What you can't put in the trash in Fresno

A lot of common household items are illegal to put in your regular trash in California, and most people have no idea until they try. Here is the short list that trips up Fresno homeowners, and what to do with each instead.

Quick answer

• Electronics, batteries, paint, chemicals, tires, and anything that cools are banned from regular trash in California.
• Refrigerators and freezers specifically require certified refrigerant recovery before disposal.
• Simple test: if it has a cord, battery, refrigerant, or chemicals in it, assume it does not go in the bin.

Electronics and batteries

TVs, monitors, computers, phones, and anything with a cord or a battery are banned from the trash as e-waste. The same goes for loose batteries, including the rechargeable ones in tools and toys. These go to an e-waste drop-off or a household hazardous waste site, and we recycle them for you when they are part of a load.

Paint, chemicals, and automotive

Leftover paint, motor oil, antifreeze, pool chemicals, pesticides, and propane tanks are hazardous waste. Paint has its own free statewide take-back program, and the rest belong at a household hazardous waste facility, never in the bin or down a drain.

Refrigerators, freezers, and AC units

Anything that cools has refrigerant in it, and federal law requires that be removed by a certified tech before the appliance is scrapped. You cannot just leave a fridge at the curb. We handle the certified refrigerant recovery as part of an appliance pickup.

Tires and fluorescent bulbs

Tires are banned from landfills and have to go to a tire recycler. Fluorescent tubes and CFL bulbs contain mercury and count as universal waste. Both are small but neither belongs in the trash.

The simple version

If an item has a battery, a cord, refrigerant, paint, fuel, or chemicals in it, assume it does not go in the bin. When these turn up in a cleanout, we sort and route them to the right place so you do not have to make a separate trip.

Common questions