Why did we need to change the garbage system?

Stockton's solid waste and recycling program was outdated and hadn't been updated since 1993. The City also had to comply with a state law (AB 939) which requires every California city and county to divert 50% of their waste from our landfills. Current efforts have resulted in a 47% diversion in 2000 and 41% diversion in 2001.

The City's program now includes wheeled carts for collection of trash, single stream recycling (where all glass, aluminum, plastic, paper, cardboard, scrap metal and small appliances are collected together in one cart), and green waste and food waste collection.

Recycling services have been greatly expanded to help the City reach its diversion requirement. Many items which you now throw away as trash such as cardboard, junk mail, magazines, or plastic containers with a recycling number of 3 or higher will now be collected and recycled.

The new contract has a 15-year term with an optional 5-year extension. The 15-year term allows the garbage company to spread the cost of new trucks and equipment over a longer period of time to keep rates lower. The contract has a provision that allows the City to change the scope of the agreement if the City needs new programs in the future. If changes to the scope of work result in cost savings, the garbage company must pass those savings on to the rate payers. If changes in the scope of work result in cost increases, the garbage company will be compensated for the increased costs through increased rates.

The contract allows the City to assess liquidated damages for poor performance including missed pickups, poor customer service, or failure to meet diversion requirements. If the garbage company accrues excessive fines, or defaults on the contract, the contract can be terminated by the City Council.

For a list of residential service rates, click here.

Residents will also receive twelve (12) stickers per year for free pick up of excess trash, recyclables or green waste. The program also includes bulky waste pickup and recycling of televisions, monitors, computers and appliances along with the annual neighborhood cleanup program.

One of the goals of the program is to increase recycling levels and decrease the amount of trash generated. With increased recycling efforts, you could potentially see a dramatic decrease in your trash volume. Since the cost of monthly service is based on the size of your trash cart, you can reduce the cost of your monthly service just by recycling more!

A survey of surrounding areas shows that the monthly service rates are in the mid-range for solid waste collection services. Many surrounding cities pay more for less service!

A 10% discount is available to seniors 65 and over, just contact your water service provider to request your discount. Proof of age is required to receive the discount.

Seniors 65 and over and below median income (annual income below $35,483) are eligible to receive an additional 10% discount for a total discount of 20%. This additional discount will be administered through the City of Stockton.

The application and instructions on how to apply for the Senior Below Median Income (SBMI) discount are available online. Click here!