Santee Dump (Sycamore Landfill) 2026: Complete Guide
Hours, Fees, Requirements & When Professional Junk Removal Costs Less
📍Santee Dump Quick Info
ADDRESS
8514 Mast Boulevard
Santee, CA 92071
PHONE
(619) 562-0530
HOURS
Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sat: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Sun: CLOSED
FEES
General Trash: $125/ton
Green Waste: $76/ton
Quick Answer
The Santee dump (officially Sycamore Landfill) charges $125 per ton for general trash. But when you add truck rental ($75-$150), gas ($10-$20), required hard hat ($6), tarping supplies, and your time (3-5 hours), DIY dump runs often cost $150-$300+. Professional junk removal from Severin Hauling starts at $69 (small items) or $100 (standard items) with zero work from you—and we're open Sundays when the dump is closed.
Planning to haul junk to the Santee landfill? This complete 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about Sycamore Landfill—hours, fees, requirements, accepted materials, and most importantly, when professional junk removal in Santee actually saves you money compared to the DIY dump run.
Sycamore Landfill Hours (2026)
The Santee dump hours are limited compared to professional junk removal services. Here's the current schedule:
Weekly Schedule
| Monday - Friday | 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Shorter hours!) |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
| Major Holidays | CLOSED |
Pass Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM (for Santee residents obtaining free passes)
💡 Pro Tip: The Santee dump gets busiest on Saturday mornings and weekday afternoons. Weekday mornings (7:00-9:00 AM) typically have the shortest wait times.
Need Sunday service? Professional junk removal operates 7 days per week including Sundays. Call (619) 750-0114 for same-day service.
Santee Dump Fees (2026)
The Santee landfill fees are charged by weight. Here's the current pricing structure for Sycamore Landfill:
2026 Disposal Fees
| Material Type | Fee Per Ton |
|---|---|
| General Trash / Municipal Solid Waste | $125 |
| Green Waste (yard debris, branches) | $76 |
| Base Materials (dirt, concrete, asphalt) | $76 |
⚠️ Minimum charges may apply for small loads. Call ahead to confirm current rates: (619) 562-0530
A typical pickup truck load (500-1,000 lbs) costs approximately $60-$125 in dump fees alone.
Hidden Costs Most People Forget
The Santee dump fees are just the start. Here are the additional costs that add up quickly:
- →Hard Hat: $6 purchase at entrance booth (required, no exceptions)
- →Uncovered Load Penalty: Potential fines if your load isn't properly tarped
- →Payment Methods: Cash, check, or credit card accepted
These fees add up fast. See our cost comparison below to understand when professional junk removal actually costs LESS than a DIY dump run to the Santee landfill.
Requirements Before You Go
Before heading to the Santee dump, you must meet these mandatory requirements:
⚠️Mandatory Requirements
- ✓Hard Hat REQUIRED
Available for purchase (~$6) at entrance booth if you don't have one. This is strictly enforced.
- ✓Closed-Toe Shoes REQUIRED
No sandals, flip-flops, or open-toe footwear allowed. Safety regulation.
- ✓All Loads MUST Be Tarped
Uncovered loads will be turned away or charged penalties. Bring a tarp and secure it properly.
- ✓NO Motorcycles Allowed
Motorcycles are prohibited from entering Sycamore Landfill for safety reasons.
Skip the hassle. Professional junk removal in Santee requires ZERO safety equipment from you. We handle everything from loading to disposal. Call (619) 750-0114.
What You Can Bring to Sycamore Landfill
The Santee dump accepts a wide range of materials:
✓General Waste
- • Municipal solid waste (household junk)
- • Construction & demolition debris
- • Furniture and household items
- • Carpet and flooring materials
✓Specialty Items
- • Appliances (Freon removal on-site)
- • Electronics and e-waste
- • Tires (automotive)
- • Mattresses and box springs
✓Yard Waste
- • Green waste (branches, leaves)
- • Tree trimmings and brush
- • Grass clippings
- • Organic yard debris
✓Other Materials
- • Concrete, dirt, asphalt
- • Base materials
- • Large animal remains
- • Mixed loads
Good news: The Santee landfill CAN handle appliances with Freon through their on-site removal service. However, this adds extra time to your visit. Professional appliance removal handles all of this for you.
