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

Bulky and large-item disposal in the unincorporated area is built into the County's franchise system under Management of Solid Waste ordinance Chapter 4-3. Section 4-03-1147 (On-Call Bulk Item Pick-Up) requires that, upon notice by a customer, a franchise hauler shall schedule pickup of bulk waste and make all reasonable efforts to recycle the materials collected, at a rate to be established by the Board. Section 4-03-1146 (Community Cleanups) requires franchise haulers to provide Community Cleanups for the collection of non-excluded waste items; these events must occur at least twice a year during each calendar year and include drop-off event(s), with the hauler making a 'Good Faith Effort' to recycle or divert from disposal fifty percent (50%) of all materials collected. Section 4-03-1131 separately makes it unlawful to knowingly deposit tires or bulk waste in any container used for solid waste without the prior consent of the solid waste collector — meaning bulky items and tires generally need a scheduled pickup or proper drop-off rather than being placed in the regular cart. The specific number of free bulky pickups, accepted item lists, and fees are set by each hauler's franchise agreement and the Board's rate resolutions.