Tuolumne County, CA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

Bulky-item disposal in unincorporated Tuolumne County runs through the transfer-station and franchise system rather than a curbside bulky-pickup ordinance. The County's disposal-facilities information states that "furniture, mattresses, appliances and other items too large for a garbage can/cart" can be taken to the Cal Sierra/WM Transfer Station in Sonora (19309 Industrial Drive, open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m.) or the Groveland/Big Oak Flat Transfer Station, with callers advised to confirm specific fees by item and load. The Pinecrest Transfer Station serves the high country on seasonal hours. For larger volumes, franchised haulers (Cal Sierra Disposal/WM, Moore Bros Scavenger, Burns Refuse Service) rent debris boxes and commercial bins on a monthly or temporary basis. The County also runs a Clean Up Day coupon program: eligible residents receive two coupons per year to dispose of large appliances, furniture and junk items at no charge at designated transfer stations. Crucially, abandoning bulky items is prohibited - the County's Illegal Disposal program targets "household garbage and rubbish such as mattresses, couches, tires and appliances" left by the roadside or allowed to accumulate, and illegal dumping carries escalating penalties under Chapter 1.10 (1.10.070(C)(5): $1,000 first, $1,500 second, $3,000 additional, doubled for commercial dumping). Report roadway dumping to (209) 533-5588 and private-property dumping to (209) 533-5577.