Houston Dump Fees & Transfer Station Guide for Junk Removal Operators

Gainsborough Waste at ~$15 per cubic yard is the lowest-cost option for mixed junk and C&D loads in Houston. They operate two transfer stations — Egbert Street (inner loop) and McCarty Street (east Houston). No commercial account is needed to use either location, and most operators report in-and-out times under 30 minutes. For comparison, WM and Republic facilities use contract-based per-ton pricing that typically runs higher unless you've negotiated a volume account.

Houston-area landfill tipping fees range from approximately $38 to $65+ per ton for MSW, depending on the facility and whether you have a negotiated commercial account. The state average for Texas MSW is $45.15 per ton across 148 facilities. Transfer stations like Gainsborough charge by volume (~$15/cu yd) rather than weight, which is often cheaper for lighter residential junk loads. Add surcharges for mattresses ($25 each), Freon appliances ($40⁠–⁠$80 each), and the TCEQ state fee of $0.94 per ton on all landfilled waste.

Gainsborough Waste does not require a commercial account — any operator can walk in and pay per load at either location. WM Atascocita and Republic facilities strongly prefer or require commercial accounts, and their rates are not publicly posted. Setting up a WM account through wmsolutions.com or calling Republic at (713) 676-7600 typically gets you 20⁠–⁠40% below their walk-in pricing. For new operators, start at Gainsborough with no account and set up WM/Republic accounts once you're running 3+ loads per week.

Gainsborough Waste accepts mixed MSW and C&D at both locations — drywall, tile, shingles, wood, lumber, concrete, and roofing materials all go in at the same ~$15/cu yd rate. For pure concrete and rock, check with dedicated C&D processors who may take clean loads at reduced rates. WM Atascocita and Republic McCarty Road also accept C&D through their commercial programs. Avoid the City of Houston Neighborhood Depositories — those are residential-only and explicitly exclude commercial haulers.

Yes — dump fees, tipping fees, and landfill charges are ordinary business expenses deductible on your federal tax return. Track every disposal cost per job throughout the year. Additionally, donating usable items to Houston Habitat ReStore generates a tax-deductible donation receipt that you can pass to your customer or claim yourself if the customer declines. The ReStore has three Houston locations and offers free pickup for qualifying donations.