Waste event an opportunity to clean up

Kern County Public Works, in partnership with American Refuse, will be holding a bulky waste event in Shafter on Saturday Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the parking lot of the Superior Courthouse in Shafter. This location is different than previous events, which were regularly held at the Shafter Aquatic Center.

This event gives the community a chance to get rid of bulky items that they do not need anymore. They can dispose of them free of charge. Items that will be accepted are home appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers. They will also be accepting mattresses, televisions and e-waste, furniture, water heaters and tires without rims. They will only accept nine tires per customer, per trip, due to a state law restricting the number of tires that can be disposed of at one time.

Items not being accepted at the event are hazardous waste, green waste, construction and remodeling waste, and business waste.

According to Lynnda Martin of American Refuse, the event gives the public a chance to get rid of items that they may need to dispose of and didn't want to take a trip to the landfill. "Residents are welcome to bring their bulky items down and we will take them off of their hands," said Martin. She said that there will also be a giveaway at the event for residents.

"We will be giving out free compost to all attendees who need it. They do need to bring their own bag, bucket or container for their compost."

They will also be giving away nutless pistachio trees free of charge. There is a limit of one tree per household. "These trees don't produce nuts. They do provide excellent shade for the yard," said Martin.

For more information, contact the Kern County Public Works at 661-862-5100 or Lynnda Martin at American Refuse at 661-758-6315.