Proof of residency is required for all loads. Rates apply to loads from unincorporated Santa Cruz County and Scotts Valley; loads from the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz and Watsonville, and from outside the county, pay a 28% surcharge. Loads must be tarped or secured, and vehicles, boats and other VIN-bearing items are not accepted.
What it takes
“Accepted” means no extra item charge beyond the normal load fee. Check limits before loading.
Mattress
AcceptedNormal load fee applies
Couch / furniture
AcceptedNormal load fee applies
Tire
Extra feeWaste tire hauler certification and manifest required for nine or more tires.
Item price: call to confirm
Appliance
Extra feeItem price: call to confirm
Fridge or freezer
Extra feeItem price: call to confirm
Electronics
LimitedTVs and computer monitors: 5 free per day. Other e-waste is prohibited in refuse.
Item price: call to confirm
Paint
LimitedLatex architectural paint through PaintCare at no material charge; a sorting fee may apply.
Item price: call to confirm
Household hazardous waste
LimitedFree for eligible residents on Thursdays, max 15 gal liquid or 125 lbs solid per trip.
Item price: call to confirm
Yard waste
Call to confirmBrush and branches
Call to confirmConstruction debris
LimitedLarge loads of construction and demolition debris, concrete, brick and asphalt should go to Buena Vista Landfill.
Item price: call to confirm
Concrete
Not acceptedScrap metal
Call to confirmHousehold trash
AcceptedNormal load fee applies
Recycling
Call to confirmFees & payment
| Charge | Price |
|---|---|
| Minimum charge | $31.50 |
| Per ton | $105.50 |
| Pickup load | Call to confirm |
| Car load | Call to confirm |
| tire, 27 in. or less | $9.50 each |
| tire, 28 to 35 in. | $15.25 each |
| appliance without freon | $17.50 each |
| appliance with freon | $30.75 each |
| mattress or box spring (household) | Free, limit 15 per trip |
| mattress or box spring (retailer or business) | $7.25 each, limit 15 per trip |
| TV or computer monitor | 5 free per day |
| propane tank, 1-5 gal. | $18.50 each |
| clean wood waste and yard waste | $70.00 per ton, $22.50 minimum |
| uncovered or unsecured load | $30.75 per load |
Garbage is $105.50 per ton with a $31.50 minimum. Credit card fees apply, and a 3% card fee began October 1, 2026. A $2 senior discount (65+) applies to self-hauled residential refuse and yard waste. All refuse loads include a state fee of $1.40 per ton.
Payment: cash, check, card · Fee schedule: 2026
Access rules
Proof of residency is required for all loads. Rates apply to loads from unincorporated Santa Cruz County and Scotts Valley; loads from the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz and Watsonville, and from outside the county, pay a 28% surcharge. Loads must be tarped or secured, and vehicles, boats and other VIN-bearing items are not accepted.
ID required: Yes
Appointment required: Call to confirm
Posted hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon,Tue,Thu,Fri,Sat | 7:30 am–3:30 pm |
| Wed | 7:30 am–2:30 pm |
Open 7:30 AM-11:30 AM on Christmas Eve. Closed Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day (subject to change). Unload within 15 minutes after closing. Residential household hazardous waste is accepted Thursdays 7:30 AM-3:30 PM.
Local time: America/Los_AngelesWhat’s not accepted
- Hazardous waste
- Asbestos
- Hot ashes
- Dirt, potting soil, sand, rocks and base rock
- Items over 8 feet long or 8 inches in diameter
- Special-handle refuse
- Mobile homes, trailers, cars, boats and other VIN-bearing vehicles
Free options
Household mattresses and box springs are free (limit 15 per trip). Up to 5 TVs or computer monitors per day are free. Residential household hazardous waste drop-off is free for eligible residents.
More in Santa Cruz County
Buena Vista Landfill ↗
$31.50 minimumOpen to the public · Watsonville
Today: check posted hours Check posted hours below
Sources
Last verified: Nov 6, 2026. Check the official page or call before you go.
- Santa Cruz County Recycling and Solid Waste Disposal Facilities Rate Schedule effective July 1, 2026 (official page text copied 2026-11-06) ↗ Checked Nov 6, 2026