Waste & Recycling Events
Bulky Waste Collections
Bulky Waste Collection Events have been hosted by the Kern County Public Works Department for over 20 years in the Metro Bakersfield area. As of 2020, the Kern County Public Works Department has decided to expand its Bulky Waste/Large Item Collection Events to include unincorporated communities to reach residents living in the outlying County areas. During the events, residents can bring unwanted bulky household items such as appliances and furniture to a convenient designated location(s) for FREE disposal.
Upcoming Events:
- Buttonwillow: Saturday, May 1, 2021 Flyer w. Details
2021 Completed Events:
- Bakersfield: Saturday, January 20, 2021 Flyer w. Details
- Lamont: Saturday, February 20, 2021 Flyer w. Details
- Wasco: Saturday, March 6, 2021 Flyer w. Details
- Shafter: Saturday, March 20, 2021 Flyer w. Details
- Lost Hills: Saturday, April 24, 2021 Flyer w. Details
Free One-Day Residential Hazardous Waste Collection
The Public Works Department sponsors several free one-day Residential Hazardous Waste Collection Events, in outlying areas, each year. During these half-day opportunities, residents have the chance to bring left-over residential hazardous waste for safe and easy disposal/recycling. If you have residential hazardous waste, these locations and dates might be the opportunity you’ve been looking for to get it off your hands and safely out of your home.
Date | Location | Time | Details |
| May 1, 2021 | Mojave Special Waste Facility | 9 AM to 12 PM | Flyer w. Details |
| May 1, 2021 | Tehachapi Sanitary Landfill | 9 AM to 1 PM | Flyer w. Details |
| May 8, 2021 | Ridgecrest Special Waste Facility | 10 AM to 1 PM | Flyer w. Details |
| May 15, 2021 | Kern Valley Transfer Station | 9 AM to 1 PM | Flyer w. Details |
| May 22, 2021 | Lebec Transfer Station | 9 AM to 1 PM | Flyer w. Details |
| May 22, 2021 | Ridgecrest Special Waste Facility | 10 AM to 1 PM | Flyer w. Details |
| May 29, 2021 | Tehachapi Sanitary Landfill | 9 AM to 1 PM | Flyer w. Details |
| June 5, 2021 | Tehachapi Sanitary Landfill | 9 AM to 1 PM | Flyer w. Details |
| June 12, 2021 | Ridgecrest Special Waste Facility | 10 AM to 1 PM | Flyer w. Details |
| June 26, 2021 | Ridgecrest Special Waste Facility | 10 AM to 1 PM | Flyer w. Details |
*Business waste NOT accepted. Collection events may be canceled due to weather conditions.
Click Here for information about the type of materials that are accepted and transportation/handling guidelines
Community Outreach & Education
Kern County Public Works Department staff members participate in community and business events, street fairs, and public speaking opportunities to get the department's message to the general public.
Currently Scheduled Upcoming Events:
- TBA
Keep Kern Beautiful Events
Keep Kern Beautiful clean-up events are coordinated with volunteers from community organizations such as churches, schools, civic groups, businesses, and others that want to make Kern County the best that it can be. For more information about Keep Kern Beautiful, click here. Keep Kern Beautiful meetings are held once a month, on the second Thursday of every month. To participate in these monthly meetings and help make a difference in your communities, join us at the Public Services Building, 2700 M Street, Bakersfield CA, 93301 join us virtually via Microsoft Teams from 3 - 4 p.m. (contact Public Works for an invitation)
Upcoming Keep Kern Beautiful Events:
- Keep Kern Beautiful's Great American Cleanup!
- Saturday, May 8, and May 15
Upcoming Keep Kern Beautiful Meetings:
- Mar. 11, 2021
- Apr. 8, 2021
- May 13, 2021
- June 10, 2021
Electronic Waste Recycling Collection Events
California law states that Electronic Waste (E-Waste) must be recycled. Many consumer electronics contain low levels of hazardous metals that can potentially contaminate soil and water. To comply with the State mandate and preserve natural resources, Kern County supports Electronic Waste Recycling Collection Events. In addition to dropping off unwanted E-Waste items at County operated facilities, residents can drop off E-Waste at collection events throughout the county free of charge. In addition to the items listed below, many event organizers accept car and rechargeable batteries as well as printer cartridges. Common Electronic Waste Items:
- Televisions and Computer Monitors
- Cellular Telephones, Landline Telephones (corded or cordless)
- Computer Keyboards, Hard Drives, Towers, Laptops, Printers or Scanners
- Stereo Systems, IPODS, Boom Boxes, Record Players
- DVD Players, VCRs, Fax Machines, Copiers, and Microwaves
Click here for information about E-Waste Collection options.