Free Passes for Santee Residents
If you live in Santee, you qualify for FREE dump passes—a genuinely useful benefit for residents:
🎫Santee Resident Free Pass Program
What You Get:
- • TWO free passes per year (per household)
- • Each pass covers up to ONE TON of materials
- • Valid for: solid waste, bulky items, OR concrete
How to Obtain Passes:
- • Visit the landfill pass office in person
- • Bring: Valid driver's license (showing Santee address)
- • Bring: Residential utility bill (gas, electric, water)
- • Pass Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Important: Free passes expire one year from the date of issuance. Plan accordingly!
This free pass program is excellent for Santee residents doing occasional cleanups. However, if you need more than 2 tons per year or want to avoid the time investment, professional junk removal offers unlimited service with transparent pricing.
Directions to Santee Dump
Sycamore Landfill is located in East County San Diego, easily accessible from Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lakeside.
📍 Address:
8514 Mast Boulevard, Santee, CA 92071
From Downtown Santee:
Take Mission Gorge Rd east, turn right on Mast Blvd. Landfill is on the right.
Drive time: ~8 minutes
From El Cajon:
Take I-8 West to Mission Gorge Rd, turn north then right on Mast Blvd.
Drive time: ~12 minutes
From La Mesa:
Take I-8 East to Mission Gorge Rd exit, turn north then right on Mast Blvd.
Drive time: ~15 minutes
From Lakeside:
Take Woodside Ave west to Mast Blvd, turn left. Landfill ahead on right.
Drive time: ~10 minutes
Is a DIY Dump Run Worth It? The Real Cost
Most people assume taking junk to the Santee dump saves money. Let's break down the actual costs for a typical garage cleanout:
Half-Garage Cleanout: DIY vs Professional
| Cost Factor | DIY Santee Dump | Professional Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Truck rental (Home Depot/U-Haul) | $75-$150 | $0 |
| Gas (round trip) | $10-$20 | $0 |
| Sycamore Landfill fees (~500 lbs) | $60-$125 | $0 |
| Hard hat purchase | $6 | $0 |
| Your time (loading, driving, waiting) | 3-5 hours | 0 hours |
| Physical labor / injury risk | YOU do it all | None |
| TOTAL COST | $151-$301 + time | $149-$349 all-in |
💡 The Bottom Line
For most loads, professional junk removal costs THE SAME or LESS than doing it yourself—and requires zero work, zero time, and zero risk from you.
Plus, we're available 7 days per week (the Santee dump is closed Sundays), handle items the landfill restricts, and you never need a hard hat or tarp.
When DIY to Santee Dump Makes Sense
To be fair, there ARE situations where a DIY dump run makes sense:
- ✓You already own a truck and don't need to rent one
- ✓Just 1-2 small items that fit in your car trunk
- ✓You have the free Santee resident pass and it's still valid
- ✓You live within 5 minutes of Sycamore Landfill
- ✓You enjoy physical work and have the free time
If none of these apply, professional junk removal is usually the smarter choice—both financially and for your time.
Professional Junk Removal in Santee
Severin Hauling provides professional junk removal in Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa, Lakeside, and throughout East County San Diego. We're the local alternative to DIY dump runs.
✓Key Benefits
- • Open 7 days/week (dump closed Sundays)
- • Same-day service available
- • We handle items the dump restricts
- • No hard hat, tarp, or closed-toe shoes needed
- • Zero physical labor from you
Sycamore Landfill vs Professional Junk Removal
| Feature | Sycamore Landfill | Severin Hauling |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday availability | ❌ Closed | ✓ Open |
| You do the lifting | ✓ Yes (injury risk) | ❌ We do it |
| Hard hat required | ✓ Yes ($6) | ❌ No |
| Tarp required | ✓ Yes | ❌ No |
| Wait time | 15-45 min | Scheduled appointment |
| Items with Freon | Hassle | ✓ We handle it |
Skip the Santee Dump — We Handle Everything
Same-day junk removal for Santee & East County
- ✓Open 7 days/week (dump closed Sundays)
- ✓We take items the landfill restricts
- ✓Often CHEAPER than DIY
- ✓No hard hat, no tarp, no truck needed
Starting at $69 for small items • Same-day service available
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Santee dump open?
