Los Angeles Dump Fees & Disposal Guide for Junk Removal Operators

Sunshine Canyon (Republic Services) posts $120/ton MSW as of July 2024 — the highest posted gate rate in the metro. LACSD facilities run approximately $99/ton. Both rates include embedded state, county, and city fees. Budget $100⁠–⁠$130/ton for disposal in LA County. Rates have been rising rapidly since the Chiquita Canyon closure and may continue to climb.

• Route to LACSD facilities (~$99/ton) instead of Sunshine Canyon ($120/ton) when within the correct wasteshed — $21/ton savings on every load
• Divert reusable items to donation centers (Habitat ReStore, Goodwill, Salvation Army) — at $120/ton, every 500 lbs diverted saves $30 in dump fees

C&D is typically charged at the same per-ton rate as MSW at Sunshine Canyon and LACSD landfills. California requires at least 65% diversion on permitted C&D projects — operators must keep diversion documentation. Route sorted C&D materials to recycling facilities for lower rates on clean concrete, wood, and metals.

• Separate clean concrete, wood, and metals from mixed C&D before arriving — recyclers charge significantly less for sorted materials
• Keep diversion documentation for CalGreen/LEED compliance on permitted C&D projects (65% minimum diversion required)

Green waste at Sunshine Canyon is $125/ton — MORE than MSW at $120/ton. This is unusual nationally and catches operators off guard. Green waste must be clean loads: brush, tree trimmings, grass, and certain yard waste only. No palm logs or trunks, loads that are majority palm fronds, MSW, concrete, dirt, or plastics mixed in. Contaminated green waste loads get charged at even higher rates or rejected.

• Price green waste jobs higher than standard junk removal — at $125/ton, yard waste disposal costs more than household junk in LA
• Keep green waste loads strictly clean to avoid contamination surcharges — no palm logs, no MSW, no concrete mixed in

Sunshine Canyon surcharges are aggressive: appliances $115 each, computers/monitors $85 each, hard-to-handle/bulky waste $275 each plus disposal, contaminated soil $200/load (pre-approval required), certificate of disposal $225/load. The $19.71/load environmental fee applies to every load. Untarped load penalty is $175/load — California Vehicle Code §23115 requires all loads to be covered. Safety vest and hard hat are mandatory on-site ($12.50 each if you forget yours).

• Stock safety vests and hard hats on every truck — $12.50 each if you show up without them at Sunshine Canyon
• Always tarp loads — $175/load untarped penalty at Sunshine Canyon is a state law (CA Vehicle Code §23115), not just a facility rule

LA County's largest active landfill at 12,100 TPD permitted capacity, temporarily expanded to 15,000 TPD for 2025 fire debris. Safety vest AND hard hat required for all persons on site — $12.50 each if you do not bring your own. Untarped load penalty is $175. Post-Chiquita closure, Monday through Wednesday mornings are the worst for wait times — queues can exceed 1⁠–⁠2 hours during peak periods. Includes embedded taxes and fees: LA County Business Tax (10%), Solid Waste Management Fee ($1.50/ton), AB 939 Fee ($1.40/ton), City of LA Franchise Fee (12%), and more. Cash or credit card accepted.

Materials accepted: MSW, Green waste (clean only), Asphalt, Contaminated soil (pre-approval), Appliances (recycle only), Computers/monitors, Hard-to-handle/bulky waste

Documentation needed: Safety vest and hard hat (mandatory — $12.50 each if not provided); Pre-approval for contaminated soil ($200/load); Non-hazardous certification for fire debris per LA County order

Surcharges: Environmental fee: $19.71/load; Fuel recovery fee: adjusted monthly per DOE Index; Untarped load: $175/load; Appliances: $115 each; Computers/monitors: $85 each; Hard-to-handle/bulky: $275 each + disposal; Certificate of disposal: $225/load; Contaminated soil: $200/load (pre-approval required)

LACSD-operated landfill serving western LA County. The residential refuse tipping fee is approximately $99.16/ton as of 2025 (up 5.5% from $93.99). Wasteshed restrictions apply — verify your service area before driving. Uncovered load surcharge is $4.40/ton or $4.40/load minimum. Clean dirt is NOT free here — charged at MSW rate. Payment: cash or pre-arranged credit. Penalty of at least $500 for bringing prohibited waste.

Materials accepted: MSW, C&D debris, Green waste (clean only — no palm logs, no MSW mixed in)

Documentation needed: HDAP certificate if disposing under a Hauler Disposal Authorization Program account; Verify wasteshed eligibility before hauling

Surcharges: Uncovered load: $4.40/ton or $4.40/load minimum; Unacceptable waste penalty: $500+

Largest scrap operation in Southern California with multiple locations across LA County. At $120/ton disposal costs, diverting metals to SA Recycling turns a disposal expense into revenue. California scrap rules require photo ID for all transactions. Payment by check (mailed to your address) for copper, catalytic converters, and certain other high-theft materials per California Penal Code §21608.5. Establish a relationship for better rates on regular deliveries. Also check independent yards in Commerce, Vernon, and Sun Valley industrial corridors.