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Dump Fee Guide

Virginia Beach Dump Fees & Disposal Guide for Junk Removal Operators

SPSA facilities from $62–$78/ton. Regional authority serves Hampton Roads with transparent rate structure.

Last updated: Mar 2026

At a Glance

Fee range

$62–$78/ton

Per ton

Facilities listed
6
MSW rate
$62–$65/ton
C&D rate
~$78/ton
Updated
Mar 2026
  • MSW
  • C&D
  • Yard Waste
  • Tires
  • Appliances

Biggest cost trap: Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) operates the regional disposal system. MSW at $62–$65/ton is near the national average. C&D rates around $78/ton are higher. Separate C&D from MSW to save on C&D-light loads.

Disposal costs

Typical Costs in Virginia Beach

Baseline pricing before you dig into individual facilities.

MSW

$62–$65/ton

Minimum
$35 minimum load
Basis
Per ton
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SPSA facilities serve Hampton Roads with MSW rates around $62⁠–⁠$65/ton, closely tracking the national average of $62.28/ton. Loads under 1,100 lbs typically hit the $35 minimum. Most junk removal trucks carry 3-6 tons per load, putting typical disposal costs at $186⁠–⁠$390 per dump run. Peak season rates may increase $3⁠–⁠$5/ton during summer months when tourism drives up waste volumes.

  • SPSA rates near national average — moderate disposal market with predictable pricing
  • Compare SPSA rates with private alternatives like Waste Management or Republic for volume discounts on 10+ ton monthly commitments
  • Track weight-to-volume ratios — dense loads (appliances, furniture) often exceed 1,100 lbs and avoid minimum fees
  • Schedule regular dumps during off-peak hours to avoid potential surcharges during busy periods

C&D

~$78/ton

Minimum
$40 minimum load
Basis
Per ton
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C&D at SPSA facilities runs approximately $78/ton — a $16/ton premium over MSW rates. Clean loads of drywall, lumber, and concrete may qualify for recycling rates as low as $45⁠–⁠$55/ton at specialized C&D facilities. Mixed loads with household debris get charged the full $78/ton rate. Contaminated C&D (asbestos, lead paint) requires special handling and can cost $150⁠–⁠$300/ton at hazardous waste facilities.

  • $16/ton spread between MSW ($62) and C&D ($78) — separate loads to save $48⁠–⁠$96 per 3-ton truck
  • Route clean drywall and lumber to C&D recyclers for $23⁠–⁠$33/ton savings
  • Remove metal components before disposal — scrap steel pays $0.08⁠–⁠$0.12/lb vs. paying $78/ton disposal
  • Educate customers on C&D surcharges to justify higher pricing on construction cleanouts

Yard Waste

$25–$60/ton

Minimum
$25 minimum load
Basis
Per ton
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Yard waste rates vary significantly by facility and season. City of Virginia Beach composting facilities charge $25⁠–⁠$35/ton for clean yard waste during peak season (Apr-Oct), rising to $50⁠–⁠$60/ton during slower winter months. Mixed loads with household debris get routed to MSW at $62⁠–⁠$65/ton. Large tree removal jobs may qualify for wood grinding services at $40⁠–⁠$45/ton.

  • Separate yard waste for $27⁠–⁠$40/ton savings vs. MSW disposal
  • Partner with tree services for wood grinding to avoid disposal costs entirely
  • Schedule yard waste dumps during peak season for lowest rates ($25⁠–⁠$35/ton vs. $50⁠–⁠$60/ton)
  • Bundle multiple yard waste jobs into single dump runs to maximize efficiency

Surcharges

Varies

Minimum
Per item
Basis
Varies
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Standard surcharges at SPSA facilities include tires ($5⁠–⁠$15 per tire based on size), appliances with refrigerant ($25⁠–⁠$45 per unit for proper handling), mattresses ($8⁠–⁠$12 each for recycling programs), and electronics ($0.50⁠–⁠$2.00 per pound for certified e-waste processing). Hazardous materials like paint, batteries, and chemicals require specialized disposal at $50⁠–⁠$200 per item depending on quantity and type.

  • Budget $50⁠–⁠$150 in surcharges per typical residential cleanout
  • Separate appliances for scrap value to offset refrigerant disposal fees
  • Partner with electronics recyclers to avoid per-pound e-waste charges
  • Educate customers on hazmat surcharges to prevent surprise costs on jobs

Local guide

Facilities in Virginia Beach

Recommended facilities first, then additional options.

