Show All Answers

1. Who collects my garbage?

Placer County contracts with two haulers to provide service in the unincorporated areas of the county (please check the Franchise Area Map (PDF) to determine which area you live in):

• Recology Auburn Placer for all areas outside city limits west of Colfax
  (Franchise Areas 1 and 4)
• Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal for areas east of Colfax and in the Tahoe area
  (Franchise Areas 2 and 3)

2. Why don't I have a recycle bin?

Recycling can be confusing, so we do it for you!

In Placer County, One Big Bin makes it easy for businesses and residents by using a mixed-waste recycling program. 

Sorting Process

The waste collected in your garbage can goes to one of our two regional Materials Recovery Facilities where we:

• Process green and wood waste for composting or biomass
• Provide for receipt and recycling/proper disposal of Hazardous Wastes
• Receive and process source-separated recyclables
• Recover recyclables from the mixed waste stream

Learn more about One Big Bin in western Placer County and One Big Bin in the Tahoe area (PDF).

3. Can I get a green waste can?

In order to minimize the number of collection routes and trucks on the road, only certain areas of Placer County have the curbside green waste collection available. Contact your hauler for availability and options (see "Who collects my garbage?").

4. Is One Big Bin good for the environment?

Yes! No extra bags for sorting and no extra trucks on the road for separate collection routes!

By allowing recyclables to be included with garbage, in One Big Bin, Placer County:

• Ensures 100% participation
• Exceeds state-mandated waste diversion goals
• Minimizes greenhouse gas emissions by having one truck route to collect mixed trash and recyclables
• Provides uniformity in waste diversion and recycling programs

It's recycling and disposal made easy!

5. What happens to the garbage that isn't recycled?

After the garbage has been sorted at the Materials Recovery Facility, materials that cannot be recycled are taken to a landfill.

• In the western portion of the County garbage is disposed of at the Western Regional Sanitary Landfill in Roseville, the only active landfill in Placer County.
• In the eastern portion of the County garbage is taken to Lockwood Landfill in the state of Nevada.

6. How much does garbage service cost?

Garbage service rates vary based on where you live. Please check the Franchise Area Map (PDF) to determine which area you live in, then see your Garbage Collection Rates. Residents of cities should contact their local Public Works department.

7. How do I get rid of old medications, sharps and syringes?

These items are considered Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) and can be taken to the HHW facility at the Western Placer Waste Management Authority in Roseville (every day, free of charge), or to the Eastern Regional Materials Recover Facility in the Tahoe area during one of their free Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days (PDF) (fees apply for businesses, and disposal limits apply to both residents and businesses).

Sharps and syringes can also be taken to Recology Auburn Placer in Auburn.

Download and print this handy tool (PDF) to help remind you of our free drop-off locations for old medications, home-generated sharps and syringes.

8. What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) (PDF) is waste that is illegal to place in your trash can, such as:

• Medication
• Paints
• Poisons
• Sharps and syringes
• Solvents and oils
• Batteries

9. Where can I dispose of Household Hazardous Waste?

In western Placer County, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) can be taken to the Western Placer Waste Management Authority in Roseville (every day, free of charge). Visit PlacerRecycles.com for more information on HHW disposal for western Placer County. Depending on where you live, your garbage collection service provider may even provide free curbside pick-up (PDF) service for HHW.

Visit Tahoe's One Big Bin website for more information on HHW disposal options in the Tahoe region.

Transfer Stations Accepting HHW

Some HHW is also accepted at Transfer Stations located throughout western Placer County.

Auburn Transfer Station:

• Batteries: household and vehicle
• Compressed gas cylinders less than 5 gallons (camp sized)
• Electronic waste (computers, televisions, cell phones, stereos)
• Fluorescent tubes
• Latex paint
• Sharps (syringes and lancets)
• Used motor oil
• Used oil filters

Foresthill Transfer Station & Meadow Vista Transfer Station

• Batteries: household and vehicle
• Electronic waste (computers, televisions, cell phones, stereos)
• Fluorescent tubes
• Used oil filters

10. How do I properly transport Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?

• Do not mix materials; sort products by type
• Keep products in their original, tightly sealed containers, if possible
• Label materials not in their original containers
• Pack containers upright in cardboard or plastic containers
• Place leaking containers in tightly-sealed, labeled plastic containers
• Secure in the trunk of your car or bed of your truck

11. Where can I dispose of old batteries?

There are many choices for household battery collection sites in the western part of the county. Your garbage collection service provider may even provide free curbside pick-up service (PDF) for batteries.

Residents in the Tahoe area may also put household batteries in a sealable plastic bag and place the bag on top of their can on collection day.

12. What is mandatory commercial recycling (AB 341) and what services are available?

Mandatory commercial recycling is a California state law (AB 341) by which Placer County must provide recycling services to some businesses, and multi-family housing of five or more units. Placer County provides these services through private contractors in order to provide the recycling services required by state law. Learn more about AB 341.

13. What is mandatory commercial organics recycling (AB 1826) and what services are available?

Mandatory commercial organics recycling is a California state law (AB 1826) by which Placer County must provide organics recycling services to some businesses, in phases. Placer County offers food waste collection service, or businesses can opt to comply by recycling organic waste on-site, self-hauling green and/or wood waste, or donating to food banks. Learn more about AB 1826.

14. What are the organic waste bin requirements (AB 827) for customers?

Commercial organic waste bins for customer use are required by California state law (AB 827).  Businesses that have food consumed on-site are required to place organics bins or containers next to all trash receptacles on the premises (excluding the restroom).  The bins or containers must be clearly marked with labeling indicating which materials are appropriate for each container.  A full-service restaurant would be exempt from the law if certain criteria are met.  Learn more about AB 827.