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Dump Fee Guide

Detroit Dump Fees & Landfill Guide for Junk Removal Operators

Current 2026 tipping fees for Detroit-area landfills and transfer stations. J. Fons at ~$65/ton equivalent, statewide avg $77.93/ton, with facility routing strategies.

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Last updated: Mar 2026

At a Glance

Fee range

$65–$80+/ton (estimated — most facilities don't post rates)

Per ton at landfills, per 2,000 lb increment at J. Fons transfer station

Facilities listed
6
Cheapest posted rate
~$65/ton
MI state surcharge
$0.36/ton
Scrap yards
2
  • MSW
  • C&D
  • Green Waste
  • Metals
  • Appliances

Biggest cost trap: WM and Republic operate all four major Detroit-area landfills but publish zero tipping fees. J. Fons transfer station (~$65/ton) is the only facility with any posted pricing. Without a negotiated account, you're paying whatever they quote.

Disposal costs

Typical Costs in Detroit

Baseline pricing before you dig into individual facilities.

MSW (Household Junk)

$65–$80+/ton

Minimum
$65 for first 2,000 lbs at J. Fons
Basis
Per ton at landfills, per 2,000 lb increment at J. Fons transfer station
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Michigan's statewide average MSW tipping fee is $77.93/ton (EREF 2024), above the $62.28 national average despite the state's minimal $0.36/ton surcharge. Detroit-area rates from WM and Republic are not publicly posted — negotiate a commercial account before routing trucks.

  • J. Fons transfer station at $65 for the first 2,000 lbs (~$65/ton equivalent) is the only facility with any posted pricing — use this as your negotiating baseline
  • Michigan's $0.36/ton state disposal surcharge is among the lowest in the nation — disposal costs are driven by operator pricing, not state fees
  • City of Detroit residents get free bulk waste drop-off at three DPW yards — leverage this for estate cleanouts where the homeowner has a Detroit ID

C&D (Construction & Demolition)

Estimated $50–$80/ton

Minimum
Same as MSW at most facilities
Basis
Per ton — typically same rate as MSW at Detroit-area facilities
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All four major landfills (Riverview, Carleton Farms, Eagle Valley, Pine Tree Acres) accept C&D, but none post separate C&D rates. J. Fons accepts C&D at what appears to be the same fee structure as MSW. Call each facility to negotiate C&D-specific pricing.

Green Waste (Yard Debris)

Not separately priced at most facilities

Minimum
Included in MSW tonnage
Basis
Per ton — bundled with MSW rates
Show detailsHide details

Riverview Land Preserve accepts yard waste year-round. City of Detroit DPW yards accept yard waste free for residents (up to 1,000 lbs/day with valid Detroit ID). No dedicated commercial yard waste processing at posted rates — yard waste goes in mixed loads at MSW pricing.

Bulky Items & Surcharges

Not publicly posted at most facilities

Minimum
Call each facility for surcharge schedules
Basis
Per item or included in tonnage
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J. Fons does NOT accept tires or hazardous materials. Riverview accepts Freon appliances for a fee (call for rate). Republic's Carleton Farms charges an 18% Environmental Recovery Fee plus variable Fuel Recovery Fee and Administrative Fee on all commercial accounts — factor these surcharges into your per-ton cost estimate.

Local guide

Facilities in Detroit

Recommended facilities first, then additional options.

Top recommended (3)

J. Fons Metropolitan Transfer Center (Priority Waste)

Only facility with posted pricing — best for city-side operators who need predictable disposal costs

  • MSW
  • C&D
  • General waste
Rate
$65 for first 2,000 lbs, $50 for each additional 2,000 lbs (~$65/ton equivalent for typical loads)
Minimum
$65
Hours
Mon–Fri 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Sat 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM (City DPW drop-off) · Sun CLOSED
Area
Northeast Detroit (6451 E. McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48212)
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Acquired by Priority Waste from J Fons Co. in 2020. The only Detroit-area facility with any publicly posted pricing — $65 for the first ton is your baseline for quoting. Saturday hours make this the only commercial weekend option in the metro. Does NOT accept tires, paints, liquids, or hazardous waste. City of Detroit residents get free bulk and yard waste drop-off (Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM, Sat 8 AM–noon) with valid Detroit ID — up to 1,000 lbs per day plus 4 tires. No construction debris for free drop-off. Commercial account available through Priority Waste: 1-855-927-8365.

