While unloading a truckload of debris recently, I reflected on the nearly 40 years I've been coming to Cold Canyon. The reason for my visits has nearly always been the same, but the site has certainly changed -- and for the better!
I was particularly taken aback by the newly-opened road to the ""top of the hill,"" which gives dumpers a spectacular panorama of the Edna Valley and Corbett Canyon vineyards, with none of the boisterous seagull commotion of the past. Thanks, I suppose, to the explosive deterrent experiments, conveniently announced on signs upon entry.
In addition, both odor and pell-mell style dumping have been nearly eliminated, thanks to dutiful staff, both at the entrance kiosk and the garbage mountain. Dumping is now very efficient and non-threatening, and comfortably directed by clearly-marked staff in reflective vests, sunglasses and helmets.
I must withhold a five-star rating, because Cold Canyon charges a lot for disposal of appliances, which means these will end up in ditches somewhere. Also, the staff can be a bit testy on occasion, particularly regarding the ill-considered county ordinance requiring loads to be covered with a tarp (the tarp is almost certain to blow off in transit before the garbage does).
Also, the hazardous waste disposal hours are very short and inconvenient to many hazardous waste producers like myself.
However, this remains SLO County's finest landfill, year after year, and I am confident that their dedication to improvement will surprise any visitor who still remembers it as ""The Dump.""
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