Top recommended (5)

SPSA Chesapeake Landfill

Primary MSW disposal — $62⁠–⁠$65/ton with excellent access from Virginia Beach

  • MSW $62–$65/ton
  • C&D $78/ton
  • Bulky items
  • Appliances with surcharge
Rate
MSW $62⁠–⁠$65/ton, C&D $78/ton
Minimum
$35 minimum load
Hours
Mon-Fri 6am-6pm, Sat 6am-4pm, Sun 8am-4pm
Area
3900 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake (15 min from VA Beach)
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Primary SPSA landfill serving Hampton Roads. Excellent truck access with minimal wait times. Certified scales and professional staff. Commercial accounts get monthly billing. Best facility for consistent high-volume disposal from Virginia Beach operations.

Atlantic Scrap & Metal

Metal revenue — ferrous $0.08-$0.12/lb, copper $2.80-$3.20/lb

  • Ferrous metals
  • Non-ferrous metals
  • Appliances (free drop-off)
  • Auto parts
Rate
Market rates, updated daily
Minimum
No minimum
Hours
Mon-Fri 7am-4:30pm, Sat 7am-12pm, Closed Sun
Area
1249 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach
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Local family-owned yard with competitive prices and fast service. Free appliance drop-off saves $25-$45 in SPSA refrigerant fees. Separate copper, aluminum, and steel for maximum revenue. Typical appliance yields $15-$35 in scrap value vs. paying disposal fees.

Hampton Roads Sanitation District C&D Facility

Clean C&D recycling — $45-$55/ton for separated materials

  • Clean drywall
  • Lumber and wood waste
  • Concrete and masonry
  • Asphalt shingles
Rate
$45-$55/ton for clean loads
Minimum
$30 minimum load
Hours
Mon-Fri 6am-5pm, Sat 7am-3pm, Closed Sun
Area
2010 Old Greenbrier Rd, Chesapeake (18 min from VA Beach)
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Specialized C&D recycling saves $23-$33/ton vs. SPSA landfill rates. Strict contamination standards — no household debris, plastic, or hazardous materials. Ideal for construction cleanouts and remodeling jobs. Requires load inspection on arrival.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Free diversion for reusable building materials and appliances

  • Working appliances
  • Furniture in good condition
  • Building materials
  • Doors, windows, fixtures
Rate
Free drop-off, tax receipt provided
Minimum
No minimum
Hours
Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Area
649 Phoenix Dr, Virginia Beach
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Free disposal saves $62-$78/ton in landfill fees. Items must be in good working condition. Schedule large donations in advance. Excellent for estate cleanouts and remodeling jobs. Provides tax receipts for customer benefit. Staff helps unload.

Virginia Beach Municipal Composting Facility

Yard waste disposal at reduced rates — $25-$35/ton

  • Grass clippings
  • Leaves and branches
  • Garden waste
  • Small tree trimmings
Rate
$25-$35/ton peak season, $50-$60/ton off-season
Minimum
$25 minimum load
Hours
Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat 7am-12pm, Closed Sun
Area
2044 Landstown Rd, Virginia Beach
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City-operated facility offers significant savings vs. MSW disposal. Peak season rates (Apr-Oct) provide best value. No mixed loads — yard waste only. Free mulch available for pickup. Weighs trucks on certified scales.

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SPSA Norfolk Transfer Station

Convenient access from Ocean View and Norfolk areas of Virginia Beach

  • MSW only
  • No C&D accepted
  • General household waste
Rate
Same SPSA MSW rates plus $5/ton transfer fee
Minimum
$35 minimum load
Hours
Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 7am-1pm, Closed Sun
Area
7940 N Military Hwy, Norfolk (12 min from VA Beach)
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Transfer station routes waste to Chesapeake landfill. Additional $5/ton transfer fee makes this less economical than direct landfill disposal. Limited hours and no C&D acceptance. Use only for convenience when working Norfolk side of Virginia Beach.

Operations

Rules & Restrictions

Know before you go — avoid rejected loads and fines.

Common Restrictions

  • Virginia does not require state-level solid waste transporter licenses, but Virginia Beach requires business license and proof of commercial insurance minimum $500k liability.
  • SPSA facilities prohibit loose asbestos, medical waste, radioactive materials, and large quantities of paint or chemicals. Items require manifest and specialized disposal.
  • All commercial haulers must register with SPSA for account setup and monthly billing. Cash payments limited to $200 per transaction for unregistered operators.
  • Virginia Beach Municipal Code requires proper vehicle identification and prohibits scavenging at city facilities. Violations subject to $500-$1,000 fines.

Documentation Required

  • SPSA commercial account requires Virginia business license, federal EIN, certificate of insurance, and completed credit application with trade references.
  • Hazardous waste manifests required for paint (>25 gallons), pesticides, solvents, and batteries. Pre-approval needed 48 hours in advance.
  • Load tickets must be retained for 3 years per Virginia Department of Environmental Quality regulations. Digital records acceptable through approved software systems.

