The Travis County Landfill on FM 812 is operated by Waste Connections, and one detail here strands more visitors than any price ever could: cards are not accepted. Payment is cash or cheque only, and the site specifies small bills. Our page previously said the opposite, which would have left drivers at the gate unable to pay.

Rates are not published. Telephone 512-243-6300 for a quote before committing to the drive.

Timing is tight at the end of the day. The final load is accepted thirty minutes before closing, so aiming to arrive right on the hour means being turned around.

What it will take is broad. Clean fill and soil, concrete and asphalt, construction debris, farm and agricultural waste, non-hazardous commercial material, and ordinary household municipal rubbish including carpet, furniture and mattresses all go in. Tree branches thicker than six inches in diameter are handled as general material.

Green waste has its own stream: brush and logs up to six inches, Christmas trees, garden vegetation, leaves, sawdust, untreated and unpainted lumber and pallets, wood chips and yard clippings.

Tyres are conditional. They are accepted only when chipped or shredded — whole tyres are refused.

Also excluded are biosolids, dead animals, human waste, liquid waste, stumps and roots or shrubs with intact root balls, decorative and ceremonial items, and hazardous material of any description.

Bring notes, arrive early, and leave the whole tyres at home.