Santee dump (Sycamore Landfill) is open Monday-Friday 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Saturday 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The dump is CLOSED on Sundays and major holidays. Professional junk removal services like Severin Hauling operate 7 days per week including Sundays. Call (619) 750-0114 for same-day service.
How much does it cost to dump at Santee?
Santee dump (Sycamore Landfill) charges $125 per ton for general trash, $76 per ton for green waste and base materials. You'll also need a hard hat ($6 if you don't have one) and must tarp your load. Factor in truck rental ($75-$150), gas ($10-$20), and your time (3-5 hours), and professional junk removal often costs less. Severin Hauling starts at $69 for small items with all-inclusive pricing.
Is Santee dump open on Sunday?
No, Santee dump (Sycamore Landfill) is CLOSED on Sundays. The landfill is only open Monday-Saturday. If you need junk removal on Sunday, professional services like Severin Hauling operate 7 days per week throughout Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa, and East County. Call (619) 750-0114.
What's the difference between Santee dump and Sycamore Landfill?
Santee dump and Sycamore Landfill are the same facility. The official name is Sycamore Landfill, but locals call it Santee dump or Santee landfill. Located at 8514 Mast Boulevard, Santee, CA 92071. Phone: (619) 562-0530.
Do I need a hard hat at Santee dump?
Yes, hard hats are REQUIRED at Santee dump (Sycamore Landfill). If you don't have one, you can purchase a hard hat for approximately $6 at the entrance booth. Closed-toe shoes are also required. Professional junk removal services handle everything, so you don't need any safety equipment.
Can Santee residents dump for free?
Santee residents receive TWO free passes per year (per household). Each pass covers up to ONE TON of solid waste, bulky items, or concrete. To obtain passes, visit the landfill office with a valid driver's license AND residential utility bill. Passes expire one year from issuance.
What can't I bring to Santee dump?
Santee dump restricts hazardous waste, certain chemicals, and liquids. However, they DO accept appliances (with on-site Freon removal), electronics, tires, mattresses, carpet, and large animal remains. Professional junk removal services like Severin Hauling can handle most restricted items through proper disposal channels. Call (619) 750-0114.
Is professional junk removal cheaper than going to Santee dump?
Often yes, when you factor in all costs. DIY to Santee dump: truck rental ($75-$150) + gas ($10-$20) + dump fees ($60-$125) + hard hat ($6) + your time (3-5 hours) = $151-$301+. Professional junk removal from Severin Hauling: $149-$349 all-inclusive with zero work from you. Call (619) 750-0114 for a free quote.
What payment methods does Santee dump accept?
Sycamore Landfill accepts cash, check, and credit cards. 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.
How long does it take to dump at Santee landfill?
Expect 30-60 minutes at Sycamore Landfill including wait time, weighing, unloading, and payment. Add 1-2 hours for loading your truck and 1-2 hours for truck rental pickup/return. Total DIY time: 3-5 hours. Professional junk removal from Severin Hauling takes zero hours of your time with same-day service available.
Can I dump mattresses at Santee dump?
Yes, Sycamore Landfill accepts mattresses and box springs for disposal as part of general waste ($125/ton). Professional mattress disposal through Severin Hauling includes pickup from your home, hauling, and eco-friendly recycling when possible. Call (619) 750-0114 for same-day mattress removal in Santee and East County.
Where is the Santee dump located exactly?
Sycamore Landfill (Santee dump) is located at 8514 Mast Boulevard, Santee, CA 92071. From downtown Santee, take Mission Gorge Rd east to Mast Blvd, turn right. Approximately 8 minutes from Santee Town Center. GPS coordinates: 32.8384, -116.9739. Phone: (619) 562-0530.
Do I need an appointment to go to Santee dump?
No appointment needed for Sycamore Landfill. It operates first-come, first-served during open hours (Mon-Fri 7AM-4:30PM, Sat 7:30AM-3PM, CLOSED Sunday). Wait times vary from 15-45 minutes. Severin Hauling offers scheduled appointments for junk removal with no wait time. Call (619) 750-0114.
Related Resources
Ready to Skip the Santee Dump?
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