Orange County landfill fees & rules for FY 2026–27.
Use this guide to check the current public disposal rates, locations, hours, proof rules and special-waste restrictions before you load the vehicle. County policies can change, so confirm the details with OC Waste & Recycling before you leave.
Published August 18, 2026 · Reviewed August 29, 2026 · By Get That Junk Out
Current OC landfill rates (FY 2026–27)
| Charge | Rate |
|---|---|
| Autos, passenger minivans and SUVs — under 360 lb | $15 |
| Pickup trucks, utility vans and cargo vans — under 880 lb | $30 |
| Hard-to-handle items longer than 6 ft | +$15 |
| Vehicles carrying more than 880 lb | $92.70 / ton |
| Vehicles over 880 lb, including hard-to-handle material | $107.70 / ton |
Rates shown are effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Check the official OC Waste & Recycling fee schedule for definitions, exemptions and updates.
Public locations and gate rules
Two OC landfills accept public disposal.
Olinda Alpha Landfill, 1942 N. Valencia Ave., Brea, is open Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Prima Deshecha Landfill, 32250 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano, is open Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Holiday schedules can differ.
Frank R. Bowerman Landfill permits commercial disposal only; no public disposal is permitted. Commercial customers must provide a current Orange County-based business license, California contractor license, or another acceptable form of business identification.
Regular waste must originate in Orange County.
Be prepared to show a driver's license with an OC address, a current utility bill for the waste-origin address, or a contract showing that address; proof may be requested.
Loads must be covered and secured.
OC Waste & Recycling says an uncovered or unsecured load may result in a warning, violation notice, citation, or refusal at the landfill. Use a securely fastened tarp and tie down large items. See the County's load-safety guidance and California Vehicle Code sections 23114 and 23115.
Mattresses and special waste
Eligible mattress-only residential loads
Eligible, uncontaminated mattress-only residential loads are accepted free at Olinda Alpha and Prima Deshecha. Mattresses mixed with other waste must remain separated, and standard waste-disposal fees apply. Review the County mattress program before visiting.
Keep restricted materials out of the landfill load
Tires are not accepted at any Orange County landfill. Electronics belong at household hazardous-waste centers, not in a landfill load. Orange County residents may use the County's four household hazardous-waste centers at no charge; business hazardous waste follows a separate program.
For public self-haul, treated wood waste is accepted at Prima Deshecha under specific requirements: it needs a manifest, must stay separate and cannot be coated or painted. Bowerman also accepts it from eligible commercial customers; Olinda Alpha does not accept it. Check the official OCWR FAQ for current material rules.
Build a fair DIY-versus-service comparison
| DIY cost or effort | What to check |
|---|---|
| Landfill charge | Use the official vehicle, weight and material schedule above |
| Vehicle | Your current rental quote, mileage policy and insurance |
| Travel | Fuel, tolls and the round trip to the appropriate public site |
| Loading supplies | Helpers, gloves, eye protection, straps and a secured tarp |
| Time and handling | Sorting, loading, driving, unloading and vehicle return |
| Hauling service | Compare the complete scope with a written quote |
Self-hauling can make sense when you already have the right vehicle, can secure the load and have a County-approved destination for every material. For help, compare the full DIY total with our published hauling prices or request a written quote for the actual scope.