Materials accepted: MSW, C&D, Bulk waste, Yard waste

Documentation needed: Commercial account available via Priority Waste at 1-855-927-8365; Detroit residents: valid Detroit ID for free drop-off

Surcharges: Tires: NOT accepted; Paints/liquids/hazardous: NOT accepted; Detroit resident free drop-off limited to 1,000 lbs/day + 4 tires, no C&D

Riverview Land Preserve

Municipal landfill with the best hours for commercial operators in southern Wayne County — recycling center on-site

  • MSW
  • C&D
  • Green waste/yard waste (year-round)
  • Appliances (Freon units accepted for a fee)
  • Electronics (contact recycling center)
Rate
Call (734) 281-4263 ext. 3 for disposal inquiries
Minimum
Call for details
Hours
Landfill: Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (contract customers 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM) · Recycling Center: Mon & Fri 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, Tue–Thu 7:00 AM–7:00 PM, Sat 8:00 AM–12:00 PM (recycling only) · Sun CLOSED
Area
Downriver / Riverview (20863 Grange Road, Riverview, MI 48193)
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Municipally owned since 1968 — serves 15 communities covering approximately 20% of Wayne County's population. Processes roughly 950,000 tons of waste and 8,000 tons of recyclables annually. Contract customers get extended hours (6:30 AM start). Hi-vis apparel required for anyone exiting a vehicle on-site as of August 2024. Critical capacity note: projected to reach capacity around 2031⁠–⁠2033 after a proposed expansion was denied by Wayne County in 2022. Riverview residents get up to 4 free loads per fiscal year with proof of residency.

Materials accepted: MSW, C&D, Yard waste (year-round), Appliances (Freon accepted for fee), Electronics (recycling center), Various recyclables at recycling center

Documentation needed: Commercial/contract account recommended — call (734) 281-4263; Riverview residents: proof of residency for 4 free loads/fiscal year

Surcharges: Freon appliance fee: call for rate; Hi-vis apparel mandatory on-site

GLR Advanced Recycling

Full-service scrap metal with three metro locations — cash payment on the spot

  • All ferrous metals (steel, iron)
  • Non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminum, brass, stainless)
  • Electronics (CPUs, boards)
  • Catalytic converters
  • Vehicles (title required)
Rate
#1 copper up to $3.50/lb · Aluminum avg ~$0.70/lb · Yellow brass ~$2.00/lb · Steel $120⁠–⁠$300/gross ton · Stainless avg ~$0.60/lb · Electronics avg ~$0.74/lb — call for current-day quotes
Minimum
No minimum listed
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM (Roseville metal to 4:00 PM) · Sat 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Roseville) / 8:00 AM – 12:45 PM (Livonia, Detroit) · Sun CLOSED
Area
Roseville HQ: 30835 Groesbeck Hwy, Roseville, MI 48066 (586) 779-1310 · Livonia: 12600 Stark Road, Livonia, MI 48150 (734) 266-2700 · Detroit: 13840 Fenkell, Detroit, MI 48227 (313) 367-0900
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Three metro locations covering Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties — there's always one near your route. Cash paid on the spot. Michigan law requires state-issued ID, thumbprint on file, and signed ownership statement for all scrap transactions. Tanks and cylinders must be cut in half and fluid-free. Routine pickup available for commercial clients with container and roll-off services. Junk car hotline: (855) 620-5865. Also accepts catalytic converters — a high-value item that many operators overlook during cleanouts.

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Carleton Farms Landfill (Republic Services)

Republic account holders — one of Michigan's largest landfills at 664 acres, located in southern Wayne County

  • MSW
  • C&D
  • Tires
  • Liquid industrial waste (deepwell injection facility)
Rate
Call (734) 654-3615 — rates negotiated via commercial contract. Standard surcharges: 18% Environmental Recovery Fee + variable Fuel Recovery Fee + Administrative Fee.
Minimum
Account-based
Hours
Call (734) 654-3615 — believed Mon–Fri standard business hours
Area
New Boston / Sumpter Township, Wayne County (28800 Clark Rd, New Boston, MI 48164)
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One of Michigan's largest landfills at 664 acres (388-acre solid waste boundary). Previously received approximately 1 million tons per year from Toronto, Canada. Also operates a regulated deepwell injection facility for liquid industrial waste. Republic's standard surcharges (18% Environmental Recovery Fee, variable Fuel Fee, Administrative Fee) add significantly to the base per-ton rate — always ask for the all-in price when setting up your account. Contact Republic at republicservices.com for commercial account setup.

