Debris)

$85–$106/ton

Minimum: $8 (Carroll County)
Basis: Per ton

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Carroll County: $85/ton C&D (effective Jan 2026). Baltimore Recycling Center (BRC): $93/ton (private, C&D-focused). Howard County: $106/ton. Baltimore County does not publish C&D rates separately. Howard County Alpha Ridge Landfill no longer accepts soil or large quantities of stone/brick/block/asphalt/concrete from commercial contractors. Baltimore County requires suitable C&D loads to go to permitted C&D/rubble sites rather than landfill.

Route C&D to Carroll County Northern Landfill at $85/ton — the cheapest published C&D rate in the metro
Baltimore Recycling Center (BRC) specializes in C&D recycling at $93/ton — closer to Baltimore than Carroll County

Green & Yard Waste

$0–$40/ton

Minimum: Free at some facilities
Basis: Per ton

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Maryland bans separately collected yard waste from landfill disposal. Howard County: $40/ton commercial clean wood/yard trim. Carroll County: $40/ton commercial yard trim, free for own-home residential. Baltimore City yard waste accepted free at residential drop-off centers for residents. Yard waste is a lower-cost stream — always separate from MSW to avoid paying $70⁠–⁠$135/ton on material that could be $0⁠–⁠$40/ton.

Keep yard waste completely separate from MSW — it is banned from landfill disposal and costs $0⁠–⁠$40/ton versus $70⁠–⁠$135/ton for general waste
Howard County charges $40/ton commercial for clean wood/yard trim versus $106/ton for MSW — a $66/ton savings on every pound separated

Surcharges & Specialty Items

$3 each (residential scrap tires) · $292/ton (oversized truck tires)

Basis: Per item or per ton; per-item fees vary

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Howard County published surcharges: freon appliances $15 each, commercial auto tires $212/ton, oversized truck tires $292/ton, mattresses mixed with trash $106/ton (standard rate), clean mattress loads $50/ton (recycled), boats/campers $200/ton. Carroll County: bulky waste $75/ton, scrap tires $3 each (residential) or $175/ton (bulk), uncovered load surcharge $25 individual/$100 commercial. Baltimore County $10 minimum per load.

Howard County charges only $15 per freon appliance — among the cheapest in the region
Route clean mattress-only loads to Howard County at $50/ton (recycled) versus $106/ton when mixed with trash — less than half the cost

Local guide

Facilities in Baltimore

Recommended facilities first, then additional options.

Top recommended (3)

Carroll County Northern Landfill

Cheapest MSW in the metro at $70/ton — transparent published rates effective January 2026

MSW ($70/ton)
Bulky waste ($75/ton)
C&D ($85/ton)
Sewage sludge ($90/ton)
Commercial yard trim ($40/ton)
Scrap tires

Rate: $70/ton MSW, $75/ton bulky waste, $85/ton C&D, $40/ton commercial yard trim
Minimum: $8 minimum disposal fee
Hours: Mon–Fri 7AM–4:30PM, Sat 7AM–3PM; closed major holidays
Area: Westminster, Carroll County (~40 min northwest of downtown Baltimore)

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Cheapest published MSW rate in the Baltimore metro at $70/ton (effective January 1, 2026). Bulky waste (mattresses, furniture, appliances) at $75/ton. C&D at $85/ton. Uncovered load surcharge: $25 individual, $100 commercial. Cash and cards accepted. Contact (410) 386-4550 for commercial account setup. The ~40-minute drive from downtown Baltimore is justified for full truck loads — on a 3-ton load, the $65/ton savings versus Baltimore City ($135/ton) equals $195 per trip.

Materials accepted: MSW, Bulky waste, C&D, Sewage sludge, Commercial yard trim, Scrap tires

Documentation needed: Contact (410) 386-4550 for commercial account setup

Surcharges: Uncovered load: $25 individual, $100 commercial; Residential scrap tires off rim: $3 each; Residential scrap tires on rim: $4 each; Bulk tires: $175/ton

Baltimore City — Northwest Transfer Station & Quarantine Road Landfill

Baltimore City disposal — $20/load for small haulers under 7,000 lbs GVW, $135/ton for large haulers

