Frank R. Bowerman Sanitary Landfill

Frank R. Bowerman Sanitary Landfill on Bee Canyon Access Road is the big county landfill out past Irvine, used by homeowners clearing out stuff, local haulers, and commercial trucks. It’s the place things get buried rather than recycled, so expect a large, industrial-feeling operation with steady truck traffic.

There’s an entrance booth and a weigh scale - tipping fees at landfills are generally weight-based, so stopping to be weighed is part of the routine. After the scale, vehicles are directed to a large tipping area where heavy equipment moves material and you’ll see layered mounds of compacted trash. Lines build up on weekends and during spring cleanup, and commercial rigs are a constant presence. Because California requires strong waste diversion, many sites in the area separate green organics from regular trash, so be prepared to sort if needed.