⚖️ City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility vs Ben Lomond Transfer Station
Published per-ton trash rates and minimums side by side in Santa Cruz County.
⚡ Quick Answer
At 500 lb, City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility is $22.72 and Ben Lomond Transfer Station is $31.50. City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility posts the lower per-ton rate ($90.87 vs $105.50) and costs the same or less at every weight we checked, up to 8,000 lb. Based on posted rates (City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility: a rate sheet dated April 1, 2026; Ben Lomond Transfer Station: a rate sheet dated July 1, 2026). Not yet verified by phone. Surcharges at the scale are not included.
🧮 Estimate your own loadChecked October 23, 2026
| City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility | Ben Lomond Transfer Station | |
|---|---|---|
| Per-ton rate | $90.87 (Loose refuse by weight) | $105.50 (Garbage by weight) |
| Minimum charge | $19.68 | $31.50 |
| Rates dated | April 1, 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
| Type | Landfill | Transfer Station |
| Hours | Monday to Saturday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM; Wednesday 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM |
| Phone | (831) 420-6108 | (831) 454-3951 |
What a load costs
| Load weight | City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility | Ben Lomond Transfer Station | Lower |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 lb | $19.68 | $31.50 | City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility |
| 500 lb | $22.72 | $31.50 | City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility |
| 1,000 lb | $45.44 | $52.75 | City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility |
| 2,000 lb | $90.87 | $105.50 | City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility |
| 4,000 lb | $181.74 | $211.00 | City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility |
Posted per-ton rate times weight, with each minimum applied. 2,000 lb = 1 ton. Surcharges not included.
Other item fees
| Item | City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility | Ben Lomond Transfer Station |
|---|---|---|
| Household Trash | $90.87 / ton, $19.68 minimum | $105.50 / ton, $31.50 minimum |
| Furniture | $23.15 per bulky household item | By weight at the garbage rate, $105.50 / ton, $31.50 minimum (inference: no separate furniture fee is printed) |
| Mattresses | $19.68 each (fee sheet) | Free for households, up to 15 per trip; $7.25 each from retailers or businesses |
| Appliances | $11.58 to $50.00 per unit | $17.50 each, $30.75 with Freon |
| Electronics | Free per the recycling center page (computers, monitors, TVs, small electronics) | 5 free per day (TVs and monitors) |
| Tires | $10.00 to $175.00 each | $9.50 to $179.25 each by diameter |
| Yard Waste | $68.00 / ton, $17.36 minimum | $70.00 / ton, $22.50 minimum |
| Construction Debris | Sheetrock $68 / ton; non-separated wood $76.04 / ton | Not listed as accepted |
| Concrete and Dirt | $68.00 / ton, $22.00 minimum | Not listed as accepted |
❓ Common Questions
Which is cheaper, City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility or Ben Lomond Transfer Station?
City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility posts the lower per-ton rate ($90.87 vs $105.50) and costs the same or less at every weight we checked, up to 8,000 lb. This uses posted per-ton rates and minimums only.
What is the minimum charge at each?
City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility: $19.68. Ben Lomond Transfer Station: $31.50. When your weight times the rate comes to less than the minimum, you pay the minimum.
Are these prices confirmed?
They are copied from each facility's published rate sheet (City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility: a rate sheet dated April 1, 2026; Ben Lomond Transfer Station: a rate sheet dated July 1, 2026). We have not verified them by phone, and fuel or environmental surcharges can apply at the scale.