MSW
C&D debris
Bulky items
Yard waste

Rate: $135/ton large haulers (effective Nov 2025); $20/load small haulers (≤7,000 lbs GVW)
Minimum: $20/load small haulers
Hours: NW Transfer Station: Mon–Sat 7AM–5PM; Quarantine Road Landfill: Mon–Fri 7AM–5PM, Sat 7AM–12PM
Area: Baltimore City (NW Transfer Station relieves congestion at Quarantine Road)

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Two-tier pricing system. Small Hauler Program ($20/load for vehicles under 7,000 lbs GVW) requires a valid Small Hauler Permit from Baltimore City Health Department ($35⁠–⁠$100/year per vehicle). Large hauler rate increased to $135/ton in November 2025 ($127.50 base + $7.50 disposal fee). Northwest Transfer Station opened in 2017 to relieve long wait lines at Quarantine Road. Waste hauler license required — apply at Environmental Inspection Services, 1001 E. Fayette Street. No collection allowed 11PM–7AM. Vehicle must display hauler name and phone on both sides.

Materials accepted: MSW, C&D debris, Bulky items, Yard waste (bagged), Mattresses (free at residential drop-off centers), Tires without rims (free at residential drop-off centers), E-waste (free with valid city ID)

Documentation needed: Baltimore City Waste Hauler License ($35⁠–⁠$100/year per vehicle); Small Hauler Permit for $20/load rate; Vehicle must display hauler name and phone number on both sides

Surcharges: Large haulers: $135/ton (effective Nov 2025); Small haulers above 7,000 lbs: $3.38 per 100 lbs over limit

Donation Centers — Habitat ReStore, Goodwill, Salvation Army

Furniture, appliances, household goods — essential diversion in a $70⁠–⁠$135/ton market

Furniture
Working appliances
Household goods
Building materials (Habitat)
Clothing
Electronics

Rate: Free drop-off; tax-deductible receipts provided
Minimum: No minimum
Hours: Varies by location — Habitat: Tue–Sat, Goodwill: daily 9AM–7PM, Salvation Army: call for hours
Area: Multiple locations across the Baltimore metro

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At $70⁠–⁠$135/ton disposal costs, donation diversion directly improves profitability. Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts furniture AND appliances. Goodwill of the Chesapeake accepts furniture (good condition), clothing, and household items. Salvation Army offers free pickup at 1-800-SA-TRUCK. Build donation routing into every job workflow — customers value eco-friendly service and you avoid tipping fees.

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Howard County Alpha Ridge Landfill

Detailed published FY2026 rate schedule — $106/ton MSW with clean mattress recycling at $50/ton

MSW ($106/ton)
C&D ($106/ton)
Clean wood/yard trim ($40/ton commercial)
Mattresses (clean loads $50/ton recycled)
Tires
Freon appliances ($15 each)

Rate: $106/ton MSW/C&D, $40/ton commercial yard trim, $50/ton clean mattress loads, $15 each freon appliances
Minimum: Not published — $40/year commercial vehicle permit required
Hours: Varies — check howardcountymd.gov for current schedule
Area: Marriottsville, Howard County (west of Baltimore)

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Most detailed published rate schedule in the metro (FY2026, effective July 1, 2025). Clean mattress-only loads at $50/ton for recycling — less than half the MSW rate. Freon appliances at $15 each. Commercial landfill permit required ($40/vehicle, renewable each June). Charge accounts available ($200 minimum deposit). Tractor trailers NOT allowed. No longer accepts soil or large quantities of stone/brick/block/asphalt/concrete from commercial contractors.

Materials accepted: MSW, C&D, Clean wood/yard trim, Mattresses (clean loads), Auto tires ($212/ton), Oversized truck tires ($292/ton), Freon appliances ($15 each), Boats/campers ≤30 ft ($200/ton)

Documentation needed: Commercial landfill permit: $40/vehicle (renewable each June); Charge account: $200 minimum deposit or 1.5× average monthly charges

Surcharges: Commercial auto tires: $212/ton; Oversized truck tires: $292/ton; Freon appliances: $15 each; Clean dirt: $132/ton; Boats/campers: $200/ton

Baltimore County — Eastern Sanitary Landfill (White Marsh)

Baltimore County operators — $125/ton MSW with Saturday hours

MSW
C&D debris
Yard waste
Bulky items

Rate: $125/ton MSW (effective July 2024); C&D rate not separately published
Minimum: $10 minimum
Hours: Mon–Sat 7:30AM–3:30PM (no admittance after 3:15PM)
Area: White Marsh, Baltimore County (east of Baltimore)

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Baltimore County-operated landfill. Waste must originate in Baltimore County. Requires Solid Waste Collection Permit and commercial account — email swmcommercialaccount@baltimorecountymd.gov to apply. Must be in the gate by 3:15PM — facility closes at 3:30PM sharp. Additional county facilities: Cockeysville Area Facility (CAF) and Western Acceptance Facility (WAF) in Halethorpe. Baltimore County requires suitable C&D loads to go to permitted C&D/rubble sites rather than landfill.

