Dump Fee Guide

SF Bay Area Dump Fees & Disposal Guide for Junk Removal Operators

The most expensive disposal market in the US — $50–$262/ton depending on routing. Facility access, diversion strategies, and margin survival in 2026.

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Last updated: Mar 2026

At a Glance

Fee range

$50–$262/ton

Per ton at all facilities

Facilities listed: 6
SF transfer rate: $262/ton
Direct landfill rate: $50–$54/ton
Updated: Mar 2026

MSW
C&D
Green Waste
E-Waste
Recyclables

Biggest cost trap: Recology's SF Transfer Station charges $261.95/ton for MSW — over 4x the national average. But direct landfill accounts at Altamont or Vasco Road run $50–$54/ton. The $210/ton spread is the difference between profitability and failure.

Disposal costs

Typical Costs in SF Bay Area

Baseline pricing before you dig into individual facilities.

MSW (Household Junk)

$50–$262/ton

Minimum: $38⁠–⁠$60 (facility-dependent)
Basis: Per ton

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The range is massive because routing determines everything. Recology SF Transfer Station: $261.95/ton with a $60 minimum. Altamont Landfill (WM) direct commercial accounts: ~$50⁠–⁠$54/ton per Livermore contract data. Vasco Road (Republic): ~$50/ton contract rate. The $210/ton spread between SF Transfer and direct landfill access is the single most important cost lever for Bay Area operators. Recology rates increased 12.24% in October 2025, with further proposed increases of 10.07% (2026), 6.27% (2027), and 5.74% (2028).

Establish a direct commercial account at Altamont Landfill (~$50⁠–⁠$54/ton) or Vasco Road (~$50/ton) instead of using Recology SF Transfer ($262/ton) — saves $210/ton per load
Factor in 2+ hours round-trip and bridge tolls when hauling from SF to Livermore — the per-ton savings justify the drive on loads over 1 ton

C&D (Construction Debris)

$38–$262/ton

Minimum: $38⁠–⁠$60 (facility-dependent)
Basis: Per ton or per cubic yard

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Zanker Recycling in San Jose charges per cubic yard — competitive for sorted C&D loads. South San Francisco Scavenger has a $38 minimum with per-ton rates by material type. California requires 65% C&D diversion on permitted projects. Route sorted materials to dedicated recycling facilities for the lowest rates.

Route C&D to Zanker Recycling in San Jose for per-cubic-yard pricing that benefits lighter, bulkier loads
Keep C&D diversion documentation for all permitted projects — California requires 65% minimum diversion from landfill

Green & Yard Waste

Varies by facility

Minimum: $38⁠–⁠$60 (facility-dependent)
Basis: Per ton

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Green waste rates vary significantly across the 9-county metro. SB 1383 mandates aggressive organic waste diversion. Bay Area jurisdictions are among the most aggressive in California in enforcing organic diversion requirements. Separate all organic material from every load — composting facilities may accept green waste at lower rates than MSW disposal.

Separate green waste for composting facilities that charge less than MSW disposal rates
SB 1383 compliance is strictly enforced in Bay Area — separate all organic material from every load to avoid penalties

Surcharges & Specialty Items

$3–$20+ per item

Minimum: Per-item fees apply
Basis: Per item or per load

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Recology SF Transfer charges $20/load for uncovered loads. Fluorescent lamps are $3 each over 30/month (first 30 free). E-waste up to 30 items/month is free IF delivered without other waste — mixed with trash means full tipping fee on the entire load. Bay Area bridge tolls (Bay Bridge, San Mateo Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge) add $5⁠–⁠$7 per crossing via FasTrak. Factor tolls into your routing calculations.

Deliver e-waste separately from other loads at Recology SF — up to 30 items/month free when not mixed with trash
Factor FasTrak bridge tolls into every cross-bay routing calculation — $5⁠–⁠$7 per crossing adds up fast on daily dump runs

Local guide

Facilities in SF Bay Area

Recommended facilities first, then additional options.

