The Colorado City Landfill is the receiving and transfer point for waste generated inside the city, and it is open to a wider group than the name suggests: households and businesses in Colorado City itself, and households and businesses out in the rural parts of Mitchell County. Whichever you are, bring your most recent water bill — the city uses it as proof of residency at the gate.

On price we have to be straight with you. The city states that charges are worked out by weight and directs readers to its fee schedule, but that schedule is not published anywhere we can reach on the municipal website. We will not invent a per-ton figure to fill the gap, so the only honest answer is to telephone before you load up. Public Works is on 325-728-8831 or 325-728-5331, and the director's office is at 1444 Westpoint.

One charge is confirmed in writing even though the amount is not: anything hauled here has to be enclosed, tarpaulined or netted, and an unsecured load attracts a surcharge on top of the weight charge. Tie it down before you leave home.

The permit this site holds does not extend to hazardous or special waste, and the city lists what that means: septic tank pumpings, grease and grit trap waste, medical waste, anything containing asbestos, hazardous waste from generators, slaughterhouse waste and dead animals, plus anything else the state classifies as special waste. Turn up with those and you will be sent away.