04/30/2021
Is there spring cleaning still planned in your future?
Will you have yard waste to dump this weekend??
There are a few things YOU need to know!
1) It is punishable by a fine of up to $1000 and 90 days in jail if you are caught dumping your trash/yard waste illegally!
2) There are 13 convenient places to dispose of your trash (yard waste, etc.). Each has hours of operation, limits, and fees. (Unfortunately, nothing is free. More below)
3) You aren’t the only person in the county who is spring cleaning. Please pack some patience if you are heading to the transfer station or landfill.
Go to sjcounty.net/SolidWaste to see the hours or operation and fees at the transfer station closest to you BUT make sure your load of trash isn’t too big for the transfer station!
San Juan County Transfer stations can only accept up to 3 cubic feet of waste and that is approximately a full-size pickup truck load, filled to the top of the bed wall. No trailers, or over-filled truck beds. Certain materials are NOT accepted at transfer stations. Unacceptable materials are listed at transfer stations and include:
Liquid waste (any kind), Pesticides, Used motor oil, Antifreeze, Grease, Paint (lead based), Auto/equipment batteries, Smoldering ashes, Dead animals or animal parts, Toxic waste, Medical waste, Appliances containing Freon or Freon-type substances, Large trees or tree branches in excess of five (5) feet in length, Commercial/business waste, Construction or demolition debris, Truck or equipment tires.
Larger loads or commercial loads will have to go to the landfill which is operated by Waste Management. Check with them for fees and rules, but they are closed on Sunday. (San Juan County contracts Waste Management to run the landfill, Convenience Stations are operated by San Juan County)
FAQ:
Q: Why is there a limit to how much trash and what I can bring to a transfer station?
A: The New Mexico Environment Department issues the county a permit to run a transfer station, and permit conditions limit how much trash the County can receive each day and what an individual can dump. Commercial trash is prohibited. The transfer stations are a convenience for residential waste disposal and cannot receive the same volume and materials as the landfill.
Q: Why do I have to pay to dump my trash?
A: Well, nothing is free. The minimal fee you pay for dumping isn’t even enough to cover the cost of staff, trucks and the fee we pay to dump your trash at the landfill (Yes, San Juan County pays to dump your trash at the landfill)
Q: What about illegal dump sites? Who is going to clean that up?
A: San Juan County has a crew working one day a week to clean up dump sites that are reported using the Clean Up San Juan App. Crews work with law enforcement to identify and prosecute illegal dumpers and are working through the list of reported dump sites.
Thanks for your cooperation and thanks for helping keep San Juan County beautiful!
