Ben Lomond Transfer Station
Improvement Project

Improving the transfer station for our community

 
 
 

Project Timeline

August 2026

Construction Begins

Construction begins at the Ben Lomond Transfer Station. The facility will remain open during most phases of the project.

August 21, 2026

Household Hazardous Waste Area Closure

The household hazardous waste area closed August 21, 2026 until September 2027 close while improvements are completed.

Winter 2026–27

Major Facility Improvements

Work continues on the recycling canopy, utility improvements, structural upgrades and site circulation.

Spring 2027

Final Construction Phase

Final improvements, inspections and remaining site work are completed.

September 2027

Project Completion

Construction is anticipated to be completed approximately one year after work begins.

Dates are estimates and may change based on construction conditions. Additional information will be provided as the project progresses.

Project Overview 

The Ben Lomond Transfer Station Improvement Project is a major capital improvement project designed to modernize our transfer station.

The approximately $8 million project includes upgrades that will improve operations, increase safety for customers and employees, strengthen environmental protections, and extend the life of the transfer station.

Rather than closing the transfer station for several months, construction is taking place in phases over approximately one year so customers can continue using the facility throughout the project’s duration.

Improvements include:

Covered Recycling Area

A new 14,000-square-foot canopy will be constructed over the existing recycling area to protect recycling operations from weather to comply with state mandated water quality standards and improve working conditions.

Household Hazardous Waste Improvements

 Install a new 1,000-square-foot canopy and improve spill containment at the Household Hazardous Waste collection area to prevent hazardous materials releases into the environment.

Environmental Improvements
  • Spill containment upgrades.
  • Infrastructure improvements that help protect surrounding natural resources.

Safety Improvements

  • Improved traffic circulation.
  • General safety enhancements throughout the facility. 

Modernization (Structural Repairs)
  • Electrical upgrades. 
  • Repairs to the existing retaining wall. 

Household Hazardous Waste Facility Schedule

       Temporarily closed from August 21, 2026 until September 2027

What to expect

During your visit, you may experience:

  • Temporary traffic pattern changes
  • Construction equipment operating throughout the facility
  • Active work zones
  • Temporary lane closures
  • Occasional rerouting within the facility
  • Staff directing traffic

Please follow all posted signs and instructions from on-site staff to help keep everyone safe.

Household Hazardous Waste facility

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility will temporarily close on Friday, August 21 and reopen September 2027. The last day to drop off HHW before construction begins at Ben Lomond is on Thursday, August 20.

During the temporary closure, customers may use:

City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility: 605 Dimeo Lane, Santa Cruz, CA

Open: Saturday 7:30AM to 3:30PM

Buena Vista Landfill: 1231 Buena Vista Drive, Watsonville, CA

Open: Wednesday 7:30AM to 2:30PM and Friday and Saturday 7:30AM to 3:30PM

 

Contact 

Michael Hettehausen, Project Manager 

County of Santa Cruz Capital Projects Department

Michael.Hettenhausen@santacruzcountyca.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, and the transfer station will have a fluctuating schedule during construction. Stay up-to-date on our website before going out to the transfer station.

Completing the project in phases allows the transfer station to continue serving the public during construction. A full closure could significantly shorten the construction timeline but would temporarily eliminate access to the facility.

At this time, normal operating hours remain in effect unless otherwise announced.

Yes. Temporary traffic pattern changes, rerouting, and active construction areas should be expected throughout the project. Please follow posted signs and staff directions during your visit.

Yes, the Ben Lomond HHW will be closed starting August 21, 2026 until September 2027.

During temporary HHW closures, customers may use:
  • City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility
    605 Dimeo Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • Buena Vista Landfill
    1231 Buena Vista Dr, Watsonville, CA 95076

The project will not change transfer station disposal fees.

LOCATIONS & HOURS

Buena Vista Location

Location:
1231 Buena Vista Dr.,
Watsonville, CA

Phone: (831) 454-2430 or
(831) 454-5153

County Landfill
Hours:
  • Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., & Sat.:
    7:30 am - 3:30 pm
  • Wed.: 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Buena Vista Household Hazardous Waste
Hours:
  • Wed.: 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
  • Fri., & Sat.: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Phone: (831) 454-2606

Ben Lomond Location

Location:
9835 Newell Creek Rd.,
Ben Lomond, CA

Phone: (831) 454-2430 or
(831) 454-3951

County Transfer Station
Hours (Starting September 2026):
  • Mon. Fri., & Sat.:
    7:30 am - 3:30 pm
  • CLOSED: Tues., Wed., Thurs., & Sun. 
Ben Lomond Household Hazardous Waste
Hours:
  • Thurs.: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm  (CLOSED TEMPORARILY BEGINNING AUG. 21, 2026 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2027)

Phone: (831) 454-2606

Other Household Hazardous Waste

Location:
City of Santa Cruz Resource
Recovery Facility
605 Dimeo Lane, Santa Cruz, CA

Phone: (831) 420-6270

Hours:
  • Sat.: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Santa Cruz County
Solid Waste & Recycling Main Office

Location:
County of Santa Cruz
701 Ocean St., Room 410,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Phone: (831) 454-2160

Email Public Works