How our dump cost calculator works
Published assumptions, visible limits and a clear distinction between a model and a quote.
The formula is visible and editable
Generic weight billing: each trip costs max(minimum charge, kilograms per trip ÷ 1,000 × rate per tonne), plus an additional transaction charge if entered. Flat billing uses your flat fee per trip. Multiply by the number of trips, then add transport per trip and other total charges. Weight is distributed evenly across trips.
The starting example uses 500 kg, $150 per tonne and a $25 minimum: disposal costs $75 before any entered extras. These are illustrative inputs, not observed city averages. Changing the material label does not select or verify a tariff.
Volume mode multiplies cubic metres by your density assumption in kg/m³. Its starting 250 kg/m³ value is a worked assumption, not an asserted density for the selected material. Pounds convert using 0.45359237 kg/lb. A metric tonne is 1,000 kg.
The optional Calgary preset is restricted to residential basic sanitary waste: under 250 kg per trip, $25; otherwise $113 per tonne on the full weight. It excludes special handling and item charges. The official source says no GST on landfill rates. Other entered charges may have their own tax treatment.
Bin comparison: base quote + max(0, total tonnes − included tonnes) × overage rate + entered excluded charges. Tax is not calculated. Compare tax-inclusive inputs with tax-inclusive inputs, or pre-tax inputs with pre-tax inputs. Displayed cents are rounded only at output; facility rounding may differ.
Geography and local evidence
Statistics Canada GeoSuite 2021 provides 5,161 census subdivisions across 10 provinces and 3 territories. This includes statistical equivalents, not just incorporated municipalities. We retain official identifiers, representative coordinates, population, land area, dwellings and census division. Missing values are not replaced with zero.
Nearby links use spherical straight-line distances between representative points and are calculated offline. They are not driving distances, disposal facility coordinates or service areas. Census division names do not establish the current disposal authority. Names and boundaries may have changed since 2021.
Only the local source summaries explicitly shown on a page have been researched for this release. No national database of current dump tariffs or verified customer eligibility is claimed.