Hours, fees, and accepted materials at Hamden's Recycling Center and Transfer Station
Overview
The Hamden Recycling Center and Transfer Station on Wintergreen Avenue accepts waste disposal and recycling drop-offs. Fees apply to Hamden residents and non-residents alike. The facility charges by weight and accepts credit/debit cards only — no cash. Gates close promptly at posted closing times.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Contact the facility directly to confirm current hours and fees before visiting.
Location & Hours
Address: 231 Wintergreen Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518
GPS tip: The town advises entering New Haven as the city when using GPS, or you may end up in the wrong location.
| Day |
Hours |
| Monday |
7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Tuesday |
7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Wednesday |
7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Thursday |
7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Friday |
7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Saturday |
1st Saturday only: 8:00 AM – 11:45 AM |
| Sunday |
Closed |
Gates close promptly at posted closing times, with no vehicle entry after the gates close. The facility is closed midday from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Holiday closures: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Check the town's Holiday Hours page for exact dates.
Sticker / Permit Requirements
No sticker or permit purchase is required. To enter, you must have:
- A current, valid driver's license, physically carried with you
- A currently registered vehicle with a license plate
- A major credit or debit card
The facility uses a weight-based fee system — your vehicle is weighed upon entry and exit. Payment preauthorization is required for rental vehicles and vehicles with large loads.
What You Can Drop Off
Fee Schedule (Effective June 11, 2024)
Fees are assessed by the weight difference between entry and exit:
Solid/Bulky Waste:
| Weight |
Fee |
| 1–40 lbs |
No fee |
| 41–200 lbs |
$0.06/lb |
| 201+ lbs |
$0.10/lb |
Organic Waste (yard waste, brush):
| Weight |
Fee |
| 1–40 lbs |
No fee |
| 41–200 lbs |
No fee |
| 201+ lbs |
$0.06/lb |
Payment is by credit or debit card only at the outdoor kiosk. The Transfer Station is a cash-free facility. Checks and mobile payment services are not accepted.
Accepted Materials
- Household refuse and bulky waste
- Recyclables (cardboard must be deconstructed)
- Yard waste, brush, and organic materials
- Electronics and appliances
- Scrap metal
- Mattresses, box springs, furniture, and rugs
- Construction and demolition materials
- Paint (latex and oil-based)
- Light bulbs
- Tires (limit of four per household per year)
Not Accepted
- Household hazardous waste other than the items listed above (see Hazardous Waste Collection below)
Accepted materials are subject to change without notice — check with staff or call (203) 387-2435.
Hazardous Waste Collection
Hamden residents can dispose of household hazardous waste at HazWaste Central, located at 90 Sargent Drive, New Haven. The facility is seasonal: it is open Saturdays only, 9:00 AM to noon, from mid-May through the last Saturday of October. Pre-registration is required before each visit. Check the Regional Water Authority website for current dates, the pre-registration form, and accepted items.
Tips & Resources
- Hamden Recycling Center / Transfer Station
- Transfer Station phone: (203) 387-2435
- Bring a credit or debit card — cash, checks, and mobile payments are not accepted
- Bring your driver's license — it is required for entry
- Small loads under 40 lbs are free for solid waste
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a sticker to use the transfer station?
No sticker is required, but you must carry a valid driver's license and arrive in a registered vehicle. Fees are based on the weight of materials you drop off.
Q: Is the transfer station open on Saturdays?
Only the first Saturday of each month, from 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM.
Q: What if I have hazardous waste?
Paint, light bulbs, and tires (up to four per household per year) are accepted at the transfer station. Other household hazardous waste is not. Bring it to HazWaste Central at 90 Sargent Drive in New Haven, which is open Saturday mornings from mid-May through October and requires pre-registration.
Know something we missed? Email tips@thequinnipiacpost.com to help us keep this guide up to date.
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