Transfer Stations & Dumps Near You
Find transfer stations, landfills, dumps, and convenience centers across the United States. Browse 343 facilities in 27 states.
A transfer station is where trash trucks and residents drop off waste. The waste is consolidated into large trailers and hauled to a landfill. It is a stop along the route, not where the trash ends up. Transfer stations cut down on truck traffic and hauling costs when the nearest landfill is far away.
A landfill is different. That is where waste is buried for good in lined cells. A convenience center is a smaller drop-off site, common in rural counties, for household trash and recycling. People call all of these "the dump," and the rules differ at each one. Some take the public, some only serve commercial haulers, and most charge a fee by weight or by load.
Pick your state below to see the transfer stations, landfills, and drop-off sites on file, with addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Accepted items and fees vary, so confirm with the facility before you load up.
Popular transfer and drop-off pages
Looking for a specific site? Try Ideal Transfer Station in Pequot Lakes, MN, Rochester Drop Box in Rochester, WA, Cloud Recycling in Roseville, MN, or CG Metals in Reno, NV, then use the state list below for more.
Find a Transfer Station by State
Select a state to see its transfer stations, landfills, and convenience centers.
Transfer Stations & Dumps: Common Questions
What is a transfer station?
A transfer station is a facility where garbage trucks and residents drop off solid waste, which is then consolidated into larger trailers and hauled to a landfill or incinerator. It is a stop along the way, not the final resting place for the waste. Transfer stations exist mainly to cut hauling costs and truck traffic when the nearest landfill is far away.
What is the difference between a transfer station and a landfill?
A landfill is where waste is permanently buried in engineered, lined cells. A transfer station only holds waste briefly before it is reloaded and trucked to a landfill or other disposal site. Nothing is buried at a transfer station. Many people use "dump" to mean either one, but the two do different jobs.
What is a convenience center or "dump"?
A convenience center is a small drop-off site, common in rural counties, where residents bring household trash and recycling. They are for residential waste only, not for contractors, businesses, or large commercial loads. "Dump" is the everyday word people use for any of these sites, though open dumping of raw waste on the ground is no longer legal in the United States.
Who can use a transfer station?
It depends on the facility. Some accept the general public, including residents hauling their own trash; others serve only commercial haulers. Convenience centers are usually limited to residents of that county or district, and some check for a sticker, decal, or proof of residency at the gate. Call ahead or check the listing before you load up.
How much does it cost to drop off waste?
Most transfer stations and landfills charge a tipping fee, often by weight (per ton) or by load. Pickup trucks and small trailers are sometimes charged a flat rate. Tires, mattresses, appliances with refrigerant, and construction debris usually cost extra. Some county convenience centers are free for residents because the cost is covered by local taxes.
What can I bring to a transfer station or dump?
Typically household garbage, bulky items like furniture and mattresses, yard waste, and often recyclables and scrap metal. Many sites also take appliances, electronics, and tires for a fee. Household hazardous waste (paint, motor oil, batteries, chemicals) is usually handled separately on special collection days, so check first.