San Joaquin County Closes Foothill Landfill, Shifts Disposal to North County Facility
SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): San Joaquin County has permanently shut down the Foothill Sanitary Landfill. The decision is part of the County’s long-term efforts to improve waste management and lower operating expenses.
The move reflects a broader trend toward consolidating waste facilities to manage costs and capacity more efficiently, a focus regularly covered on the RecyclingMonster recycling and waste management platform.
Foothill Landfill Stops Accepting Waste, Disposal Redirected to North County
The landfill officially stopped accepting all waste on June 28, 2026. All disposal activities are now redirected to the North County Recycling Center and Sanitary Landfill.
According to County officials, the move follows a detailed review of the local waste management system, which concluded that operating a single primary landfill would be more beneficial for the County.
Consolidation Delivers Significant Cost Savings and Lower Disposal Charges
The consolidation is expected to save nearly $80 million over the next 15 years. Authorities noted that these savings have already helped reduce residential waste disposal charges by 12% to 18%.
These financial benefits are a key driver behind the closure decision, allowing the County to stabilize long-term waste management costs while maintaining service access for residents.
Phased Transition Minimizes Disruption for Haulers and Residents
The transition was carried out in stages to minimize disruption. Self-haul services at the Foothill site ended earlier in 2026.
Following this, the remaining landfill operations were terminated in a phased manner, giving haulers and local communities time to adjust to the new disposal routes and facility access.
North County and Lovelace Facilities Expand Capacity to Serve Households
To support the increased waste volumes, the North County facility received approvals to expand its permitted capacity and vehicle limits.
County officials stated that the upgraded North County landfill, together with the Lovelace Materials Recovery Facility and Transfer Station, will continue providing reliable disposal services to local households.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Foothill Sanitary Landfill stop accepting waste?
The Foothill Sanitary Landfill officially stopped accepting all waste on June 28, 2026.
Where are disposal activities now being handled?
All disposal activities have been redirected to the North County Recycling Center and Sanitary Landfill.
How much is the County expected to save from the consolidation?
The consolidation is expected to save nearly $80 million over the next 15 years.
How have residential waste disposal charges changed?
Authorities report that residential waste disposal charges have been reduced by 12% to 18% as a result of the savings.
Which facilities will serve households after Foothill’s closure?
The upgraded North County landfill, along with the Lovelace Materials Recovery Facility and Transfer Station, will continue to provide disposal services to local households.
Market Relevance
The closure of Foothill Sanitary Landfill and consolidation of operations at North County demonstrate how counties can streamline landfill infrastructure to reduce costs, maintain service reliability, and support long-term waste management planning.
