Transfer Facility

The Transfer Facility is open to residents of South Portland with a valid permit. When arriving at the Facility (from the access road, turn left at the bottom of the hill), please enter through the gates and stay to the right, following the pavement to the attendant's shack. All visitors must check in with an attendant before disposing of yard debris or waste items, and prior to visiting the Swap Shop or silver bullet recycling containers.

Because it is staffed by attendants who also assist during plowing and clean-up operations, the Transfer Facility may be open shortened hours or not at all during periods of inclement weather. If that happens, information will be posted on this page, on our Facebook page, and on our outgoing phone message, as well as on local news stations' digital announcements, if applicable.

Though normally closed Sundays, there are months when the Facility opens to the public on Sundays - usually in May and November. Notice of Sunday hours is advertised in the locations mentioned above,  in the City's e-community newsletter, and in local media, if applicable.

Fees

Please view the Accepted Items/Fees (PDF) for our list of disposal fees, transfer station rules, and general info about unacceptable items.  Payments accepted by cash or local check only.

Residential Permit Stickers

Residents are required to display a Transfer Station permit sticker as proof of residency to enter and use the Transfer Station and Swap Shop. To obtain a Transfer Station sticker you must show two forms of proof of residency, preferably your vehicle registration and driver's license. Stickers are available at the Municipal Services Facility or at City Hall during regular business hours. The stickers are nontransferable and must be affixed to your vehicle. The first sticker is free, and a second sticker for a second vehicle may be obtained (with second valid registration) for $5. No more than two stickers will be issued per residence. New stickers will have to be obtained every other year.  New 2024/2025 stickers (maroon) are now available from Municipal Services or City Hall, and are valid until December 31, 2025.

Landscape Contractor Permit Stickers

Landscape contractors may use our facility for disposal of landscape debris (leaves, grass clippings and brush) from South Portland residential properties. A Contractor's permit must be obtained for an annual fee of $150. (Additional permits cost $20 per vehicle.) Contractor permits are available upon receipt of payment at the Municipal Services Facility or at City Hall during regular business hours. Contractors may only bring in leaves, grass, or brush and must pay the associated fees for disposal each time they use the facility. (No running tabs will be maintained.)  Contractors must show proof that the material they are disposing of is from a South Portland resident by providing the resident's permit number. Contractor's permits will have to be renewed every year.  2025 Landscape Contractor stickers are now available from Municipal Services or City Hall, and are valid until December 31, 2025.

Landlords / Property Owner Permit Stickers

Landlords/property owners who do not reside in South Portland are permitted to use the Transfer Facility strictly for the purpose of disposing of yard waste (leaves, grass, brush) which comes from their South Portland residential properties, and must pay associated fees for disposal each time they use the facility. (No running tabs will be maintained.) No previous-tenant cleanouts are permitted. Landlords/property owners must obtain a Property Owner sticker by showing two forms of proof of property ownership, as well as your vehicle registration.  2024/2025 Landlord/property owner stickers are now available from Municipal Services or City Hall, and are valid until December 31, 2025.

Commercial / Contractor Use

Commercial use of the Facility is not permitted. Trash haulers, contractors, landscapers or any person/company being paid to dispose of refuse other than listed under Landscape Contractor Use may not use this facility. See Unaccepted Items list for locations in the greater Portland area that may accept items from commercial entities.

Swap Shop & Electric Tool Library

The Swap Shop, located within the gates of Transfer Facility, offers residents an alternative means of disposing of unwanted items that still may have some life left in them (as well as a place to 'shop' for free, used items.)  Go to the Swap Shop page for more information and a list of accepted items. The Swap Shop is open seasonally from April through November. 

The Electric Tool Library (SPETL), also located within the Transfer Facility, features all-electric EGO lawn care tools, which South Portland residents can borrow to use at home free of charge by simply using their South Portland Public Library card to sign out the equipment. Residents can rent electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, and edgers for one week per rental. Go to the Electric Tool Library (SPETL) page for more info.