Special Handling
“What Do I Do With This?”
Not sure how to get rid of something that can’t be tossed in your cart or bin? Check out the list below for safe disposal options in Fresno County. Remember, illegal dumping isn’t just against the law—it hurts our community and environment. Let’s work together to keep Fresno County safe and clean for everyone!
Large Appliances
In California, state law prohibits landfills and scrap dealers from accepting discarded appliances without a "Certificate of Recycling," proving that all hazardous materials have been removed by a Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR). Here are some options on how to manage the disposal of appliances responsibly:
Certified Appliance Recyclers (CARs)
Use CARs, certified by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DRSC), to ensure safe disposal. CARs manage hazardous materials and provide a “Certificate of Recycling” to confirm compliant processing. Find a Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) Near You.
Retailer Take-Back
See if the retailer offers an appliance removal service when purchasing new appliances.
Acutely Hazardous Waste
If you have any questions or need information about where to dispose of appliances, please call the Resources Division at 559-600-4259 or email recycling@fresnocountyca.gov.
Ammunition, Gunpowder, Fireworks, and Other Explosives
For safe disposal of ammunition, gunpowder, fireworks, and other explosives, contact your local fire station, police department, or sheriff’s office for guidance.
In Fresno County, you can reach the Sheriff’s Office at 559-600-3111. For incorporated cities within Fresno County, visit our links and resources page for additional contact information.
Carpet
Recycling your old household carpet helps divert waste from landfills and reduces the environmental impact.
Unlike area rugs, which are not accepted through the same programs, home-installed carpets can be transformed into new materials, conserving resources and lowering pollution. For more information on recycling options, visit the CARE program or CalRecycle. Use the drop-off locator below to find a convenient recycling site.
Mattresses
In California, a state mandate requires an $11 fee on all new mattress purchases to fund the collection and recycling of old mattresses, ensuring responsible disposal.
Retailers have up to 30 days to pick up your old mattress. However, if the mattress poses a health or safety risk, the retailer may refuse to collect it.
If you encounter any issues with compliance, you can visit ByeByeMattress.com or contact the program at info@byebyemattress.com or 1-855-229-1691 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST).
Plastic Bags
Flexible plastics, such as plastic shopping bags, can get tangled in the machinery at solid waste facilities, leading to costly equipment breakdowns and inefficiencies.
Roofing Material
Roofing tar is accepted at the Environmental Compliance Center (ECC). For all other roofing materials, contact your waste hauler for disposal options.
Tires
There is no known rate of decomposition for used tires.
In fact, tires can take nearly a century to decompose and may contribute to landfill fires, so disposing of them safely at designated locations is vital.
Fresno County residents can dispose of used tires at the American Avenue Disposal Site at 18950 W. American Ave, Kerman, CA. Rates start at $2.33 per passenger vehicle tire. For detailed pricing, refer to the updated rate sheet here.
Unincorporated Fresno County residents can take advantage of Tire Amnesty events held throughout the year. These events allow the drop-off of up to nine passenger tires without rims at no charge. Check your mail for notifications, visit our events page, or call 559-600-4259 for upcoming event details.
Please Note: If you need to haul more than nine tires, you must contact the Fresno County Department of Health for an exemption letter. Failure to do this may result in a fine.
Vehicles (Abandoned)
Abandoned vehicles often require special handling due to hazardous materials like fluids and batteries.
For information on how to properly dispose of or recycle vehicle parts, contact the Resources Division at (559) 600-4259.
If the vehicle is on private property, the property owner is typically responsible for its removal. They may need to arrange for a towing service or contact local authorities for guidance.
To report abandoned vehicles in the City of Fresno, contact Code Enforcement at 559-621-8400.
If the vehicle is on a state highway or freeway, reach out to the California Highway Patrol at 559-441-5400 for assistance.
RISKS OF IMPROPER DISPOSAL
Did you know it’s illegal to dump trash and bulky items in front of homes, businesses, rural properties, or on the street? Illegal dumping is not only harmful to the environment but also costly for community clean-up efforts. Here's how you can help:
- Dispose of waste properly: Use our free drop-off locations for trash, bulky items, or hazardous waste. Learn about our Community Cleanup Coupon.
