Escondido Dump (Resource Recovery) 2026: Complete Guide
Hours, Fees, Free Resident Passes & When Professional Junk Removal Costs Less
📍Escondido Dump Quick Info
OFFICIAL NAME
Escondido Resource Recovery
ADDRESS
1044 W. Washington Avenue
Escondido, CA 92025
PHONE
(760) 745-3203
HOURS
7 Days/Week: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
FEES
Under 800 lbs: $95
Over 800 lbs: $135/ton
RESIDENT PERK
2 FREE passes/year
(up to 2 tons each!)
Quick Answer
Escondido Resource Recovery (commonly called the Escondido dump or Escondido transfer station) is a modern, 59,000 sq ft covered facility open 7 days a week from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Fees are $95 flat for loads under 800 lbs or $135 per ton for larger loads. But when you factor in truck rental ($75-$150), gas ($15-$25 from Rancho Bernardo), tarp requirements (strictly enforced!), and your time (3-4 hours), DIY costs $205-$345+. Professional junk removal from Severin Hauling starts at $69 for small items with zero work from you—often the same price or less than doing it yourself.
Planning to haul junk to the Escondido dump? This complete 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about Escondido Resource Recovery—hours, fees, requirements, free resident passes, accepted materials, and most importantly, when professional junk removal in Escondido actually saves you money compared to the DIY dump run.
Escondido Transfer Station Hours (2026)
Unlike many San Diego County facilities, the Escondido dump hours are quite convenient. Here's the current schedule for Escondido Resource Recovery:
Weekly Schedule
| Every Day of the Week | 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Open 7 Days!) |
| Thanksgiving Day | CLOSED |
| Christmas Day | CLOSED |
| New Year's Day | CLOSED |
| All Other Holidays | OPEN |
✓ Major Advantage: The Escondido transfer station is open 7 days per week including weekends. Only closed 3 days per year!
💡 Pro Tip: The Escondido dump gets busiest on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday mornings (7:00-9:00 AM) typically have the shortest wait times. Even though it's open weekends, expect 30-45 minute waits on Saturday mornings.
Skip the wait entirely: Professional junk removal provides scheduled appointment times with no waiting in line. Call (619) 750-0114 for same-day service.
Escondido Dump Fees (2026)
The Escondido dump fees at Escondido Resource Recovery are straightforward but add up quickly. Here's the current pricing structure:
2026 Disposal Fees
| Load Size / Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Loads Under 800 lbs | $95 flat fee |
| Loads Over 800 lbs | $135 per ton (prorated) |
| Single Item Drop-off | $30 |
| Appliances (standard) | $30 each |
| Refrigerators, AC units (Freon items) | $55 each |
| Mattress Recycling | Available (fee applies) |
⚠️ Important: Single items are $30 at the dump, but $95 is the minimum for loads under 800 lbs. Factor in truck rental ($75), gas ($10-$25), and tarp ($20), and professional junk removal starting at $69 for small items often makes more sense.
Payment Methods
Professional junk removal from Severin Hauling also accepts Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App for added convenience.
What Makes Escondido Resource Recovery Different
Escondido Resource Recovery is a modern transfer station, not a traditional open-air landfill. Here's what makes it unique:
✓ 59,000 Sq Ft Covered Facility
All-weather disposal under roof. Rain, shine, or heat - you're covered.
✓ Transfer Station (Not Landfill)
Cleaner, more modern facility. Waste is transferred to final landfills elsewhere.
✓ Public Scales Available
Weighmaster Certificates available if needed for documentation.
✓ Open 7 Days/Week
More convenient than most San Diego County facilities that close Sundays.
But here's the catch: Even with a nice facility, you still need to rent a truck, tarp your load (strictly enforced!), do all the physical labor, drive 20+ minutes (from Rancho Bernardo), wait in line, and spend 3-4 hours of your day. Professional junk removal eliminates ALL of these hassles for about the same total cost.
