Everything Guilford residents need to know about trash disposal, recycling, and the transfer station
Overview
Guilford does not provide municipal curbside trash or recycling collection. Residents either bring waste to the Guilford-Madison Transfer Station using a Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) bag system, or contract independently with a private hauler for curbside service. The town also operates a separate Brush and Leaf Disposal Facility for yard waste.
Guilford Curbside Trash Collection
The Town of Guilford does not offer municipal curbside trash pickup. Residents must arrange service with a private hauler or bring waste to the Transfer Station. Known private haulers serving Guilford include:
- PurpleTrash — purpletrash.com (serves Guilford and Madison)
- Sweitzer Waste Management — sweitzerwaste.com
- All Waste, Inc. — allwaste.com
Contact your chosen hauler directly for pricing, pickup days, and service details.
Recycling
Guilford does not provide municipal curbside recycling. However, single-stream recycling is accepted at no charge at the Transfer Station.
- Accepted recyclables: Paper, cardboard, acceptable plastics, glass
- Food scrap recycling: Also free at the Transfer Station — use town-designated green bags ($0.20 each) or tip directly into the bin
- Full recycling list: recyclect.com
Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) Bag System
As of November 4, 2024, the Transfer Station uses a PAYT system with pre-paid town-designated bags for trash disposal.
Bag Sizes and Prices
- 15-gallon trash bag (light blue): $1.50 per bag
- 33-gallon trash bag (light blue): $3.00 per bag
- 8-gallon food scrap bag (green): $0.20 per bag
Where to Buy Official Bags
- Big Y (Guilford) — at checkout
- Walgreens (Guilford)
- CVS (Guilford)
- Stop & Shop (Madison) — at customer service
- Page Hardware (Madison)
- Tuxis True Value (Madison)
- Transfer Station (limited availability)
Bulk & Large Item Pickup
Guilford does not offer municipal bulk pickup. Residents can bring bulky items (furniture, mattresses, appliances, construction debris) to the Transfer Station, where they are charged by weight. You can also hire a private hauler or junk removal service. Contact the Transfer Station at (203) 453-8095 for current bulky waste fees.
Transfer Station / Drop-Off
Guilford-Madison Waste Transfer Station
- Address: 1900 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 06437
- Phone: (203) 453-8095
- Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (arrive by 3:00 PM). Closed Wednesday and Sunday.
- Access: Guilford and Madison residents only — proof of residency required
- Payment: Credit/debit cards and local checks ONLY — cash is NOT accepted
Accepted at the Transfer Station
- Household trash (must be in official light blue PAYT bags)
- Single-stream recycling (free — no bag required)
- Food scraps (free — in green bags or loose)
- Electronics recycling (free)
- Clothing, shoes, and book donations (via on-site containers)
- Bulky waste, mattresses, appliances, tires (additional fees by weight)
NOT Accepted
- Used oil, gasoline, diesel, antifreeze
- Propane tanks, fire extinguishers
- Paint
- Pool chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers
- Hazardous materials — use HazWaste Central at rwater.com/hazwaste (free for residents)
Guilford Yard Waste
Guilford operates a separate Brush and Leaf Disposal Facility on Sullivan Drive.
- Location: Sullivan Drive, Guilford
- Regular hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Saturday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Closed Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, and during inclement weather.
- November extended hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday to handle fall leaf volume
- Proof of residency required
- Payment: Check at site or pre-purchase online — cash not accepted
Fees
- Cars/SUVs: $3/trip or $15 for 5 trips
- Trucks/Trailers: $10 per yard
- Leaves in biodegradable bags: No charge
- Items larger than 3" diameter: Not accepted
- No grass clippings allowed
Free Mulch and Compost
"Load and Go" days on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Mulch, compost, and woodchips available ($5 per pickup/small trailer, $10 for dump trucks/large trailers). Public Works employees load vehicles. Proof of residency required.
Holiday Schedule
The Transfer Station observes the following holiday schedule:
- Full closure: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
- Half day (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM): MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Juneteenth
For residents using private haulers, contact your hauler directly for their holiday schedule.
Tips & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What day is trash pickup in Guilford, CT?
Guilford does not provide municipal trash collection. If you use a private hauler, contact them directly for your schedule. Otherwise, bring trash to the Transfer Station during operating hours.
Q: Where do I buy Guilford, CT PAYT trash bags?
Official light blue trash bags are available at Big Y, Walgreens, and CVS in Guilford, as well as Stop & Shop, Page Hardware, and Tuxis True Value in Madison.
Q: What are the Guilford, CT transfer station hours?
The Transfer Station is open five days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday). Plan your next visit during operating hours.
Know something we missed? Email tips@thequinnipiacpost.com to help us keep this guide up to date.
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