Top recommended (4)

Altamont Landfill & Resource Recovery (Waste Management)

Direct commercial accounts — lowest per-ton rate in the Bay Area at ~$50⁠–⁠$54/ton

MSW from 9 Bay Area counties
Special waste (by appointment)

Rate: ~$50⁠–⁠$54/ton (municipal contract rate per Livermore 2025 bid data); self-haul rates higher
Minimum: Call for current minimums
Hours: Mon–Fri 6AM–4PM; closed weekends and holidays
Area: Livermore (eastern Alameda County — ~55 miles from SF, ~35 miles from Oakland)

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The primary Bay Area landfill and the lowest-cost disposal option for operators who can justify the drive. Municipal contract rates (~$50⁠–⁠$54/ton) are dramatically lower than Recology's SF rate ($262/ton) because they exclude collection and transfer markup. Direct commercial accounts may get better rates than routing through SF's transfer station. Accepts MSW from all 9 Bay Area counties (Alameda, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Contra Costa, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara). Does NOT accept waste from outside the 9-county Bay Area. Contact WM directly to set up a commercial account.

Materials accepted: MSW from 9 Bay Area counties, Special waste by appointment

Documentation needed: WM commercial account required for contract rates; Waste must originate within 9 Bay Area counties

Surcharges: Self-haul rates higher than contract rates — negotiate commercial terms for regular hauling

Vasco Road Landfill (Republic Services)

Direct commercial accounts — competitive alternative to Altamont at ~$50/ton

MSW
C&D
General waste

Rate: ~$50/ton ($50.31/ton total: $19.93 government fee + $30.38 base rate per Livermore 2025 bid)
Minimum: Call Republic Services for current minimums
Hours: Call Republic Services for current hours
Area: Livermore (eastern Alameda County)

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Second major Bay Area landfill, also in eastern Alameda County near Altamont. Republic offered slightly lower rates than WM Altamont in the 2025 Livermore disposal contract bid ($50.31/ton vs. WM's rate). Worth pursuing a direct commercial account, especially if you already have a Republic relationship. Compare terms with Altamont to get the best pricing.

Zanker Recycling (GreenWaste Recovery)

C&D processing and recycling in the South Bay — competitive rates for sorted loads

Mixed C&D
Brush/yardwaste
Clean concrete
Dirt
Roofing
Wood
Treated wood
Carpet
Drywall
E-waste
Mattresses
Tires

Rate: Call (408) 263-0555 for current rates
Basis: Per cubic yard (varies by material)
Minimum: Call for current minimums
Hours: Call (408) 263-0555 for current hours
Area: San Jose (South Bay)

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Major South Bay recycling and C&D processing facility. Per-cubic-yard pricing benefits lighter, bulkier loads compared to per-ton facilities. California's Bye Bye Mattress program provides free mattress recycling at participating facilities — divert mattresses here instead of landfilling. Zanker's 75%+ diversion rate satisfies California's C&D diversion requirements for permitted projects. Ideal for renovation and construction debris loads from South Bay jobs.

SA Recycling & Independent Scrap Yards

Scrap metal, appliances, and ferrous/non-ferrous recycling — get paid instead of paying

Ferrous metals
Non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminum, brass)
Appliances
Vehicles

Rate: Market rates — multiple Bay Area locations
Basis: Per pound (paid to you)
Minimum: No minimum
Hours: Varies by location
Area: Multiple locations across the Bay Area (Oakland, Richmond, San Jose)

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SA Recycling has multiple Bay Area locations. Schnitzer Steel (SIMS) operates in Oakland and Richmond with roll-off service available for regular accounts. At $262/ton disposal costs in SF, diverting metals to scrap yards is not optional — it is existential for profitability. California scrap rules: photo ID required for all transactions, check payment for copper and certain materials per Penal Code §21608.5. Keep documentation for all scrap sales.

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Recology SF Transfer Station

Only option for operators working strictly within San Francisco — Recology monopoly franchise

MSW
Recyclables
Construction debris
Green waste
Bulky items
E-waste (up to 30/month free without other waste)
Fluorescent lamps (up to 30/month free)

Rate: $261.95/ton MSW
Minimum: $60 per load
Hours: Mon–Fri 6AM–6PM, Sat 6AM–5PM (verify current hours)
Area: San Francisco (Tunnel Ave)

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All San Francisco waste technically must go through Recology's system — they hold exclusive franchise rights. The $261.95/ton rate is over 4x the national average ($62.28/ton EREF 2024). Waste is transported to Altamont Landfill in Livermore (~55 miles) with transportation cost embedded in the rate. October 2025 rates increased 12.24%, with further proposed increases of 10.07% (2026), 6.27% (2027), and 5.74% (2028). E-waste tip: deliver up to 30 electronic items per month free IF delivered without other waste — mixing e-waste with trash triggers the full tipping fee on the entire load. Commercial accounts available.