Requirements Before You Go
🚨 TARP REQUIREMENT (Strictly Enforced)
ALL loads MUST be tarped at Escondido Resource Recovery. This is strictly enforced with NO exceptions. If you arrive without a tarp, you'll be turned away.
Don't have a tarp? You'll need to purchase one ($20) before your dump run. Secure it properly with tie-downs or bungee cords.
Professional junk removal services provide all equipment - no tarping required from you. We handle everything.
Valid Payment Method
Visa, MasterCard, cash, or check accepted
No End-Dump Trucks Allowed
Standard pickups, trailers, and box trucks welcome
Escondido Resident Free Pass (Optional)
Must show ID with matching Escondido address to use free coupons
What You Can Bring to Escondido Dump
Escondido Resource Recovery accepts "almost everything" according to EDCO. Here's what you can bring to the Escondido transfer station:
💡 Mattress Recycling Program: The Escondido dump participates in mattress recycling. There's a fee, but it's an eco-friendly option. Professional mattress disposal from Severin Hauling also includes recycling when possible.
What's NOT Accepted at Escondido Transfer Station
Some items cannot be disposed of at Escondido Resource Recovery. Here's where to take them instead:
| Item | Where to Take It / Alternative |
|---|---|
| Tires | Big-O-Tires: (760) 741-2076 or Discount Tires: (760) 741-9805 |
| Hazardous Waste | Call (760) 745-3203 for disposal information |
| Paint | Hazardous waste facility (call for location) |
| Oil | Auto parts stores (free drop-off) |
| Electronics | E-waste recycling centers |
| Treated Wood | Special disposal required |
✓ Professional Solution: Severin Hauling can handle most restricted items through proper disposal channels. We take electronics, paint (in some cases), and other items the Escondido transfer station won't accept. Call (619) 750-0114.
Free Disposal for Escondido Residents
Escondido residents get a very generous deal - one of the best resident programs in San Diego County. Here are both free programs:
🎟️ Free Annual Coupons (Extremely Generous!)
What You Get:
- ✓TWO free coupons per year (mailed to Escondido residential addresses)
- ✓Each coupon covers up to 2 TONS of solid waste, bulky items, or concrete
- ✓Total: 4 tons per year FREE (much better than Santee's 2 tons!)
How to Use:
- 1.Wait for coupons to arrive in the mail (mailed to Escondido addresses)
- 2.Load your junk (still need to tarp it!)
- 3.Bring coupon + ID with matching Escondido address to the dump
- 4.Dispose of up to 2 tons for FREE
Lost your coupon? Visit the Mission Avenue office with a current utility bill showing your Escondido address to get a reprint. Coupons expire one year from issuance.
🔋 Free Drop-Off Items (Escondido Residents Only)
Location:
1021 W. Mission Ave entrance
(Between Metcalf and Rock Springs Rd, across from U-Haul)
FREE Items Accepted:
- ✓Batteries
- ✓Sharps (needles, syringes - in proper containers)
- ✓Clean, broken-down cardboard
Escondido residents only. Available during normal business hours.
Directions to Escondido Dump
Escondido Resource Recovery is located at 1044 W. Washington Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. Here are detailed directions from major areas:
From Interstate 15 (Main Route)
- 1.Take Valley Parkway exit
- 2.Go east on Valley Parkway
- 3.Turn left on Tulip St.
- 4.Turn right on Hale Ave. (you'll cross railroad tracks)
- 5.Turn into Washington Ave. - facility will be on your right
From Rancho Bernardo
Take I-15 North to Valley Parkway exit, then follow directions above. Drive time: 20-25 minutes each way. Add 1-2 hours for loading, waiting, and unloading = 3-4 hours total.
From San Marcos
Take SR-78 East to I-15 South. Exit Valley Parkway, then follow main directions. Drive time: 15-20 minutes.