Eagle Valley Landfill (WM)

WM account holders working Oakland County and north metro routes — free recycling drop-off for residents

  • MSW
  • C&D
  • Recyclables (free drop-off for residents)
  • Special waste (profile-based approval)
Rate
Call (248) 391-0990 or set up account via wmsolutions.com
Minimum
Account-based
Hours
Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Sat 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM (recycling drop-off only) · Sun CLOSED
Area
Orion Township, Oakland County (600 Silver Bell Road West, Orion, MI 48359)
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WM-operated landfill with recycling center and landfill gas-to-energy facility (powers GM Orion Assembly plant and a DTE Energy renewable electricity plant). Scale tickets accessible through WMSolutions.com portal. Special or hazardous waste requires profile-based approval. All visitors must stop at the scale upon entry. Free residential recycling drop-off accepts plastics #1/2/4/5/7, paper, glass bottles, metal cans, cardboard, and cartons. Best for operators working Rochester Hills, Lake Orion, Auburn Hills, and northern Oakland County.

Pine Tree Acres Landfill (WM)

Only active landfill in Macomb County — WM account holders working the east and north metro

  • MSW
  • C&D
  • Recyclables (free drop-off for residents)
  • Special waste (profile-based approval)
Rate
Call (586) 749-9698 or set up account via wmsolutions.com
Minimum
Account-based
Hours
Mon–Fri 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Sat 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Sun CLOSED
Area
Lenox Township, Macomb County (36600 29 Mile Road, Lenox, MI 48048)
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The only active landfill in Macomb County, making it the default for all east metro and Macomb County loads. Opens at 6:00 AM — the earliest of any Detroit-area landfill, useful for pre-route dump runs. 100 acres managed for wildlife conservation (WHC-certified since 2010). Major recipient of out-of-state waste. Free recycling drop-off available for residents on Mon–Fri 7 AM–4:30 PM and Sat 7⁠–⁠11 AM. WM account required for commercial disposal — set up via wmsolutions.com.

Operations

Rules & Restrictions

Know before you go — avoid rejected loads and fines.

Common Restrictions

  • J. Fons transfer station does NOT accept tires, paints, liquids, or hazardous waste — route tires to Riverview Land Preserve or directly to a tire recycler
  • City of Detroit DPW free drop-off is for residents only (valid Detroit ID required) — commercial vehicles are excluded. Do not attempt to use resident drop-off for commercial loads.
  • Michigan law requires state-issued ID, thumbprint on file, and signed ownership statement for all scrap metal transactions — carry your ID to every scrap yard visit

Documentation Required

  • Hi-vis apparel required at Riverview Land Preserve for anyone exiting a vehicle (as of August 2024) — carry safety vests in every truck
  • WM facilities (Eagle Valley, Pine Tree Acres) require commercial accounts via wmsolutions.com — rates are not available without an account. Special waste requires separate profile-based approval.
  • Republic's Carleton Farms adds an 18% Environmental Recovery Fee plus variable Fuel Recovery Fee and Administrative Fee to all commercial invoices…Hide full rule

    Republic's Carleton Farms adds an 18% Environmental Recovery Fee plus variable Fuel Recovery Fee and Administrative Fee to all commercial invoices — your actual cost per ton is significantly higher than the base rate they quote. Always ask for the all-in price.

Local Quirks

  • Michigan's $0.36/ton state disposal surcharge is among the lowest in the nation (Ohio charges $4.75, Wisconsin $6⁠–⁠$13).

    Despite this, statewide average MSW fees are $77.93/ton — above the $62.28 national average — because operator pricing runs high.

  • Riverview Land Preserve is projected to reach capacity around 2031⁠–⁠2033 after Wayne County denied a proposed expansion in 2022.

    When it closes, 950,000 tons/year will need to reroute — expect rate increases at remaining facilities.

  • Roughly 25% of Michigan landfill tonnage comes from out-of-state and Canadian sources (4.4 million tons from Canada in 2024 alone).

    Governor Whitmer has proposed raising the state surcharge from $0.36 to $5.00/ton — if passed, this would add $4.64/ton to every load.

Cost-saving guides

Cost-Saving Tips

Margin protection playbook — sorting, timing, and routing.