Materials accepted: MSW, Recyclables, C&D, Green waste, Bulky items, E-waste, Fluorescent lamps, HHW (paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)

Documentation needed: Commercial account recommended for regular haulers; Verify Recology franchise rules before routing waste outside SF system

Surcharges: Uncovered load: $20/load; Fluorescent lamps: $3/each over 30/month; E-waste mixed with trash: full tipping fee on entire load

South San Francisco Scavenger Transfer Station

San Mateo County operators — avoids bridge tolls and long drives to Livermore

MSW
C&D
Green waste
Recyclables

Rate: Call (650) 589-4020 for current rates by material type
Basis: Per ton (varies by material)
Minimum: $38 per load
Hours: Call (650) 589-4020 for current hours
Area: South San Francisco (San Mateo County)

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Serves San Mateo County with per-ton rates by material type. The $38 minimum is the lowest in the metro. For operators working Peninsula jobs, this avoids the 2+ hour round-trip to Livermore and bridge tolls. Compare the per-ton rate against Altamont — the time savings may justify a higher per-ton cost on lighter loads.

Operations

Rules & Restrictions

Know before you go — avoid rejected loads and fines.

Common Restrictions

Recology holds exclusive franchise rights in San Francisco — all waste generated in SF technically must go through Recology's system. Understand the franchise rules before routing waste outside the system.
Altamont Landfill does NOT accept waste from outside the 9 Bay Area counties (Alameda, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Contra Costa, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara).
It is illegal to dispose of electronic waste in California landfills. CRTs, monitors, TVs, computers, and other covered devices must go to certified e-waste recyclers.
California Vehicle Code §23115 requires all vehicles hauling refuse or recyclables to cover loads.
Penalties range from $20/load (South SF Scavenger) to higher amounts at other facilities. State law — not just facility rules.

Documentation Required

Set up direct commercial accounts at Altamont (WM) and/or Vasco Road (Republic) for contract rates of ~$50⁠–⁠$54/ton — dramatically cheaper than Recology SF Transfer ($262/ton).
California SB 1383 requires 75% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2025. Bay Area jurisdictions are among the most aggressive enforcers. Separate all organics from every load.
California requires 65% C&D diversion on permitted projects. Keep all diversion documentation from Zanker Recycling and other certified facilities for permit compliance.

Local Quirks

The $210/ton spread between Recology SF Transfer ($262/ton) and direct landfill accounts ($50⁠–⁠$54/ton) is the single most important cost lever in the Bay Area. Your routing strategy determines profitability.
Recology proposed rate increases of 10.07% (2026), 6.27% (2027), and 5.74% (2028) on top of the October 2025 12.24% increase. SF disposal costs will continue climbing.
Bay Area bridge tolls (Bay Bridge, San Mateo Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge) add $5⁠–⁠$7 per crossing via FasTrak. Factor tolls into every cross-bay routing calculation.
San Francisco has a zero-waste-to-landfill goal — aggressive diversion requirements create demand for operators who can sort and route materials properly.
Position yourself as a diversion-first operator to command premium pricing.

Cost-saving guides

Cost-Saving Tips

Margin protection playbook — sorting, timing, and routing.

Sorting Strategy

At $262/ton in SF, sorting is not optional — it is existential. A single unsorted 3-ton junk load costs $786 in dump fees at Recology. Separate metals, wood, green waste, recyclables, and reusable items from every job before heading to any facility. Every pound diverted directly improves margin.
Route reusable items to Habitat for Humanity ReStore (East Bay and Silicon Valley locations), Goodwill (multiple Bay Area affiliates), or Building REsources in SF (3130 Cesar Chavez — specializes in building materials, hardware, and fixtures). Tax-deductible donation receipts provided.
Divert mattresses to participating Bye Bye Mattress program facilities for free recycling — California's $10.50 recycling fee on new purchases funds this program. Never landfill a mattress in California when a free recycling option exists.

Timing Strategy

Altamont Landfill is open Monday through Friday only (6AM–4PM), closed weekends and holidays. Plan your dump runs during the week. For weekend jobs, stage loads and haul Monday morning.
Recology SF Transfer closes at 6PM weekdays and 5PM Saturdays — plan your last SF dump run to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to clear the scale.