From Valley Center
Take Valley Center Rd south to I-15 South. Exit Valley Parkway, follow main directions. Drive time: 20-25 minutes.
From Vista
Take SR-78 East to I-15 South. Exit Valley Parkway. Drive time: 20 minutes.
Is a DIY Dump Run Worth It? (Real Cost for North County Residents)
The $95 minimum fee at Escondido dump seems reasonable - until you factor in ALL the hidden costs. Here's the real math:
Scenario 1: Garage Cleanout (~700 lbs)
| Cost Factor | DIY Dump Run | Professional Junk Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Truck rental (if needed) | $75-$150 | $0 |
| Gas (round trip from RB) | $15-$25 | $0 |
| Escondido dump fee | $95 | $0 |
| Tarp (if you don't have one) | $20 | $0 |
| Your time | 3-4 hours | 0 hours |
| Physical labor / injury risk | All you | None |
| TOTAL | $205-$305 + your Saturday | $249-$349 all-inclusive |
The Verdict: Professional junk removal costs about the same (or less!) when you factor in truck rental, gas, and tarp - and you don't lift a finger or waste your Saturday.
Scenario 2: Single Couch Removal
| Cost Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Truck rental | $75 | $0 |
| Gas | $10 | $0 |
| Dump fee (single item) | $30 | $0 |
| Tarp (if needed) | $20 | $0 |
| Your time | 2 hours | 0 hours |
| TOTAL | $135 + time | $100 |
The Verdict: For a single couch, professional removal costs about the same as DIY but with zero work from you. We start at $69 for small items, $100 for standard furniture like couches, vs. your $135 total DIY cost plus 2 hours of your time.
When DIY to Escondido Dump Makes Sense
Let's be honest - there ARE situations where the Escondido transfer station is your best option:
But for most North County residents, professional junk removal makes more sense:
- →You don't own a truck (most Rancho Bernardo, San Marcos residents don't)
- →You live 15+ minutes away (RB, San Marcos, Valley Center)
- →It's heavy items (furniture, appliances)
- →Your time is valuable (3-4 hours is a lot!)
Professional Junk Removal in Escondido & North County
Severin Hauling provides professional junk removal throughout Escondido, San Marcos, Rancho Bernardo, Valley Center, Vista, Poway, and all of North County San Diego.
Skip the Escondido Dump - We Come to You
Professional junk removal throughout Escondido & North County
- ✓Lower minimum cost: We start at $69 vs. Escondido dump's $95 minimum
- ✓No tarping required: We bring the truck and all equipment
- ✓No driving time: Save 20-25 minutes each way from Rancho Bernardo/San Marcos
- ✓We take items they won't: Electronics, certain hazardous items through proper channels
- ✓All-inclusive pricing: No surprise fees or truck rentals
- ✓Zero labor from you: Professional crew handles all lifting and loading
- ✓Same-day available: Call before 2 PM for same-day service
Starting at $69 for small items • Same-day service available • Serving all of North County
Escondido Dump vs. Professional Junk Removal
| Feature | Escondido Resource Recovery | Severin Hauling |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum cost | $95 | $69 |
| You do lifting | ✓ Yes | ❌ We do it |
| Tarp required | ✓ Strictly enforced | ❌ No |
| Drive from Rancho Bernardo | 20-25 min each way | We come to you |
| Electronics accepted | ❌ Not accepted | ✓ We handle it |
| Your time required | 3-4 hours | 0 hours |
| Open weekends | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Wait in line | 30-45 min weekends | Scheduled appointment |
Service Areas
We provide professional junk removal throughout North County San Diego:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Escondido dump hours?
Escondido Resource Recovery (Escondido dump) is open 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK including weekends. The transfer station is only closed 3 days per year: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Open all other holidays. Professional junk removal services like Severin Hauling also operate 7 days per week. Call (619) 750-0114 for same-day service.
How much does it cost to dump at Escondido?
