How much does it cost to go to the dump in Texas?
A pickup load usually costs nothing to about $66, depending on where you live. Many big cities let residents dump for free, while private landfills charge a minimum per load or a price per ton.
Quick answer
- City residents: often free. Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Mesquite and El Paso all have free or no-fee drop-off sites for residents (see our free drop-off guide).
- Small loads at city landfills: about $10 to $21 a load where cities charge residents per visit.
- Private landfills: the Austin-area TDS landfill charges a $66 minimum for a car or pickup load.
- Large loads: roughly $40 to $72 per ton at the sites we've checked.
Prices at Texas dump sites we've confirmed
| Site | Who can use it | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travis County 1431 Citizens Collection Center | Not stated (county site) | $4.33 per cubic yard | Household trash only; cash or check |
| Greater El Paso Landfill | Anyone | From $16 per truckload under 1 ton | |
| City of Grand Prairie Landfill | Grand Prairie residents | 5 free loads a year, then $10 per load | Businesses: $40 per ton + $10 minimum |
| City of Arlington Landfill | Arlington residents | $21 per load (under 8 ft); $41 per ton for bigger loads | Homeowners get 3 free visits a year |
| Irving Hunter Ferrell Landfill | Irving residents and businesses | $52 per ton ($13 per 500 lb) | Small household loads, yard waste and recycling free for residents |
| Texas Disposal Systems Landfill | Anyone | $66 minimum for a car, pickup or SUV (up to 5.5 cubic yards) | $60 per ton for large loads; mattresses $25 each |
| City of Dallas McCommas Bluff Landfill | Dallas residents free; others commercial rate | Free for Dallas residents; $45.78 per ton commercial | Residents: car, pickup or trailer under 15 ft |
| City of Dallas Northwest (Bachman) Transfer Station | Dallas residents free; small businesses | Free for Dallas residents; $71.28 per ton commercial |
Extra charges for certain items
| Item | Price | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress or box spring | $25 each | Texas Disposal Systems, Creedmoor |
| Car or pickup tire | $1 each | Grand Prairie Landfill (up to 4) |
| Car or pickup tire | $6 each ($11 with rim) | Arlington Landfill (up to 4) |
| Car or pickup tire | $2 to $8 each | Texas Disposal Systems, Creedmoor |
| Fridge or AC unit (freon removal) | $50 each | Texas Disposal Systems, Creedmoor |
| Uncovered load | $13 extra | Arlington Landfill |
How to pay less
- Use your city's free program first. Bring your ID and a utility bill with the same address.
- Watch for free days. San Antonio holds a Free Landfill Day four times a year, and Irving and other cities run free disposal weekends.
- Separate your load. Brush, scrap metal and appliances without freon are often cheaper or free when they aren't mixed with trash.
- Cover your load. Some landfills add a charge if your load isn't tarped.
- Bring the right payment. Some sites take cards only and others take cash or check only.