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Prima Deshecha Landfill is the big county landfill out past San Juan Capistrano, used by both homeowners clearing out garages and contractors hauling commercial loads. It’s the place trash ends up when recycling and organics aren’t an option, and the site handles large, heavy deliveries rather than small curbside pickups.
Drive up to a staffed entrance booth and be prepared to pull onto a scale - tipping fees are typically charged by weight so expect to stop again on the way out. The site is large and open, with compacted dirt roads and piles of covered material; commercial trucks and roll-offs are common. Recycling or organics drop-offs, if available, are usually located near the entrance area but check signage when you get there. Weekends and spring cleanup periods can be noticeably busy, with lines of trucks waiting to get weighed.
Facility Information
Before You Go
- Bring a tarp or tied cover for loose loads; local crews notice uncontained debris and it can slow unloading.
- Have vehicles staged so heavy boxes or demolition material can be unloaded directly - it speeds up the process when there’s a long line.
- If hauling commercial loads, factor in extra time for scale-in and scale-out and for maneuvering larger trucks around the tipping faces.
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Disposal Guides
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