Let’s be honest. Nobody actually wants to spend their Saturday morning at the Gloucester County NJ dump, but sometimes the garage gets so full of old drywall, broken chairs, and "projects" you never finished that you just don't have a choice. If you live in South Jersey, specifically around Deptford, Glassboro, or West Deptford, you probably know the drill. You load up the truck, pray nothing flies out on the highway, and head toward the Gloucester County Solid Waste Complex in Monroeville.
It’s a massive operation.
Most people call it "the dump," but its official name is the Gloucester County Solid Waste Complex (GCSWC). It sits on over 500 acres. That’s a lot of trash. But here’s the thing: you can’t just roll up with a trailer full of old paint cans and expect them to take it all for free. There are rules. Specific ones. If you show up on the wrong day or with the wrong materials, they will turn you around, and that drive back with a heavy load is basically the worst feeling ever.
What You Need to Know Before Driving to the Gloucester County NJ Dump
The facility is located at 503 Monroeville Road (Route 694) in South Harrison Township. It's easy to miss if you aren't looking for the big green signs.
First, let’s talk money. This isn't a free-for-all. The GCUA (Gloucester County Utilities Authority) manages the site, and they charge by weight. For most residents, you’re looking at a "tipping fee." As of 2024 and heading into 2026, those rates fluctuate based on the type of waste, but generally, you're paying around $85 to $100 per ton for standard municipal solid waste. They have a minimum charge, though. Even if you only have one small bag, you’re likely paying for a minimum weight—often around a few hundred pounds' worth—so it’s always smarter to wait until the truck is truly full before making the trip.
They take cash. They take checks (with ID). They take credit cards. But seriously, check your wallet before you get to the scale house.
What can you actually throw away?
Basically, your standard household junk. Old furniture? Yes. Construction debris from that bathroom remodel? Yes. That weird carpet from the 70s you ripped out of the basement? Absolutely. But there are hard "no" items. You cannot just chuck a refrigerator in there because of the Freon. You can't toss tires unless you're willing to pay an extra surcharge per tire. And don't even think about hazardous waste like pesticides or old gasoline on a normal Tuesday.
The Secret to Saving Money: Household Hazardous Waste Days
If you have old oil-based paint, motor oil, or pool chemicals, do not bring them to the Gloucester County NJ dump on a regular business day. They won't take them. Instead, the county holds specific Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off events.
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These happen a few times a year. Usually, they are at the Solid Waste Complex or sometimes at the Gloucester County Government Services Building in Clayton.
Why wait? Because it’s free.
It's a weirdly organized system. You sit in a long line of cars, you stay in your vehicle, and workers in high-vis vests and gloves pull the stuff out of your trunk. It’s efficient. It’s also the only way to get rid of things like fluorescent bulbs and fire extinguishers without getting a fine or a headache. Honestly, keep a box in your garage specifically for "Hazardous Waste Day" items. When the county announces the dates—usually in the spring and fall—you'll be ready.
Shredding and Electronics: The Modern Trash Problem
Computers are a nightmare. You can't put them in your curbside trash because of New Jersey's "E-waste" laws. The Gloucester County Solid Waste Complex handles this, but again, check the schedule.
They often pair electronics recycling with paper shredding events. If you’ve got stacks of old tax returns from 2005, this is where you go. They have a massive mobile shredding truck. You watch your documents get turned into confetti. It's oddly satisfying.
Why the rules are so strict
New Jersey has some of the toughest environmental regulations in the country. The landfill in Monroeville isn't just a hole in the ground; it’s a highly engineered cell system with liners and methane capture. If they let people dump whatever they wanted, the groundwater in South Harrison would be ruined in a week. That’s why the guys at the scale house can be a bit prickly if they see something suspicious in your trailer. They’re just doing their jobs.