Local Quirks

  • SPSA serves the entire Hampton Roads region with consistent rate structure across 11 member cities. Rates updated annually in October based on regional operating costs.
  • Virginia Beach is a military-heavy market — PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves generate seasonal junk removal demand peaks in May-August and December-January.
  • Tourist season (Memorial Day-Labor Day) increases waste volumes by 40-60%, but SPSA rates remain stable. Private facilities may implement peak season surcharges.

Cost-saving guides

Cost-Saving Tips

Margin protection playbook — sorting, timing, and routing.

Sorting Strategy

  • Separate C&D ($78/ton) from MSW ($62/ton) to save $16/ton — worth $48-$96 per typical 3-6 ton truck load.

  • Route metals to Atlantic Scrap & Metal for revenue vs. paying disposal fees — typical appliance yields $15-$35 vs. $25-$45 in disposal costs.

  • Divert reusable items to Habitat ReStore for free disposal — saves $62-$78/ton on furniture and working appliances.

  • Separate clean yard waste for composting at $25-$35/ton vs. $62-$65/ton MSW rates — saves $27-$40/ton during peak season.

  • Pre-sort hazardous materials to avoid surprise surcharges — paint disposal can cost $50-$200 per job if not planned.

Timing Strategy

  • Schedule dumps during off-peak hours (early morning, mid-week) to avoid potential wait times and seasonal surcharges at busy facilities.

  • Target peak yard waste season (Apr-Oct) for lowest composting rates — saves $15-$25/ton vs. winter disposal.

  • Plan around military PCS seasons to anticipate higher demand and potential delays at facilities during May-August and December-January.

  • Coordinate multiple small loads into single dump runs to maximize efficiency and avoid multiple minimum fee charges.

Routing Strategy

  • Use SPSA Chesapeake Landfill as primary facility — best truck access and minimal wait times from Virginia Beach locations.

  • Route Norfolk-area jobs through Norfolk Transfer Station only when convenience outweighs $5/ton transfer fee surcharge.

  • Plan mixed facility routes: metals to Atlantic Scrap, donations to ReStore, remaining waste to SPSA for maximum cost efficiency.

  • Batch yard waste jobs for direct routing to Virginia Beach composting facility during peak season for best rates.

FAQ

What are the cheapest dump fees in Virginia Beach?

SPSA facilities offer the most consistent rates with MSW at $62-$65/ton and C&D at $78/ton. Virginia Beach composting facility provides the lowest rates at $25-$35/ton for clean yard waste during peak season (Apr-Oct). Metal recycling at Atlantic Scrap actually pays you $0.08-$0.12/lb for ferrous metals.

Do I need a license to dump junk in Virginia Beach?

Virginia doesn't require state-level solid waste transporter licenses, but you need a Virginia Beach business license and commercial insurance with minimum $500k liability. SPSA facilities require commercial account registration for regular disposal and monthly billing.

What are dump hours in Virginia Beach?

SPSA Chesapeake Landfill operates Mon-Fri 6am-6pm, Sat 6am-4pm, Sun 8am-4pm. Norfolk Transfer Station has shorter hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 7am-1pm, closed Sundays. Most scrap yards operate Mon-Fri 7am-4:30pm, Sat 7am-12pm.

Where can I dump construction debris (C&D) in Virginia Beach?

SPSA facilities accept C&D at $78/ton, but Hampton Roads Sanitation C&D facility offers lower rates of $45-$55/ton for clean, separated materials like drywall and lumber. Mixed loads with household debris must go to SPSA at the higher rate.

How much does it cost to dump a truck load of junk in Virginia Beach?

A typical 3-6 ton junk removal truck costs $186-$390 to dump at SPSA facilities ($62-$65/ton for MSW). Add $50-$150 for surcharges on appliances, tires, and electronics. Separate materials can reduce costs significantly — yard waste at $75-$210 per load, metals pay you instead of costing money.

Are there free places to dump junk in Virginia Beach?

Habitat ReStore accepts working appliances, furniture, and building materials for free donation. Atlantic Scrap pays you for metals instead of charging disposal fees. Virginia Beach residents can use city convenience centers, but commercial operators must use fee-based facilities.

What can't I dump at Virginia Beach landfills?

SPSA facilities prohibit hazardous waste (paint >25 gallons, pesticides, chemicals), medical waste, asbestos, radioactive materials, and tires without paying surcharges. These items require specialized disposal facilities and can cost $50-$300 per item depending on type and quantity.

How do Virginia Beach dump fees compare to other cities?

Virginia Beach SPSA rates of $62-$65/ton for MSW are very close to the national average of $62.28/ton, making it a moderate-cost disposal market. C&D at $78/ton is slightly above average. The regional SPSA system provides price stability across Hampton Roads compared to markets with multiple competing private haulers.

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