Republic Services Courtney Ridge Landfill

Republic Services Courtney Ridge Landfill is the big burial site that handles the area's heavier trash loads; both household cleanouts and commercial haulers use it. Located off Route 291 near Sugar Creek/Independence, it feels like one of those large St. Louis-area operations rather than a tiny rural pit.

Drive past an incoming scale house where trucks are weighed - tipping fees are calculated by weight, so plan for a weigh-in and weigh-out. Pull up to the booth, get directed toward the active cell and then dump at the instructed spot; there’s a lot of earthmoving equipment visible and long rows of compacted cover. The site stretches wide with berms and lined cells, so expect some walking if accessing recycling or drop-off points. Weekends and spring cleanup times usually have longer lines, and commercial trucks are a regular presence.