Common Mistakes People Make at the Landfill
- Not Tarping the Load: This is a big one. If you show up with an open-top trailer and your trash isn't covered with a tarp, they can fine you or refuse entry. It’s about litter control. Nobody wants your old mail blowing across Route 45.
- Bringing the Kids: It’s a construction site, basically. There are massive front-loaders and "compactors" (giant machines with spiked wheels) moving around. Keep the kids and pets in the car. It’s not a playground.
- Wearing Sandals: Look, it’s a dump. There are nails. There is broken glass. There is "leachate," which is the polite term for trash juice. Wear boots.
- Forgetting Your ID: They need to see that you actually live in Gloucester County for certain programs. If you're a commercial hauler, that's a whole different set of paperwork.
The "tipping" process itself is pretty straightforward. You pull onto the scale. They weigh you. You drive to the "active face" of the landfill or the designated drop-off area. You throw your stuff out. You drive back to the scale. They weigh you again. You pay the difference.
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It sounds simple, but when there's a line of ten dump trucks behind you, it feels a lot more high-pressure. Just move quickly.
The Logistics of Gloucester County Recycling
Recycling in NJ is a bit of a mess right now. Different towns have different rules. While the Gloucester County NJ dump is the hub, your local town (like Woodbury or Mullica Hill) handles your weekly curbside pickup.
If you have huge piles of cardboard, you're usually better off taking them to a local recycling drop-off rather than the main landfill. Why? Because the landfill will charge you by weight for cardboard, whereas many municipal drop-offs take it for free.
Check your local DPW (Department of Public Works) website first. Many towns in Gloucester County have "bulk day" once a month. If you can wait two weeks for bulk day, you’ll save yourself the drive to Monroeville and the $90 fee.
How to Handle Special Items
Sometimes you have stuff that isn't exactly "trash" but isn't "recycling" either.
- Concrete and Brick: Do not put this in your regular trash. The landfill has a specific area for "clean fill" or "Type 13" waste, but it's often cheaper to take it to a private recycler who crushes concrete into road base.
- Tires: As mentioned, they charge extra. Usually around $2 to $5 per tire without a rim, and more if the rim is still attached.
- Appliances: Washers and dryers are mostly metal, so you can actually sell them to a scrap yard in Paulsboro or Westville instead of paying the dump to take them. You might only get $10, but $10 in your pocket is better than $40 out of your pocket.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
Before you start loading the truck, do these three things.
First, separate your load. Put the metal in one pile, the hazardous stuff in another, and the general trash in the third. This prevents you from getting to the scale and realizing you have to dig through a mountain of trash to find one car battery they won't let you dump.
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Second, check the wind. Seriously. If it’s a 30 mph wind day, the landfill is a nightmare. Stuff will blow out of your truck, and the dust is brutal.
Third, verify the hours. The Gloucester County Solid Waste Complex is generally open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and Saturday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. They are closed on major holidays. If there’s been a big storm, expect the lines to be twice as long.
If you have questions, call them at (856) 478-6045. A real human usually picks up. Ask about the "tipping fee" for your specific material. It’s better to know the price now than to be surprised at the scale.
Ultimately, the Gloucester County NJ dump is a vital resource for South Jersey residents. It’s not glamorous. It smells exactly like you think it does. But when you finally clear out that basement and see the concrete floor for the first time in a decade, the trip to Monroeville feels completely worth it. Just remember your tarp, bring your credit card, and for the love of everything, don't wear your favorite shoes.
Clean out the junk. Follow the rules. Keep South Jersey clean.
Next Steps for Gloucester County Residents:
- Confirm the Date: Check the official GCUA website or the Gloucester County Improvement Authority (GCIA) calendar for the next Household Hazardous Waste day.
- Secure Your Gear: Buy a heavy-duty tarp and ratcheting tie-down straps; bungee cords are rarely enough for a highway trip to the landfill.
- Check for Curbside Options: Call your local municipality to see if "Bulk Pickup" is available this week before you spend the money on fuel and tipping fees.