FAQ

1When is the Transfer Station (dump) closed?

The Transfer Station closes at 4:00 pm. The last car allowed in gate to dump is at 3:45 pm.

2When is my residential bill due?

We bill Residential bi-monthly (2 billing cycles) for example if you receive your bill the end of this month, it will not be due until the 25th of the following month.

3When is my Commercial bill due?

Commercial billing is billed monthly.  So if you receive a bill this month it will be due the 26th of the following month.

4My trash was not picked up today. Why?

Common reasons for your trash not being collected may include, overloaded, cross contamination, non-payment,  or simply setting your trash out after the truck has gone by.  Trash carts, that have not been picked up could have been related to having heavy or large construction debris sticking out of the cart, or access problems related to cars parked in front of ww/bin, or road works in your area.

5My trash was missed today. Who do I call to report?

Missed pickups must be reported by the next business day (within 24 hours of service day) following your regularly scheduled collection day by calling Customer Service at 209-537-8000 press option 2 to report missed services. If you are a resident of City of Ceres, Newman, and Patterson you must call the Finance Dept. to report any missed pick up.

6Can I have another trash cart for all my waste?

Yes, if you are Bertolotti billed a second cart is available at an additional charge with deposit and must keep for a minimum of six (6) months. If you are billed through the city, you will have to request additional cart(s) with Finance department.

7What time will the driver be at my house?

It is almost impossible for us to give an exact time that your driver will arrive at your home or business. Meeting all of our customers’ needs and allotting for unexpected incidents can affect the driver’s arrival times. Residents should have their waste wheeler ready for pickup no later 5:00 a.m. on the day of their pickup. Commercial customers should have all of their trash bins ready by 5:00 a.m. on the day of pickup.

8Why can’t I use my own trash cans?

We use automated trucks that are calipered to pick up certain types of carts. Automation helps to speed up the collection process to meeting the State requirements.

9How can I keep my carts from smelling?

Keeping waste wheeler out of direct sunlight, bagging rather than throwing loose trash will help eliminate your carts from smelling. Double bagging your bones, fish bones in a plastic shopping bags, and rinsing your cans, bottles will help eliminate odors in your carts.

By cleaning your cart regularly you can eliminate odors.

You can deodorize your cart by pouring some baking soda into the bottom of your carts after serviced to help absorb stinky odors. A couple of drops of vanilla extract to the bottom of your cart after serviced can also help in eliminating odors. To prevent odors, place regular charcoal briquettes at the bottom of trash cans. Using charcoal is a very effective way of absorbing bad odors. Another way to help eliminate odors is to place one part vinegar with water allow to sit in empty cart for awhile, swish and empty. Leave the lid open to air out.

We will be happy to clean your waste wheeler for you for a $25.00 cleaning fee that will be applied to your account. If you are City billed, you will be required to pay the fee directly to us prior to cleaning service.

10How do I take care of my cart?

Your Bertolotti waste wheeler is yours to use but if it is damaged or burned there is a $75.00 charge for a replacement cart. If you waste wheeler is stolen you are required to get Police report and must call into the office with report number to get a replacement. If you waste wheeler is burnt due to house fire, or incident beyond your control you are required to get a Fire report and call into our office with report number for replacement. If you are a resident of City of Ceres, Newman, and Patterson call into the Finance Department with your report numbers for replacement.

During the week, keep your cart in a protected area to prevent theft or damage. You can apply pepper spray to your cart to help repel unwanted animals that are causing damage.

Never put hot coals or burning objects in your cart.

11Can I throw my needles in the trash?

Due to state legislation in the fall of 2008, sharps and needles can no longer be disposed of in the trash. You can purchase mail-in storage containers or purchase approved medical waste container. For more information on where to dispose of sharps, please refer to the following link on Stanislaus County. Stanislaus County Household Sharps Program

12How can I recycle my old computer monitor, television or e-waste?

For information on where to dispose of Hazardous waste Stanislaus County E-Waste Recycling

13Where can I take my household hazardous waste?

For information on where to dispose of Hazardous waste Stanislaus Household Waste Disposal Guide

14How can I reduce the amount of junk mail that I receive?

Write a letter to the following address to remove your name from their mailing list:

Mail Preference Service Direct Marketing Association - P.O. Box 9008 Farmington, NY 11735-9008

15What are the office holidays observed (office closed)?
  • New Year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Commercial bins will have no interruptions and we will be providing services during all holidays.