Where Providence dumpster loads go, and what the landfill charges
Construction and cleanout debris from Providence goes to the Central Landfill in Johnston, run by Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC). Its rates explain a large part of any dumpster quote, because the hauler pays by the ton.
Rates that matter for a dumpster (effective Nov 1, 2026)
| What is in the load | RIRRC charge | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Construction and demolition debris (charged as solid waste) | $115 per ton | $65 |
| Commercial loads, fuel surcharge | +$3 per ton | |
| Commercial vehicles, Host Community surcharge paid to Johnston | +$6 per load | |
| Concrete, asphalt, brick, rock (clean) | $20 per ton | $20 |
| Leaf and yard debris | $40 per ton | $30 |
| Mattresses or box springs, first 3 per day for recycling | $0 | |
| Mattresses past the first 3, or ruined ones | $70 each | |
| Car tires | $8 each | |
| Appliances with Freon | $12 each | |
| Scrap metal | $0 |
From the RIRRC fee schedule for fiscal 2027. RIRRC notes that commercial solid waste prices can change with 30 days' notice.
What that means for your quote
Run the numbers on a heavy job. Say a 15-yard container comes back with 3 tons of plaster and lath. At the landfill's posted commercial rate that is 3 x $118 (rate plus fuel) plus $6 for the truck: $360 in disposal before the hauler covers the truck, the driver, the permit or profit. The same box filled with 1 ton of old furniture costs $124 to tip.
That is why quotes include a weight allowance and an overage rate per ton. A Rhode Island company we checked charges $150 per extra ton. Ask every company for both numbers in writing.
Keep concrete separate
Clean concrete, brick, asphalt and rock tip at $20 a ton, far below the debris rate. The catch is that RIRRC charges a mixed load at the higher rate. If you are breaking up a walkway or a chimney, ask for a separate container just for clean masonry.
What gets a load turned away
RIRRC rejects construction loads that contain any amount of:
- asbestos waste
- fluorescent light ballasts or transformers with hazardous liquids
- 55-gallon drums or fuel tanks
- containers with more than an inch of residue in the bottom
TVs, computers, monitors and anything containing mercury are banned from landfill disposal. Paint and household chemicals go through RIRRC's household hazardous waste program instead.
Driving a load yourself
Hauling a pickup load on your own is allowed. Small loads from residents use the east entrance at 3 Shun Pike, which has the Residential Recycling Area and the small vehicle transfer station. The landfill itself is at 65 Shun Pike. Take Route 295 to Exit 7 (the old Exit 5). Hours are Monday to Friday 6 AM to 3:45 PM and Saturday 6 AM to noon, closed on holidays. Cover the load; RIRRC's safety rules require it until you reach the unloading spot.