Annual partnership allows neighbors to dispose of bulky items at no charge
(CLAIR | Moorpark, CA) — Moorpark residents will have the opportunity to visit the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center this Sunday, April 19, for their biannual Free Landfill Day, taking advantage of no-cost disposal for items too large or numerous for regular trash pickup.
The event at 2801 N. Madera Road will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., allowing Moorpark residents to drop off extra trash, bulky furniture, and recyclable materials without paying the facility's standard fees. Residents are limited to two loads per event, and proof of Moorpark residency, such as a driver's license or utility bill, will be required to participate. All loads are subject to inspection.
The partnership between Moorpark and the Simi Valley facility reflects the practical realities of waste management in Ventura County, where neighboring cities share resources to serve residents efficiently. The landfill, operated by WM (formerly Waste Management), provides services beyond city boundaries through agreements like this one. Residents of the unincorporated communities of Home Acres, Lexington Hills, and Santa Rosa Valley may also participate on Moorpark's designated dates.
Residents can dispose of oversized items that typically create disposal headaches: old mattresses, broken appliances, construction debris from home projects, and yard waste from major cleanups. The service targets materials that exceed what regular waste collection can handle, giving residents a legitimate outlet for items that might otherwise end up illegally dumped. Residents may also bring up to five passenger or pickup tires per visit, though commercial and tractor tires are charged at the standard gate rate.
The program excludes electronic waste and household hazardous waste such as batteries, paints, liquids, chemicals, fluorescent tubes, televisions, and computers, which require specialized handling. These restrictions protect both workers at the facility and the environment from materials that need different processing methods.
Moorpark gets two Free Landfill Days annually through its agreement with Simi Valley, both held on the third Sunday of the month. A second event for 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, also from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The timing of these events, spring and early fall, aligns with when residents typically tackle major cleaning projects. Spring cleaning season generates furniture replacements and home improvement debris, while fall brings yard cleanup materials before winter.
The Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center serves as a regional resource under WM's operation, handling waste from multiple communities under various partnership arrangements. Hosting these events makes productive use of facility capacity while serving the surrounding region.
The collaboration also demonstrates how smaller cities can access services that might be too expensive to operate independently. Rather than building separate facilities, communities can share infrastructure while maintaining local control over their waste programs.
Residents who cannot make Sunday's event can contact the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center at (805) 579-7267 for information about regular disposal options. Questions about Moorpark's solid waste programs can be directed to the city at (805) 517-6200, extension 462.
The September event will likely draw similar participation as residents prepare for winter and tackle end-of-summer cleanup projects. Details about acceptable items and requirements are available at moorparkca.gov/176.
These twice-yearly events highlight the practical partnerships that keep waste management functional across city boundaries, turning what could be a disposal challenge into a community service that benefits residents in both cities.
