Construction Debris: What You Can (and Can't) Take to the Dump
Renovating your home? Drywall, lumber, concrete, and roofing materials have different disposal rules than regular trash. Here's what to know.
Read more →
Landfill
Prima Deshecha Sanitary Landfill
Prima Deshecha Sanitary Landfill, 32250 La Pata Avenue, San Juan Capistrano, 92675, California
Prima Deshecha Sanitary Landfill on La Pata Avenue in San Juan Capistrano is the large burial site where residential and commercial trucks bring trash. It’s a working landfill - big dirt cells and heavy equipment - used by anyone dropping off loads that won’t go to curbside pickup.
Drive in to an entrance booth and then over a vehicle scale; fees are charged by weight so plan to stop again when you leave. The site is expansive with long drive lanes and heavy machinery operating, so allow extra room for trucks and trailers. Recycling and drop-off points are separate from the main tipping areas, and lines tend to build on weekends and during spring cleanups.
Facility Information
Before You Go
- Separate organics from the rest of the load before getting there - California requires organics diversion in many places, and having them ready avoids extra sorting.
- Secure and cover loads; there’s a scale in and out and loose material means extra cleanup and delays.
- Try to avoid weekend mornings and spring-cleanup weekends if possible - those are the busiest times and queues at the scale can be long.
Explore More
Disposal Guides
Learn how to properly dispose of common items.
Electronics Recycling: Where to Take Old TVs, Computers, and Phones
E-waste rules vary wildly by state. Some ban electronics from landfills entirely. Here's how to recycle old TVs, computers, and phones properly.
Read more →
Hazardous Waste Collection Days: What They Take and How to Prepare
Most counties run free household hazardous waste collection events. Here's what qualifies, how to find your local event, and how to store stuff safely until then.
Read more →