Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Delano
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone
Recycling
Varies by neighborhood zone
Yard Waste
Varies by neighborhood zone
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential refuse services are billed monthly on your combined City of Delano utility statement alongside water services.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In-Person, Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
A Senior Citizen utility discount is available for qualifying Delano residents through the Finance Department.
Black or Grey Cart Bin (Trash)
All household refuse must be securely bagged. Carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your designated service day, ensuring a 3-foot clearance from vehicles and other bins.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Diapers and pet waste
- ✓Styrofoam and packing peanuts
- ✓Treated wood
- ✓Chip bags and non-recyclable plastics
Blue Cart Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be placed loosely into the blue cart, unbagged. Break down all cardboard boxes to maximize cart capacity.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and paper
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Rigid plastic containers
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic garbage bags
- ✕Food waste or liquids
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires, cords)
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕E-waste
Yard Waste Bin
Never use plastic bags for organic waste. Place all food scraps and yard debris directly into the green cart to comply with state organics laws.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Small branches and weeds
- ✓Fruit and vegetable scraps
- ✓Meat, dairy, and bones
- ✓Food-soiled paper products
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Call-to-schedule basis through Public Works, plus bi-annual STRR Community Clean-Up Days.
Placement
Do not place bulky items at the curb until you have a confirmed pickup date to avoid city code violations for illegal dumping.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, desks, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large appliances (refrigerators, washers)
- ✓ Bundled yard waste
- ✓ E-waste
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Dirt, concrete, and heavy construction debris
- ✕ Liquid paints and solvents
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
Contact the Public Works Department at (661) 721-3350 for information on free annual pickup limits and potential overage fees.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on a weekday, residential collection for that day and the remainder of the week will be delayed by one day. Friday routes will be serviced on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
STRR follows the exact same holiday delay schedule for your blue recycling and green organics carts.
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there are no changes to the regular Monday-Friday collection schedule.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - JanuaryChristmas trees can be recycled after the holidays. Trees must be completely stripped of lights, ornaments, tinsel, and stands. Flocked trees are considered trash and must be disposed of accordingly.
Fall
October - NovemberDuring peak harvest and leaf-drop season, ensure your green cart is not overfilled. Lids must close completely to prevent loose leaves from blowing into the streets during windy days.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Those Cans and Bottles into Cash Around Delano!
Hey Delano neighbors! Did you know you can get a little cash back for your recyclables? While Delano itself might not have a dedicated buyback center right in town, California has a state program that makes it easy. Just look for the CRV (California Refund Value) on plastic, glass, and aluminum containers. Many grocery stores and larger retail spots outside of Delano, like in nearby Bakersfield or Tulare, often have recycling centers where you can redeem these items for cash. Keep an eye out for signs that say "Recycling Center" or "Buyback Center" when you're out and about!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Delano
Before you toss out those items that are still in good shape, think about donating them! In the Delano area, you might find local churches or community organizations that would be thrilled to accept donations of clothing, furniture, or household goods. A quick search for "charities Delano CA" or "thrift stores near Delano" could point you toward places that help support local families. Sometimes, even smaller, independent shops are happy to take good quality items, giving them a new home and keeping them out of the landfill.
Keeping Our Streets Clean: Tackling Trashy Situations in Delano
We all want Delano to look its best, right? If you ever spot illegal dumping – those piles of trash left where they shouldn't be – it's important to let the city know. You can usually report this by calling the City of Delano Public Works department at 661-725-0265. They work hard to address these issues and keep our community tidy. Also, keep an ear out for any community clean-up events that pop up; participating is a great way to meet neighbors and make a real difference right here at home.
Drop-off Facilities
McFarland-Delano Transfer Station
11249 Stradley Avenue, Delano, CA 93215
Materials Accepted
STRR Delano Office
912 High Street, Delano, CA 93215
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call if my recycling or organics cart is broken in Delano?
While the City of Delano handles your standard trash, you need to contact South Tulare-Richgrove Refuse (STRR) at (661) 725-0265 for any issues related to your blue recycling or green organics carts.
Am I allowed to put food waste in my regular black garbage bin?
No. Under California's SB 1383 law, all residents must separate organic waste. Food scraps, including meat, dairy, bones, and soiled paper, must go directly into the green organics cart to be composted.
How do I get rid of an old mattress or couch in Delano?
You can dispose of large furniture by calling the City of Delano Public Works Department at (661) 721-3350 to schedule a bulky item pickup. Alternatively, you can wait for one of STRR's bi-annual Community Clean-Up Days.
Where can I drop off used motor oil or old TVs?
Kern County operates the McFarland-Delano Transfer Station at 11249 Stradley Avenue, where Delano residents can drop off used motor oil and electronic waste (like TVs and monitors) free of charge.