Grime To DimeAlpha Ridge Landfill: The Complete Guide
Official FY2026 fees, what's FREE for Howard County residents, hours, and insider tips.
Alpha Ridge Landfill
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Household Trash
Up to 2 tons/year
Mattresses
All sizes accepted
Electronics
TVs, computers, e-waste
Furniture
Couches, tables, chairs
Tires
Max 4 per day
Yard Waste
Brush, leaves, grass
Requirement: Maryland driver's license with Howard County address. Vehicles must be ¼ ton or less (standard cars, SUVs OK).
What Can I Bring? Quick Checker
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Official FY2026 Fees (Effective July 1, 2025)
Verified Current: These rates are confirmed for 2026 and valid through June 30, 2026.
Residential Fees
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Household Waste | FREE | Up to 2 tons per fiscal year (July-June) |
| Yard Waste / Clean Wood | FREE | Up to 2 tons per fiscal year |
| Mattresses & Box Springs | FREE | At Residents' Convenience Center |
| Electronics / E-Waste | FREE | TVs, computers, monitors, etc. |
| Auto Tires | FREE | Maximum 4 per day |
| Appliances with Freon | $15 each | Refrigerators, freezers, AC units, dehumidifiers |
| Over 2-Ton Annual Limit | $106/ton | Charged at commercial rate |
Commercial / Large Load Fees
| Waste Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Solid Waste | $106/ton |
| Construction & Demolition Debris | $106/ton |
| Clean Dirt | $132/ton |
| Yard Waste (over 2-ton limit) | $40/ton |
| Auto Tires | $212/ton |
| Truck/Oversized Tires | $292/ton |
| Mattresses (clean loads, recycled) | $50/ton |
| Mattresses (mixed with trash) | $106/ton |
| Boats, Trailers, Campers | $200/ton |
Commercial permit: $40/year. All dump trucks, box trucks, trailers, or rental vehicles are considered commercial.
Facility Areas & Hours
Residents' Convenience Center
- Household trash & bulky items
- Mattresses & furniture
- Electronics recycling
- Scrap metal recycling
- Tire drop-off (4/day)
Wood Waste Area
- Brush & tree branches
- Leaves & grass clippings
- Unpainted/untreated lumber
- HoCoGro mulch pickup
Transfer Station
- Commercial waste
- Construction debris
- Large/heavy loads
- Weighed at scales
Best Time to Visit
Saturday mornings are notoriously packed. If you have flexibility, mid-week visits are much faster.
Pro Tip
Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are the sweet spot. You'll often drive straight through with no wait. Avoid Saturday mornings unless you enjoy sitting in your car with a mattress strapped to the roof.
Curbside Recycling Quick Reference
For items that don't require a landfill trip, use your curbside blue bin. Not everything with a recycling symbol belongs here!
Put These IN
- Cardboard (flattened)
- Paper & Mail
- Glass Jars & Bottles
- Plastic Bottles (#1-#7)
- Aluminum & Steel Cans
Keep These OUT
- Plastic Bags & Film
- Styrofoam & Takeout Cups
- Shredded Paper
- Greasy Pizza Boxes
- Cables & Electronics
The "Squeeze Test"
If a plastic crinkles when squeezed (like a water bottle), it's usually recyclable. If it stretches or feels like a film (like a grocery bag or bubble wrap), do not put it in the bin. Take film plastics to Giant or Safeway stores instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Alpha Ridge Landfill?
The Residents' Convenience Center is open Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Transfer Station closes at 3:00 PM. Closed Sundays and major holidays.
How much does it cost to dump at Alpha Ridge?
FREE for Howard County residents up to 2 tons per fiscal year. This includes household trash, mattresses, electronics, and up to 4 tires per day. Appliances with Freon cost $15 each. Commercial rate is $106/ton.
Can I bring a mattress to Alpha Ridge for free?
Yes, residential mattresses are accepted for free at the Residents' Convenience Center as part of your 2-ton annual limit.
How many tires can I bring to Alpha Ridge?
Residents can bring up to 4 auto tires per day for free. More than 4 tires will be charged at commercial rates.
What is the best time to visit Alpha Ridge Landfill?
Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons have the shortest wait times. Saturday mornings are the busiest with 30+ minute waits common.
The "Insider" Gate Hack
Want to save 40 minutes? Most residents wait in the main line on Saturday mornings. If you only have yard waste (branches, leaves, grass), you can often use the Wood Waste Area entrance instead of the main Convenience Center. Check the signage before you queue up!
Don't Want to Make the Trip?
We haul to Alpha Ridge so you don't have to. Same-day pickup, upfront pricing, and we handle everything.
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