Routing Strategy

Direct landfill accounts at Altamont (~$50⁠–⁠$54/ton) or Vasco Road (~$50/ton) save $210/ton versus Recology SF Transfer ($262/ton). The drive from SF is ~55 miles (2+ hours round-trip), but the per-ton savings justify the trip on any load over 1 ton. Even from Oakland (~35 miles), the savings are massive.
For Peninsula jobs (San Mateo County), South SF Scavenger avoids bridge tolls and long drives to Livermore. The $38 minimum is the lowest in the metro. Compare per-ton rates against the total cost (toll + fuel + time) of driving to Altamont.
For South Bay jobs, Zanker Recycling in San Jose offers competitive per-cubic-yard rates for C&D and is the go-to for C&D processing with certified diversion documentation.

FAQ

What is the cheapest place to dump junk in the Bay Area?

Direct commercial accounts at Altamont Landfill (WM) or Vasco Road Landfill (Republic Services) in Livermore offer rates of approximately $50⁠–⁠$54/ton — the lowest in the Bay Area. These are roughly $210/ton cheaper than Recology's SF Transfer Station at $261.95/ton. The trade-off is drive time: Altamont is ~55 miles from SF and ~35 miles from Oakland, requiring 2+ hours round-trip plus bridge tolls. For loads over 1 ton, the per-ton savings easily justify the drive. Contact WM or Republic directly to set up a commercial account.

Why are San Francisco dump fees so expensive?

Recology holds a monopoly franchise for waste collection in San Francisco, and their $261.95/ton rate includes collection, transfer, and long-haul transportation costs to Altamont Landfill in Livermore (~55 miles away). The rate also reflects San Francisco's aggressive zero-waste goals and environmental mandates. Rates increased 12.24% in October 2025, with further proposed increases of 10.07% (2026), 6.27% (2027), and 5.74% (2028). The national average MSW tipping fee is $62.28/ton (EREF 2024), making SF over 4x the national average. Direct landfill rates at Altamont are ~$50⁠–⁠$54/ton — the $210/ton markup covers Recology's collection and transfer infrastructure.

Can I haul waste directly to Altamont Landfill instead of using Recology?

Yes, but with caveats. Altamont Landfill accepts MSW from all 9 Bay Area counties and you can set up a direct WM commercial account. However, San Francisco waste technically must go through Recology's franchise system. Verify the franchise rules before routing SF-generated waste directly to Altamont. For waste generated in other Bay Area counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, etc.), direct hauling to Altamont or Vasco Road is straightforward. Altamont is open Monday through Friday 6AM–4PM only — closed weekends and holidays.

Where can I recycle construction debris in the Bay Area?

Zanker Recycling in San Jose is the major South Bay C&D processing facility with competitive per-cubic-yard rates for sorted materials. Their 75%+ diversion rate satisfies California's C&D permit requirements. For East Bay operators, several recycling facilities serve the Alameda and Contra Costa County areas. California requires at least 65% C&D diversion on permitted projects — keep all documentation from certified recycling facilities. Clean concrete, wood, and metals should always be separated from mixed C&D for the lowest rates.

What bridge tolls should I factor into Bay Area dump runs?

Bay Bridge, San Mateo Bridge, and Dumbarton Bridge tolls are $5⁠–⁠$7 per crossing via FasTrak, depending on the bridge and time of day. For operators making daily cross-bay dump runs from SF or the Peninsula to Altamont in Livermore, tolls add $10⁠–⁠$14 per round trip. Over 20 working days per month, that is $200⁠–⁠$280 in bridge tolls alone. Factor this into your routing cost calculations when comparing Recology SF Transfer ($262/ton, no tolls) against Altamont ($50⁠–⁠$54/ton plus tolls, fuel, and 2+ hours of drive time). The landfill savings still dominate on loads over 1⁠–⁠2 tons.

Is mattress recycling free in the Bay Area?

Yes. California's Bye Bye Mattress program, funded by a $10.50 recycling fee on new mattress purchases, provides free collection and recycling at participating facilities across the Bay Area. South SF Scavenger and multiple other transfer stations participate in the program. At $262/ton in SF, a single mattress weighing 100 lbs costs roughly $13 to landfill — diverting it to free recycling eliminates that cost entirely. Never landfill a mattress in California when a free recycling option exists. Check byebyemattress.com for the nearest participating drop-off location.

Resources

Related Resources

Guide

California Junk Removal Market Guide

Statewide market data, licensing requirements, and regulatory landscape for California operators.

Data

Los Angeles Dump Fees & Disposal Guide

Facility-level dump fees, post-Chiquita routing strategies, and operator tips for LA County.

Feature

Route Optimization

Automatically optimize job sequencing and dump run routing to minimize drive time and fuel costs.

Guide

Pricing Strategy Guide

Build high disposal costs into profitable pricing that protects your margins in expensive markets.

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