Baltimore Recycling Center (BRC)

C&D recycling at $93/ton — private facility specializing in construction debris processing

C&D debris
Mixed waste/C&D
Recyclable construction materials

Rate: $93/ton (appears to be primary gate rate for C&D)
Minimum: Call for minimums
Hours: Call for current hours
Area: Baltimore metro

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Private facility specializing in C&D recycling. At $93/ton, BRC sits between Carroll County ($85/ton) and Howard County ($106/ton) for C&D disposal. Closer to central Baltimore than Carroll County, making it a practical option for operators who cannot justify the ~40-minute drive to Westminster. Verify current rates and material acceptance by calling.

Operations

Rules & Restrictions

Know before you go — avoid rejected loads and fines.

Common Restrictions

Baltimore City requires a Waste Hauler License ($35⁠–⁠$100/year per vehicle) from the Health Department — no commercial hauling without it. Apply at Environmental Inspection Services, 1001 E. Fayette St.
Baltimore County requires a separate Solid Waste Collection Permit and commercial account. Waste must originate within Baltimore County. Email swmcommercialaccount@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Maryland bans separately collected yard waste from landfill disposal. Route yard waste to composting facilities.
Scrap tires require an MDE Scrap Tire Hauler License for transport. Tires have been banned from landfills since 1994 — must go to MDE-permitted facilities.

Documentation Required

Each jurisdiction has separate licensing: Baltimore City (Health Dept), Baltimore County (Bureau of Solid Waste), Howard County ($40/vehicle commercial permit), Carroll County (scale house…Hide full rule
Each jurisdiction has separate licensing: Baltimore City (Health Dept), Baltimore County (Bureau of Solid Waste), Howard County ($40/vehicle commercial permit), Carroll County (scale house account). Set up accounts in each county where you operate.
Baltimore City vehicles must display hauler name and phone on both sides (large haulers) or license visible inside (small haulers). No waste collection allowed 11PM–7AM in Baltimore City.
All loads must be covered/secured. Carroll County charges $25 individual/$100 commercial for uncovered loads.

Local Quirks

The $65/ton spread between Carroll County ($70/ton) and Baltimore City ($135/ton) is the largest in the metro. On a 3-ton load, routing to Carroll County saves $195 per trip despite the ~40-minute drive.
Baltimore City's Small Hauler Program at $20/load for vehicles under 7,000 lbs GVW is the cheapest disposal option in the entire metro — but requires a separate Small Hauler Permit.
Howard County charges $50/ton for clean mattress-only loads (recycled) versus $106/ton mixed with trash — less than half the cost. Always separate mattresses into dedicated loads.
Baltimore City and Baltimore County are separate jurisdictions with different licensing, fees, and facility access. A Baltimore City hauler license does NOT authorize you in Baltimore County and vice versa.

Cost-saving guides

Cost-Saving Tips

Margin protection playbook — sorting, timing, and routing.

Sorting Strategy

Separate yard waste from MSW on every job. Maryland bans yard waste from landfill disposal, and composting rates are $0⁠–⁠$40/ton versus $70⁠–⁠$135/ton for MSW. Howard County charges $40/ton for commercial yard trim versus $106/ton MSW — a $66/ton savings per pound separated.
Route clean mattress-only loads to Howard County Alpha Ridge at $50/ton (recycled) versus $106/ton when mixed with general trash. Carroll County charges $75/ton for bulky waste including mattresses. Always dedicate mattress loads separately from MSW.
Pull scrap metals from every load and sell to local yards. Maryland does not publish scrap prices centrally — call for current rates. At $70⁠–⁠$135/ton disposal costs, metal diversion both generates revenue and avoids tipping fees.

