Trash & Recycling in Clovis, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Clovis or are thinking about moving there, trash & recycling are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Clovis has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of trash & recycling, and some of them might surprise you.

Bulk Item Disposal

Mid Valley Disposal provides annual bulky item pickups for Clovis residential customers—typically 2 free appointments per year for items like furniture, mattresses, and appliances. Additional pickups may have fees.

Key details: Free Pickups: 2 per year (typical). Hauler: Mid Valley Disposal. Schedule: In advance required. Excluded: HHW, tires. Appliances: Accepted.

Clovis is more permissive than most cities when it comes to bulk item disposal. That said, there are still limits.

Recycling Requirements

CA SB 1383 (effective 2022) mandates organic waste diversion for all residents and businesses. Clovis provides organics carts for food scraps and yard waste. Edible food recovery rules apply to large food generators.

Key details: State Law: CA SB 1383. Green Cart: Organics + yard waste. Blue Cart: Paper, cardboard, #1/2 plastics. CRV: Cash at redemption centers. Penalty (biz): Up to $10,000/day.

Repeated contamination: cart rejection, corrective education. Large commercial non-compliance: city citation, state penalties up to $10,000/day.

This is one of the stricter rules in Clovis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Bin Placement Rules

Mid Valley Disposal carts placed at curb no earlier than 5 PM the evening before pickup; must be removed by 7 PM the day of collection. Carts must be 3 ft apart and clear of mailboxes, vehicles, and hydrants.

Key details: Hauler: Mid Valley Disposal. Out After: 5 PM day before. Remove By: 7 PM pickup day. Cart Spacing: 3 ft apart. Fine: $50–$100.

Overnight cart on curb: written warning, then $50–$100 fine. Blocking hydrant: immediate fine and possible tow.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Weekly curbside pickup via Mid Valley Disposal: trash (gray/black), recycling (blue), and organics (green) per CA SB 1383 organic waste rules. Missed pickup: report within 24–48 hours.

Key details: Frequency: Weekly. Carts: Trash, Recycle, Organics. Organics Law: CA SB 1383. Out By: 6 AM. Holidays: 1-day shift.

Contaminated recycling/organics: warning tag, then rejection. Repeat contamination: can trigger SB 1383 city enforcement.

The Bottom Line

Clovis's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Clovis is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Clovis can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.