Johnson Canyon Sanitary Landfill

Johnson Canyon Sanitary Landfill is the big county landfill out past Gonzales where residential and commercial trucks take their final loads. Locals, landscapers, and haulers use it when curbside pickup or transfer stations aren’t an option. The site sits on Johnson Canyon Road and looks like the typical working dump - lots of roll-off trailers, heavy equipment, and dirt roads.

Drive up to an entrance booth and be prepared to pull onto a scale; tipping fees are usually charged by weight or per load and you’ll stop again after unloading. The recycling drop-offs are typically off to one side, with the main landfill area and compactors farther in; expect to follow attendants’ directions and travel on gravel roads. There’s a lot of truck traffic and dust, so watch for loaders and backed-up lines, especially on weekends or during spring cleanup season. The whole place is large and spread out - bring a tarp for loose material and plan for a short wait if several commercial trucks are ahead of you.