Timing Strategy

Avoid Saturday mornings and Monday mornings at all facilities — peak residential and weekend-backlog traffic. Mid-week mornings (Tuesday–Thursday) have the shortest waits.
Baltimore County ESL: must be in the gate by 3:15PM (closes 3:30PM sharp). Plan your last Baltimore County dump run to arrive by 2:45PM for buffer.

Routing Strategy

For full truck loads, Carroll County Northern Landfill at $70/ton is $65/ton cheaper than Baltimore City ($135/ton). On a 3-ton load, the ~40-minute drive to Westminster saves $195 per trip — easily justified for full loads.
For Baltimore City jobs with vehicles under 7,000 lbs GVW, the Small Hauler Program at $20/load beats every per-ton rate in the metro. Get the Small Hauler Permit ($35⁠–⁠$100/year) from the Health Department.
For C&D-heavy jobs, Baltimore Recycling Center ($93/ton) is closer to the city than Carroll County ($85/ton). Compare total trip cost including drive time, not just per-ton rate.

FAQ

What is the cheapest place to dump junk in Baltimore?

For small loads with vehicles under 7,000 lbs GVW, Baltimore City's Small Hauler Program at $20 per load is the cheapest option in the metro — requires a Small Hauler Permit from the Health Department ($35⁠–⁠$100/year per vehicle). For larger commercial tonnage, Carroll County Northern Landfill at $70/ton MSW is the cheapest per-ton rate (effective January 1, 2026), though it is located in Westminster approximately 40 minutes northwest of downtown. Howard County is $106/ton, Baltimore County $125/ton, and Baltimore City large haulers pay $135/ton.

How much did Baltimore City dump fees increase in 2025?

Baltimore City raised large hauler tipping fees to $135/ton effective November 1, 2025 — a base rate of $127.50/ton plus a $7.50/ton disposal fee. The small hauler rate ($20 per load for vehicles under 7,000 lbs GVW) was NOT affected by the increase. This makes Baltimore City the most expensive jurisdiction in the metro for large haulers. By comparison, Carroll County charges $70/ton and Howard County charges $106/ton. Operators with large trucks should compare total trip costs across jurisdictions.

Do I need a license to haul junk in Baltimore?

Yes — and the requirements differ between Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Baltimore City requires a Waste Hauler License ($35⁠–⁠$100/year per vehicle) from the Health Department, Environmental Inspection Services at 1001 E. Fayette Street. Baltimore County requires a separate Solid Waste Collection Permit and commercial account — email swmcommercialaccount@baltimorecountymd.gov. Howard County requires a commercial landfill permit ($40/vehicle, renewable each June). A Baltimore City license does NOT authorize you to operate in Baltimore County and vice versa.

Where can I dump construction debris in Baltimore?

Carroll County Northern Landfill accepts C&D at $85/ton (effective January 2026) — the cheapest published rate. Baltimore Recycling Center (BRC) specializes in C&D at approximately $93/ton and is closer to central Baltimore. Howard County Alpha Ridge charges $106/ton for C&D. Note: Howard County no longer accepts soil or large quantities of stone, brick, block, asphalt, or concrete from commercial contractors. Baltimore County requires suitable C&D loads to go to permitted C&D or rubble sites rather than their general landfill.

What are the dump hours in Baltimore?

Baltimore City Northwest Transfer Station: Monday through Saturday 7AM–5PM. Quarantine Road Landfill: Monday through Friday 7AM–5PM, Saturday 7AM–12PM. Baltimore County Eastern Sanitary Landfill: Monday through Saturday 7:30AM–3:30PM (must be in gate by 3:15PM). Carroll County Northern Landfill: Monday through Friday 7AM–4:30PM, Saturday 7AM–3PM. Howard County Alpha Ridge: varies — check howardcountymd.gov. BRESCO waste-to-energy operates 24/7 but is contract-based only.

Resources

Related Resources

Guide

Maryland Junk Removal Market Guide

Statewide market data, licensing by jurisdiction, and competitive landscape for Maryland operators.

Data

Philadelphia Dump Fees & Disposal Guide

Facility-level dump fees and disposal strategies for the Philadelphia metro.

Guide

Dump Run Efficiency Guide

Optimize routing across jurisdictions to minimize disposal costs and drive time.

Feature

Route Optimization

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ScaleYourJunk logs disposal costs per job, per facility, across every jurisdiction. In the Baltimore metro with rates from $20/load to $135/ton, routing IS your profit margin.

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