Dead Body Found on Conveyor Belt at Inland Empire Recycling Center

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A dead body was discovered on a conveyor belt at a waste and recycling processing site in Fontana, California on Monday afternoon. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said there were no immediate signs of foul play or homicide, but the cause of death is still undetermined. Investigators are working to determine how the body ended up at the center run by Burrtec Waste Industries.

Why it matters

The discovery of a dead body at a waste processing facility raises concerning questions about how the individual ended up there and what the circumstances were surrounding their death. While foul play is not suspected at this time, the incident highlights the need for thorough investigations into any unexplained deaths to ensure public safety.

The details

The body of 51-year-old Justin Gill was found beneath a pile of trash on a conveyor belt at the West Valley Material Recovery Facility in Fontana around 4:22 pm on Monday. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation, but has not yet determined the cause of death.

• The body was discovered on Monday, March 17, 2026 around 4:22 pm.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Investigators are continuing to work to determine the cause of death and how the body ended up at the recycling facility.