Do I need to separate my garbage from other items (appliances, tires, recyclables) before coming to a transfer station or drop box?

Yes.  It is easier to discard your load if all the different types of waste are kept separate.

Load your appliances and tires first with your recyclables in the front of your truck bed or trailer.  Load your garbage at the rear of your truck bed or trailer. 

At the scale house let the attendant know you have tires, appliances, and recyclables to drop off.  You will be told to dump your garbage first.  Return to the scale house and pay.  Then proceed to the recycling area to recycle appliances, tires and recyclables.

Do not mix garbage with yard waste.  Mixed loads will be charged as garbage and you will not get a discounted rate for yard waste.  Also, the yard waste will be lost to the landfill.