Disposal Guide

Alpha Ridge
Landfill Guide

Official FY2026 fees, what's FREE for Howard County residents, live status, and insider tips to skip the Saturday lines.

Checking... Updated 2026 Marriottsville, MD
Quick Reference
  • Hours: Mon–Sat, 8 AM–4 PM (Transfer Station 8–3)
  • Phone: (410) 313-6444
  • Free limit: 2 tons/year for residents
  • Freon appliances: $15 each
  • Closed: Sundays & major holidays
  • Best day: Tue or Wed afternoon
The "Save My Saturday" Calculator
The DIY Route
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The Sawyer Method
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What's FREE for Residents

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?

Type an item to see if it's accepted at Alpha Ridge...

Official FY2026 Fees

Verified current — rates confirmed through June 30, 2026 (Howard County Resolution No. 95-2025)

Residential Fees

ItemCostNotes
Household WasteFREEUp to 2 tons per fiscal year
Yard Waste / Clean WoodFREEUp to 2 tons per fiscal year
Mattresses & Box SpringsFREEAt Residents' Convenience Center
Electronics / E-WasteFREETVs, computers, monitors, etc.
Auto TiresFREEMaximum 4 per day
Appliances with Freon$15 eachRefrigerators, freezers, AC units, dehumidifiers
Over 2-Ton Annual Limit$106/tonCharged at commercial rate

Commercial / Large Load Fees

Waste TypeRate
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)$50/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

Mon–Sat · 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Household trash & bulky items
  • Mattresses & furniture
  • Electronics recycling
  • Scrap metal recycling
  • Tire drop-off (4/day)

Wood Waste Area

Mon–Sat · 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Brush & tree branches
  • Leaves & grass clippings
  • Unpainted/untreated lumber
  • HoCoGro mulch pickup

Transfer Station

Mon–Sat · 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Commercial waste
  • Construction debris
  • Large/heavy loads
  • Weighed at scales

Best Time to Visit

Saturday mornings are notoriously packed. Mid-week visits are dramatically faster.

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
8–10 AM
Busy
Quick
Quick
Quick
Busy
30+ min
10–12 PM
Busy
Quick
Quick
Quick
Busy
30+ min
12–2 PM
Quick
Quick
Quick
Quick
Busy
Busy
2–4 PM
Quick
Quick
Quick
Quick
Quick
Busy
Quick (under 10 min)
Busy (10–20 min)
Long wait (30+ min)
Sweet Spot

Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons — 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.

The Insider Gate Hack

Only have yard waste? Skip the main Convenience Center line entirely — use the Wood Waste Area entrance instead. It's almost always faster. Check the signage before you queue up.

Curbside Recycling Reference

For items that don't require a landfill trip, use your 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 (grocery bag, bubble wrap), don't put it in the bin. Take film plastics to Giant or Safeway 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?

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?

Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons have the shortest wait times. Saturday mornings are the busiest with 30+ minute waits common. If you only have yard waste, use the Wood Waste Area entrance to skip the main line.

Related Guides

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Source: Official FY2026 Alpha Ridge Landfill Fee Schedule, Howard County Resolution No. 95-2025. Rates effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. View on HowardCountyMD.gov