Chicago Dump Fees & Transfer Station Guide for Junk Removal Operators

Chicago transfer station rates run $75⁠–⁠$110/ton because they bundle reloading and long-distance transport to downstate landfills. Direct landfill rates are $40⁠–⁠$65/ton but require 60⁠–⁠120+ mile drives to Will, Livingston, or Winnebago counties.

• SWANCC Glenview at $100/ton is the only facility with fully published pricing — use this as your benchmark when negotiating with private operators
• LRS Chicago Transfer Station offers 24-hour weekday access — valuable for late jobs and early-morning dump runs
• Electronics are banned from Illinois landfills — route e-waste to the City's HCCRF facility on North Branch Street for free

Land and Lakes accepts clean construction and demolition debris (CCDD) at their Willow Ranch facility near Romeoville — requires prior approval via ccdd@land-and-lakes.com but rates may be lower than standard transfer station pricing

Landscape waste is banned from Illinois landfills statewide — must go through composting or organics processing. SWANCC charges $70/ton for commercial landscape waste, significantly less than their $100/ton MSW rate. Always separate yard waste from mixed loads.

White goods (fridge, washer, dryer, A/C) are $25/unit at SWANCC including Freon evacuation. Mattress surcharges are estimated at $25⁠–⁠$35/unit based on comparable facilities. Electronics are completely banned from Illinois landfills — penalty fees apply if found in loads at any facility.

Intergovernmental agency established in 1988 serving northern Cook County. Processes approximately 340,000 tons per year, transported to Winnebago Landfill near Rockford. The published $100/ton rate is your best benchmark for negotiating with private operators who won't post prices. High-visibility reflective safety vest required for all persons exiting vehicles. Monday has split hours (closed 10 AM–2 PM) — plan accordingly. Credit cards accepted; credit account available for commercial operators.

Materials accepted: MSW, C&D, Commercial landscape waste ($70/ton), Asphalt shingles ($70/ton, residential only), White goods/appliances ($25/unit), E-waste (free, SWANCC member community residents, Saturdays 9:00⁠–⁠11:30 AM only)

Documentation needed: Credit account available through SWANCC for commercial operators; Card must be present for credit card payment

Surcharges: Mattress surcharge: estimated $25⁠–⁠$35/unit (call to confirm); Tire surcharge: call to confirm; Landscape waste: $70/ton ($17.50 minimum)

Lakeshore Recycling Systems operates the only 24-hour weekday transfer station in the Chicago metro. This is extremely valuable for operators running evening jobs or wanting to dump at 5 AM before starting the route. Located on the south side with good expressway access via I-55. Rates are not posted — call (773) 579-1200. Credit and debit cards accepted. Negotiate a volume account if you're running 3+ loads per week.

Family-owned since 2007. The only scrap yard in Chicagoland open 7 days — including Sundays. Published prices on their website updated regularly. Staff will break down and separate materials for you. Roll-off containers (4x4 Gaylord boxes, 10⁠–⁠40 yard roll-offs) available for high-volume operators. Also buys junk cars. Chicago copper prices running significantly higher than Houston or DFW — at $4.55⁠–⁠$4.67/lb for copper, even a few pounds per job generates $20⁠–⁠$50 in recovered revenue.

Materials accepted: Bare bright copper ($4.67/lb), Copper #1 ($4.55/lb), Copper #2 ($4.40/lb), Yellow brass ($2.50/lb), Clean aluminum ($0.57/lb), Aluminum cans ($0.45/lb), Stainless steel ($0.33/lb), Cast iron ($205/ton), Sheet iron ($205/ton), Brake rotors ($260/ton)

Documentation needed: Check required for non-ferrous over $100 without business license

Surcharges: Loads over 200 lbs: call for pricing

Established in 2000. Offers three pricing tiers including fixed-price contracts for operators running consistent metal volume — locks your rate for 3⁠–⁠12 months, removing commodity price risk. PPE mandatory: hard hat, safety glasses, hi-vis vest, gloves, long pants, steel-toed boots. Cash via secure on-site ATM or check payment. Industrial clients get Net 30 terms. The Joliet location has Saturday hours. February 2026 market note: ferrous scrap remains strong with tight supply; copper at record highs due to global supply risks.