Escondido Resource Recovery charges $95 flat fee for loads under 800 lbs, and $135 per ton for loads over 800 lbs (prorated if under 1 ton). Single item drop-off is $30. Appliances are $30 each, refrigerators and AC units with Freon are $55 each. All loads MUST be tarped. Professional junk removal from Severin Hauling starts at $69 for small items with no tarping required and all-inclusive pricing.
Is Escondido dump open on Sunday?
Yes! Escondido Resource Recovery is open Sunday 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Escondido transfer station is open all 7 days of the week. Professional junk removal from Severin Hauling also operates 7 days per week throughout Escondido, San Marcos, Rancho Bernardo, and North County. Call (619) 750-0114.
Do I need to tarp my load at Escondido dump?
Yes - ALL loads MUST be tarped at Escondido Resource Recovery. This requirement is strictly enforced with no exceptions. If you don't have a tarp, you'll need to purchase one ($20). Professional junk removal services handle tarping for you, so you don't need to worry about it. Severin Hauling provides all equipment.
Do Escondido residents get free dump passes?
Yes! Escondido residents receive TWO free coupons per year mailed to residential addresses. Each coupon covers up to 2 TONS of waste (total 4 tons per year free - very generous!). You must show ID with matching Escondido address to use coupons. Lost your coupon? Visit the Mission Avenue office with a utility bill to get a reprint. This is one of the best resident programs in San Diego County.
What can't I bring to Escondido dump?
Escondido Resource Recovery does not accept tires, hazardous waste, paint, oil, electronics, or treated wood. For tires, contact Big-O-Tires (760-741-2076) or Discount Tires (760-741-9805). For hazardous waste, call (760) 745-3203 for disposal information. Professional junk removal services like Severin Hauling can handle most restricted items through proper disposal channels. Call (619) 750-0114.
What's the difference between Escondido dump and a landfill?
Escondido Resource Recovery is a modern transfer station, not a traditional open-air landfill. It features 59,000 square feet of covered concrete floor space for all-weather disposal. Transfer stations receive waste and then transfer it to landfills for final disposal. The covered facility is cleaner and more pleasant than traditional dumps. Located at 1044 W. Washington Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025.
Is professional junk removal cheaper than Escondido dump?
Often yes, when you factor in all costs. DIY to Escondido dump: truck rental ($75-$150) + gas ($15-$25 from Rancho Bernardo) + dump fee ($95-$135) + tarp ($20) + your time (3-4 hours) = $205-$345+. Professional junk removal from Severin Hauling: $149-$349 all-inclusive with zero work from you. We start at $69 for small items, lower than the dump's $95 minimum. Call (619) 750-0114 for a free quote.
Where is the Escondido dump located?
Escondido Resource Recovery is located at 1044 W. Washington Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. From I-15, take Valley Parkway exit, go east on Valley Parkway, turn left on Tulip St, turn right on Hale Ave (cross railroad tracks), then turn into Washington Ave - facility is on your right. Approximately 20-25 minutes from Rancho Bernardo. Phone: (760) 745-3203.
What payment methods does Escondido dump accept?
Escondido Resource Recovery accepts Visa, MasterCard, cash, and checks. Payment is made after weighing your load. Professional junk removal from Severin Hauling offers flexible payment including cash, credit card, Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App for your convenience.
Related Resources
San Diego Dump Fees Guide
Complete guide to all San Diego area dumps, fees, and locations
Santee Dump Guide
Complete guide to Sycamore Landfill for East County residents
Junk Removal Escondido
Professional junk removal throughout Escondido and North County
Furniture Disposal
Professional furniture removal and disposal services
Mattress Disposal
Eco-friendly mattress removal and recycling
Junk Removal San Marcos
Professional junk removal service in San Marcos
Skip the Escondido Dump - Get Professional Junk Removal
Same-day junk removal for Escondido, San Marcos, Rancho Bernardo & all of North County
Starting at $69 • Lower than Escondido dump's $95 minimum • Zero work from you