- Secure your waste: Lock or cover your bin, and secure debris in your vehicle.
- Report illegal dumping: See it? Report It! Observe and report illegal dumping activities by noting details such as who, what, where, when, and how. For reports or more information, visit FresnoCountyRoads.com or call Road Maintenance and Operations at 559-600-4240. For city limits, contact your city's Solid Waste Department.
Let’s all do our part to protect our environment and community!
SPECIAL HANDLING
SPECIAL HANDLING DROP-OFF LOCATIONS
| Location Name | Address | Phone | Items | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Compliance Center - Household Hazardous Waste Facility | 1327 West Dan Ronquillo Drive, Fresno CA 93706 | 600-4259 | Roofing Materials | See the HHW drop-off locations page to see the full list of accepted items at this location. |
| American Avenue Disposal Site | 18950 W American Ave, Kerman, CA 93630 | 600-4259 | Large Appliances (without freon), Mattresses, Tires | |
| Bruno’s Iron & Metal/Recycling | 3211 S Golden State Blvd, Fresno, CA 93725 | 233-6543 | Large Appliances (without freon) | |
| CARTS (Cedar Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station) | 3457 S Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93725 | 233-1158 | Large Appliances (without freon), Mattresses, Tires | |
| Mid Valley Disposal | 2721 S Elm Ave, Fresno, CA 93706 | 237-9425 | Large Appliances (without freon), Mattresses | |
| Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps | 1805 E California Ave, Fresno, CA 93706 | 264-1048 | Mattresses | |
| ReStore | 1631 Railroad Ave, Clovis, CA 93612 | 237-7867 | Large Appliances (without freon) | |
| SA Recycling | 3489 S Chestnut Ave, Fresno, CA 93725 | 237-6677 | Large Appliances (with or without freon) | |
| Radius Recycling | 2727 S Chestnut Ave, Fresno, CA 93725 | 233-3211 | Large Appliances | This location does not accept any AC units but will accept other large appliances. Please call for additional details. |
| Thermal-Aire | 441-8285 | Large Appliances (without freon) | ||
| Central Floor Supply | 5963 E Clinton Ave, Fresno, CA 93727 | 217-7707 | Carpet | Household quantities. No area rugs. |
| Central Floor Supply | 2434 Ashlan Ave, Fresno, CA 93726 | 217-6966 | Carpet | Household quantities. No area rugs. |
| Robinson’s Interior Carpet One Floor & Home | 292 W Herndon Ave, Fresno, CA 93650 | 412-2900 | Carpet | Household quantities. No area rugs. |
| West Coast Waste | 3077 S Golden State Frontage Rd, Fresno, CA 93725 | 497-5320 | Carpet | |
| Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps | 1805 E California Ave, Fresno, CA 93706 | 264-1048 | Mattresses | |
| Central Tire Company | 3815 E Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93702 | 264-7156 | Tires | If you must haul more than nine tires, contact the Fresno County Department of Health for an exemption letter. |
| City of Clovis Recycling and Refuse | 1033 Fifth St, Clovis, CA, 93612 | 324-2604 | Tire | Call for details. |
| City of Fresno Code Enforcement | 2600 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721 | 621-8400 | Tire | Call for details. |
| Ramon’s Tire Service | 261 Oller St, Mendota, CA 93640 | 655-3739 | Tires | If you must haul more than nine tires, contact the Fresno County Department of Health for an exemption letter. |
| Village Tire | 2031 Simpson St, Kingsburg, CA 93631 | 897-5129 | Tires | If you must haul more than nine tires, contact the Fresno County Department of Health for an exemption letter. |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County | 540 N Augusta St, Fresno, CA 93701 | 266-3117 | Vehicles | |
| iPull-uPull Auto Wrecking | 2274 E Muscat Ave, Fresno, CA 93725 | 445-4117 | Vehicles | |
| Pick-n-Pull | 3230 E Jensen Ave, Fresno, CA 93706 | 233-3881 | Vehicles | |
| Salvation Army | 1752 Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93721 | 233-0139 | Vehicles | |
| Westside Self-Service Auto Dismantlers | 2641 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728 | 237-5591 | Vehicles |