The controversial Chiquita Canyon Landfill in Castaic is closing this week, with Tuesday being the last day for waste to be accepted.
“Chiquita Canyon, LLC has announced that the Chiquita Canyon Landfill is closing active waste disposal operations effective January 1, 2025,” the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a news release. “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.”
Due to what landfill operators call a “reaction event” that resulted in a fire underneath the surface of refuse, area residents have complained of a variety of health impacts, including headaches, nausea, and eye and throat irritation.
Barger, who serves as chair of the Board of Supervisors, added in the release that “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,” Barger said. “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.”
Despite those concerns, the health of those living nearby remains “my top priority,” Barger added.
“The landfill’s closure will not stop their suffering since the incident is occurring in a closed, inactive portion,” she said. “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.”
Landfill managers have said that they are “working cooperatively” with regulatory agencies to address the issues.
“Chiquita takes very seriously its role in the safe operation of the landfill,” said a statement issued in 2023.
The controversial Chiquita Canyon Landfill in Castaic is closing this week, with Tuesday being the last day for waste to be accepted. “Chiquita Canyon, LLC has announced that the Chiquita Canyon Landfill is closing active waste disposal operations effective January 1, 2025,” the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a news […]
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