Salt Lake Valley Landfill: A Self-Haul Guide

The Self-Haul Basics

What Self-Haul Costs

A single pickup-truck load runs about $20 to $35 at the Salt Lake Valley Landfill, which is why self-haul is the cheapest route for a small, light job you can handle on your own. The exact charge depends on the size and weight of the load, and heavier materials cost more. Landfill fees and hours change from year to year, so confirm the current numbers on the landfill's official site before you drive out.

If you live in Salt Lake City, there is an even cheaper option worth knowing about. City residents get two free bulk-waste pickups a year through the Call2Haul program, which can clear a curbside pile without a trip to the scale at all.

What The Landfill Accepts

The landfill takes most everyday household junk and construction debris, including old furniture, general trash, yard waste, wood, drywall, and remodeling debris. What it will not take is the hazardous stuff, meaning paint, chemicals, solvents, fuel, and batteries, which go to the Salt Lake County household hazardous waste program instead. A few items like tires, appliances with refrigerant or freon, and electronics also have their own rules and often cannot go in with general trash. Because accepted items and special handling change over time, check the official site for the current list before you load.

How To Prep A Load

A little prep saves you time at the gate and keeps you from getting turned away. Before you head out:

• Set aside anything hazardous, like paint, chemicals, solvents, fuel, and batteries, for the county household hazardous waste program
• Pull out items with their own rules, such as tires, refrigerant appliances, mattresses, and electronics, since those often cannot go in with general trash
• Break down big pieces so the load packs tight and you make fewer trips
• Secure the load with a tarp or straps so nothing blows out on the drive
• Bring gloves and a second set of hands for the heavy lifting
• Check the landfill's hours before you leave so you are not stuck at a closed gate

When Self-Haul Makes Sense, And When It Doesn't

Self-haul is the right call when you have a truck, the load is small and light, and you have the time and muscle to load it, drive it, and unload it yourself. For a few bags and a couple of small items, paying $20 to $35 at the scale beats hiring anyone.

It stops making sense when the math tips the other way. If the pile is big enough to need several trips, if the items are heavy or awkward to lift, if you do not have a truck, or if you just want it gone today without the driving, a hauler is usually worth it. We price by how much space the load takes and handle all the lifting and dump runs, so one flat fee covers what would otherwise be multiple loads and a lost afternoon. Our junk removal cost guide lays out those rates, and you can see everything we haul on our services page.