Palomar Transfer Station & Recycling Buyback Center

What it takes

4 materials are marked Call first because the operator does not publish an answer or its pages disagree.

Not accepted: Plastics and bagged debris in C&D loads, treated/stained/painted wood in C&D loads, asphalt shingles in C&D, hazardous materials

Rates

Republic publishes no gate rates — call (760) 603-0153. Checked October 15, 2026.

C&D diversion credit: City-certified mixed C&D since Apr 2026: 80% as of Oct 15, 2026. Not on County Nov 2025 list.

Rules at the gate

• No plastics or bagged debris in C&D loads — they are dumped as trash plus a contamination fee.
• No treated, stained or painted wood in C&D recycling loads; drywall must be clean white.
• Declare mixed C&D at the scale; put the project address and permit number on the receipt.
• Diversion reporting available on request.
• Free mulch/compost pickup Mon–Sat 8am–3pm.

Heads up

• Clay roof tile: Palomar's flyer says OK in C&D, but Carlsbad's C&D guide lists roofing as unacceptable — confirm.
• Not on the County's Nov 2025 certified list — confirm credit on County-permit jobs.

Tip: Highest certified transfer-station credit and open 7 days; keep trash bags and packaging out of C&D or it bills as trash.

Sources

1. [1]Republic — Carlsbad (Palomar hours)
2. [2]Republic — Palomar Transfer Station flyer
3. [3]Republic/Carlsbad — C&D Diversion & Recycling Guide
4. [4]City of SD certified C&D diversion rates (10/15/2026)

Partly verified. Some details checked against the operator's pages on October 15, 2026; others could not be confirmed. Call before you haul.