October is Zero Waste Month, and Russian Riverkeeper is raising awareness on trash disposal in Sonoma County, focusing on items that wouldn’t go in your usual curbside bin.  Disposing of large or hazardous items like mattresses, batteries, furniture, and chemicals can be confusing, and proper disposal is crucial for keeping the Russian River clean and free of trash and pollutants. Here you’ll find information on local trash disposal so it doesn’t end up as roadside trash! If you do see large discarded items along the roadside, the best way to ensure timely pickup is to report it through the SoCo Connect report it app or website.  To be part of Russian Riverkeeper Clean Team’s efforts in removing roadside trash and debris, check out our regular adopt-a-highway and adopt-a-roadway volunteer events listed at www.russianriverkeeper.org/volunteer. We always need more volunteers to help us keep the river free from the constant flow of debris.  You can also help us keep it clean by spreading the word on large and hazardous item disposal! Read on for more details and tips!

Where does my trash go?

In Sonoma County, large items such as mattresses, furniture, and appliances need to be taken to specific locations designed to handle bulky items. The county has several waste management facilities for residents and businesses of Sonoma County.  Transfer sites may require proof of residency.

  • Healdsburg Transfer Station
    • Location: 166 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
    • Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Services: Accepts bulky items including furniture, appliances, electronic e-waste and general waste.
  • Guerneville Transfer Station
    • Location: 13450 Pocket Canyon Dr/Hwy 116
    • Hours: M-Tu 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Thurs-Sat 8:00am-4:00pm
    • Services- Free mattress disposal twice a year for residents! They also accept recyclables, construction demolition, tires, wood, bulky waste and yard waste.
  • Sonoma Transfer Station (Central Disposal Site with comprehensive services)
    • Location: 500 Mecham Road, Petaluma, CA 94952
    • Hours: Monday – Saturday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    • Services: Accepts bulky items like mattresses, furniture, appliances, batteries paints, cleaning chemicals, motor oil, electronic e-waste and household trash. Fees are charged based on the type and volume of waste.
  • Annapolis Transfer Station
    • Location: 33549 Annapolis Road, Annapolis, CA 95412
    • Hours: Tuesday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Services: Limited to smaller loads of bulky household waste.

Who picks up my trash?

We have several waste haulers in Sonoma County that provide curbside pickup of batteries, lightbulbs, Styrofoam, motor oil, textiles, small appliances, and empty propane canisters. Bulky item pickup is also available through waste haulers determined by residence/business address and includes:

  • Recology-Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, and Windsor.
    • Services: Offers residential, commercial, and industrial waste services, including scheduled curbside pickup. They also provide bulky item removal and recycling programs. Call to schedule: (206) 763.4444
  • Republic Services– Santa Rosa, Cloverdale, and Windsor.
    • Services: Offers residential, commercial, and industrial waste services, including scheduled curbside pickup of hazardous items. They also provide bulky item removal and recycling programs. Visit their disposal webpage for more information.
  • Redwood Empire Disposal– Northern Sonoma County including Healdsburg, Geyserville, and Cloverdale.
    • Services: Offers waste collection services, including large item pickup. Call for details: (707) 586-1478.
  • Sonoma County Resource Recovery– Windsor and surrounding areas.
    • Services: Provides comprehensive waste, recycling, and composting services. Windsor residents can schedule bulky item pickups twice a year for free, call (707) 795-7470 to schedule. No hazardous waste collection available.
  • Sonoma Garbage Collectors– Sonoma Valley, including Glen Ellen and Kenwood.
    • Services: Residential and commercial trash collection, recycling, and green waste pickup.

What are the impacts of roadside trash in Sonoma County?

Roadside dumping in Sonoma County is a significant issue, with cleanups costing the county alone around $500,000 annually. We see this problem occurring daily in rural parts of the county where some dump illegally to avoid fees, out of convenience, or due to a lack of awareness about disposal options and the impacts to the environment.  Roadside trash can have significant environmental impacts, harming local ecosystems, water quality, and wildlife.  Runoff during rain events can cause serious leaching of chemicals that can contaminate groundwater, for example. Large items can block access, contaminate habitat and cause degradation. Microplastics are another huge problem created in part by roadside trash. They are consumed by animals and make their way up the food chain.  Not to mention it’s unsightly appearance and impacts to recreation and tourism.  Nothing ruins a day on the river more than someone else’s trash left behind.  Eventually, trash could make its way to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch that continues to grow larger each year.

We can help lessen the impact of roadside dumping by spreading the word about disposal options, continuing to participate in community cleanups, and advocate for better enforcement through public reporting systems like the “So Co Report It” app. This app allows residents to report illegal dumping sites so local agencies can respond.  Proper disposal of unusual trash items not only keeps Sonoma County clean but also protects the environment and supports public health.

You can also help the trash problem by coming out and being part of our clean-up crew!  Last year, Russian Riverkeeper Clean Team pulled 206,110 pounds of trash out of the watershed and is on track for similar numbers for 2024.  This year, 600 volunteers participated in the 38th Annual Russian River Watershed cleanup on September 21st and removed 9.45 TONS of trash and 114 tires!  It’s safe to say we have a trash problem in the Russian River Watershed where a consistent effort is needed to keep trash and debris out of the river.

By using the correct facilities and services for disposal, you can ensure that hazardous or bulky waste is handled safely.  If you encounter illegal dumping, reporting it helps maintain the beauty of our community. Let’s all work together to keep Sonoma County clean and sustainable!

For more information on local disposal options, check out Zero Waste Sonoma’s trash guide and calendar with FREE COLLECTION EVENTS for hazardous waste, e-waste, mattresses, and medications in your area!

 

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