Sorting Strategy

  • Pull copper, aluminum, brass, and catalytic converters on every job — GLR Advanced Recycling pays up to $3.50/lb for #1 copper and accepts catalytic converters, which can be worth $50⁠–⁠$300 each depending on type

  • Separate electronics from mixed loads — GLR pays an average of $0.74/lb for electronics (CPUs, circuit boards), turning e-waste from a disposal cost into revenue

  • For Detroit estate cleanouts, check if the homeowner has a Detroit ID — they get free bulk waste drop-off at three DPW yards (up to 1,000 lbs/day), which can eliminate your disposal cost entirely on smaller loads

Timing Strategy

  • Pine Tree Acres opens at 6:00 AM — the earliest of any Detroit-area landfill. Use this for pre-route dump runs on east and north metro routes.

  • J. Fons Saturday hours (7 AM – 1 PM) make it the only commercial weekend disposal option in the Detroit metro — plan your Saturday route around an early dump run

  • Avoid Riverview Land Preserve recycling center on Saturdays — limited to recycling only (8 AM–noon), no trash. Tuesday through Thursday evening hours (until 7 PM) at the recycling center are the lightest traffic.

Routing Strategy

  • Wayne County loads: J. Fons for MSW at ~$65/ton (only posted rate) or Riverview Land Preserve for contract customers. Carleton Farms for Republic account holders.

  • Oakland County loads: Eagle Valley for WM account holders — closest option for Rochester, Lake Orion, Auburn Hills, Troy routes

  • Macomb County loads: Pine Tree Acres is the only option — it's the sole active landfill in the county. Open at 6 AM for early dumps. GLR Roseville is 15 minutes away for scrap metal drops.

FAQ

How much do dump fees cost in Detroit for junk removal operators?

Detroit-area MSW tipping fees are estimated at $65 to $80+ per ton depending on the facility and your account status. The J. Fons Metropolitan Transfer Center charges $65 for the first 2,000 pounds, roughly equivalent to $65 per ton for typical junk removal loads. Michigan's statewide average MSW fee is $77.93 per ton according to EREF 2024 data, above the national average of $62.28 per ton. WM and Republic operate all four major landfills but do not publicly post rates — you must call or set up a commercial account to get pricing.

What is the cheapest dump in Detroit for junk removal?

The J. Fons Metropolitan Transfer Center on McNichols Road is the only Detroit-area disposal facility with any posted pricing, charging $65 for the first 2,000 pounds and $50 for each additional 2,000 pounds. For operators with negotiated accounts, the four major landfills (Riverview, Carleton Farms, Eagle Valley, Pine Tree Acres) may offer competitive rates, but none publish gate fees. Use J. Fons' $65/ton equivalent as your baseline when negotiating with WM and Republic.

Where can junk removal operators dump on weekends in Detroit?

J. Fons transfer station is open Saturday 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM for DPW drop-off and is the only commercial weekend disposal option in the Detroit metro. Pine Tree Acres and Eagle Valley have Saturday morning hours (7:00 AM to 11:00 AM) but only for recycling drop-off, not standard waste disposal. Riverview's recycling center is open Saturday 8:00 AM to noon for recycling only. Plan your Saturday disposal around J. Fons and schedule weekend scrap runs to GLR's Roseville location (Saturday 8 AM to noon).

Where do Detroit junk removal operators sell scrap metal?

GLR Advanced Recycling operates three metro locations covering Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties — Roseville (Macomb), Livonia (Wayne), and Detroit (Wayne). They pay up to $3.50 per pound for #1 copper, approximately $0.70 per pound for aluminum, and around $2.00 per pound for yellow brass, with cash paid on the spot. Michigan law requires state-issued ID and a thumbprint for all scrap transactions. GLR also buys catalytic converters and junk vehicles. Saturday hours are available at all three locations.

Is Riverview Land Preserve closing?

Riverview Land Preserve is projected to reach capacity around 2031 to 2033. Wayne County denied a proposed expansion in 2022, and no alternative expansion plans have been approved. The facility currently processes approximately 950,000 tons per year serving 15 communities. When it closes, that volume will redirect to Carleton Farms, Eagle Valley, and Pine Tree Acres, likely driving rate increases at those facilities. Operators should build relationships with WM and Republic now to secure favorable contract rates before Riverview's closure tightens capacity.

Resources

Related Resources

Guide

Michigan Junk Removal Market Guide

Demographics, competitor landscape, pricing benchmarks, and regulations for operating in Michigan.

Data

Detroit Metro Junk Removal Market

Competitor analysis, neighborhood targeting, and entry strategy for the Detroit metro area.

Data

Indianapolis Dump Fees

Facility data and tipping fees for operators comparing Midwest disposal costs.

Guide

Dump Run Efficiency Guide

Route optimization strategies to minimize windshield time between jobs and dump sites.

Feature

Load-Based Pricing Engine

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