How Selma Handles Trash & Recycling: A Practical Guide

Selma maintains 97 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with trash & recycling. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Selma falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Bulk Item Disposal

Selma provides two free bulky item pickups per household per year through Mid Valley Disposal. Residents can schedule pickups online to dispose of large items that do not fit in standard carts.

Key details: Free Pickups: 2 per household per year. Provider: Mid Valley Disposal. Scheduling: Online at midvalleydisposal.com. Annual Cleanup: City-sponsored community events.

Dumping bulky items on vacant lots, streets, or public places is prohibited under SMC 8-1-8. Illegal dumping constitutes a code violation with fines up to $100 for a first infraction, escalating for repeat offenses.

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

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Selma provides mandatory curbside collection through Mid Valley Disposal under SMC 8-1-8. Every residence must subscribe, with pickup days varying by neighborhood per the city service map.

Key details: Code Section: SMC 8-1-8. Hauler: Mid Valley Disposal. Contact: 559-567-0649. Billing: Through property tax (residential). SB 1383: Organic waste separation required since Jan 2022.

Failure to subscribe to mandatory collection service or unauthorized disposal of solid waste violates SMC 8-1-8. No person shall burn solid waste in a furnace, fireplace, or wood stove except nonplasticized wastepaper for kindling. Infractions carry fines up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within one year, and $500 for subsequent violations.

Bin Placement Rules

Selma SMC 8-1-2 requires solid waste containers stored with close-fitting lids, placed curbside on collection day facing the street with lids closed and spaced apart for automated truck access.

Key details: Code Section: SMC 8-1-2 and 8-1-12. Curbside Deadline: By 6:00 AM on collection day. Cart Orientation: Facing street, lid opens toward road. Multi-Family: Trash enclosures required.

Leaving containers at the curb outside of collection times or failing to maintain proper storage may result in a code enforcement notice. Violations of container regulations are infractions with fines up to $100 for a first offense.

Recycling Requirements

Selma requires separation of recyclables and organic waste under California SB 1383 and AB 341. Blue carts accept commingled recyclables and green carts accept organic waste.

Key details: State Laws: SB 1383, AB 341, AB 1826. Organics Start Date: January 1, 2022. Blue Cart: Commingled recyclables. Green Cart: Food waste, yard waste, food-soiled paper. Multi-Family: Recycling containers required (SMC 8-1-13).

Contamination of recycling or organic carts with prohibited materials may result in service warnings from Mid Valley Disposal. Under SB 1383 enforcement provisions, the city may issue notices of violation to residents or businesses that fail to separate organic waste, with potential penalties for noncompliance after education and outreach efforts.

The Bottom Line

Selma'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 Selma is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Selma 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.