Solid Waste Management
Summary of Refuse Ordinance
Three franchised garbage collection companies, Bertolotti Disposal, Gilton Solid Waste, and Turlock Scavenger provide residential and commercial garbage service in the unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County. Each of the garbage companies have a designated "franchise area" determining where they are authorized to provide service. View additional information regarding solid waste services, recycling and telephone numbers for the garbage collection companies. For detailed information regarding solid waste management in Stanislaus County, the County Refuse Ordinance can be viewed online.
A summary of key provisions of the refuse ordinance:
- Mandatory Service Area - “Mandatory collection service area” means all unincorporated areas with the following general plan land use designation: urban transition, estate, low, medium or medium-high density residential, historical, planned development, highway commercial/planned development, commercial, industrial transition, industrial or planned industrial. If your property is located in one of these designated areas, weekly garbage service must be provided by the appropriate franchised refuse collector.
- Effective February 8, 2008, approval from the Department of Environmental Resources is no longer required for reduced service in the non-mandatory collection area. Please contact your hauler directly.
- Garbage carts required - Carts are provided to you and are the property of the garbage company that services your area. Carts are provided for the disposal of all garbage, rubbish and greenwaste produced at your location.
- Placement of carts - Carts should be placed in the alley, if you have one, or immediately adjacent to the nearest county or state maintained road that is accessible to the garbage company. All carts should be in place for pick up the night before scheduled service or no later than 5:00 a.m. on the day of service. Carts should be removed from the alley or street no later than 6:00 p.m. on the day of service and screened from public view.
- Number of carts - It is expected that County customers will have a sufficient number of refuse carts to meet the needs of their household, thus eliminating over-filled carts and greatly reducing litter.
- Overfilled carts - The lid of the carts should be closed to prevent litter, animals, and pests from gaining access. Over filled carts may not be serviced by the garbage company.
- What cannot go in the cart - No one shall place any tires, hard to handle waste or substance, explosive, highly flammable, radioactive, toxic or other hazardous waste in the cart for disposal. DO NOT place "hot" ashes from your fireplace or BBQ in the cart as a fire may start!
There are many products commonly found in and around the home that are considered hazardous and are prohibited from being placed within the cart for disposal. Household items that are considered hazardous can include paint, oil, car batteries, aerosol products, and pool chemicals. - If your garbage is missed - Contact your garbage company.
- Holidays - Most of the garbage companies observe four Holiday's per year. These are New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas. During holiday weeks service will be performed a day behind schedule. For example if your service day is Tuesday and Tuesday is a Holiday, your garbage will be picked up on Wednesday. Please contact your garbage company if you have any questions.
