Chiquita Canyon, LLC has announced that the Chiquita Canyon Landfill is closing active waste disposal operations effective Jan. 1, 2025. The last day for accepting incoming solid waste at the landfill is Tuesday, Dec. 31. While waste disposal operations will conclude, Chiquita Canyon, LLC will continue to manage the landfill, address the noxious odor incident occurring onsite and oversee closure and post-closure activities.

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, who represents the Santa Clarita Valley and was active in efforts to close the dump, released the following statement:

“The announcement of Chiquita Canyon Landfill’s closure is a major victory for the residents of Val Verde, Castaic and surrounding Santa Clarita communities, who have endured unacceptable impacts to their health and quality of life. This moment would not have been possible without the decisive action taken by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board, one of the State’s nine Regional Water Boards, who denied the landfill’s application to expand operations. Today the landfill has found no economic viability to continue trash operations.

While the end of incoming trash means that you will no longer smell the odor of new trash being added to the site, there is still much to be done to address the underground 40 acre fire that will likely be burning for many years. Now, we must focus on this ongoing disaster to ensure the landfill operator upholds its contractual obligations and follows state laws to ensure the long-term stability of the landfill in addition to addressing the public health and environmental disaster that remains. The state and local agencies must continue to work together to implement comprehensive mitigation efforts that hold Waste Connections and Chiquita Canyon Landfill responsible and prioritize the health and safety of our residents.

I remain committed to collaborating with local leaders, Los Angeles County officials, and our state and federal agencies to support affected families, ensure accountability, and develop solutions for the challenges our region continues to face. This includes authoring legislation to exempt compensation from state taxes and state assistance eligibility, as well as securing funding to assist with relocation expenses for those impacted by the landfill.

Thank you to everyone who has raised their voices, to the state agencies, whose leadership and enforcement were critical in addressing the landfill’s persistent violations and ultimately making clear that closure was necessary, and to our community stakeholders who have remained steadfast in holding the landfill accountable. Together, we will continue working toward a healthier, safer future for all.”

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, who represents the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement on the landfll’s closure:

“The closure of the landfill was expected so I’ve been monitoring this development closely. This is a significant change for our community and brings a responsibility to carefully assess its impacts on residents, businesses, and our regional waste management system. To address these concerns proactively, I will introduce a motion at the next Board of Supervisors meeting directing Public Works to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the closure’s implications. This review will examine its effect on waste disposal operations, environmental considerations, and community health. I’m committed to ensuring that this transition doesn’t lead to any form of price gouging or unfair practices in waste management services. Protections must be in place to prevent increased financial burdens on our residents and businesses. I want to emphasize that my top priority, though, continues to be bringing relief to the community that continues being afflicted by the landfill’s noxious odors. The landfill’s closure will not stop their suffering since the incident is occurring in a closed, inactive portion. The lawsuit Los Angeles County has filed against Chiquita Canyon Landfill’s owners and operators, pursuing relief for impacted communities, seeks to right that wrong.”

Regulatory agencies have been closely monitoring the landfill’s operational challenges and evaluating potential impacts arising from its closure. These include changes in waste hauling operations for those who utilized Chiquita Canyon Landfill, as well as longer hauling distances to alternate disposal sites.

Los Angeles County Public Works has been preparing and coordinating with affected waste haulers and regional landfill operators to ensure service continuity for residents in unincorporated Los Angeles County.

“As the agency responsible for regional waste planning in Los Angeles County, we will ensure there are no disruptions to trash collection services in our unincorporated communities and will work closely with the City of Santa Clarita to help prevent any disruptions to their services as well,” said Mark Pestrella, P.E., Director of Los Angeles County Public Works. “The health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”

The county, which is the government agency responsible for landfills in L.A. County, issued a statement that officials will continue to monitor this situation and ensure residents are kept informed of any updates related to waste management services in light of the landfill’s decision to stop accepting waste.