Sonora Residents: Don’t Miss These Community Updates

JUNE 2026 NEWSLETTER

One Truck, Two Compartments: How Split-Body Trucks Work

Some Sonora residents may notice our collection trucks servicing trash and green waste or recycling carts from the same vehicle and wonder if everything is being mixed together.

The answer is no.

Cal-Waste uses split-body trucks that are specially designed with separate internal compartments. While materials may be loaded through a single hopper, the driver directs each material stream into its own compartment, keeping trash and green waste separated throughout the collection process.

Using split-body trucks allows us to service routes more efficiently and helps reduce our carbon footprint by limiting the need for multiple trucks on the same route. This helps us provide reliable service while supporting a cleaner, more sustainable community.

Once the truck returns to our facility, each compartment is unloaded separately and processed appropriately. Trash is handled as waste, while green waste or recycling is kept separate for proper processing.

This is also why sorting correctly at home matters. When trash, green waste, or recyclables are placed in the wrong cart, it can contaminate the entire load and impact residents who took the time to sort their materials correctly.

Every cart matters. Every household matters. When everyone takes the time and effort to sort their waste properly, it makes a real difference for our community, our environment, and the success of local recycling and green waste programs.

So even if it looks like everything is going into the same truck, your sorting efforts are not going to waste.

Get the Cal-Waste Recycles Right Mobile App Today!

Discover Helpful Features on Our Mobile App!

🔍 What Goes Where: Not sure how to dispose of a household item? Simply search for it in the What Goes Where tool to find the proper disposal instructions quickly and easily!

📆 Collection Calendar: Stay organized with your personalized collection schedule! View your pickup dates and set up email or text reminders so you never forget to put your carts out.

Download the app today and make waste management simple and stress-free!

WE ARE HIRING

Human Resources Generalist - Galt, CA

Customer Service Representative - Galt, CA

Accounting Specialist - Galt, CA

Front Loader Driver - Galt, CA

Diesel Mechanic - Galt, CA

Commercial Driver - Valley Springs, CA

Residential Driver - Galt, CA

Career Opportunities at Cal-Waste

Join us on June 15th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Cal-Waste Recovery Systems, 328 W. Stockton Rd., for a Networking Mixer and Ribbon Cutting celebration. Community members, local businesses, and Chamber representatives are invited to stop by, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with others in the Sonora area.

Chamber mixers are a great opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow community members and local business owners. Everyone is welcome. No Chamber membership required. Feel free to bring a friend and join us for an evening of networking and community connection.

Cal-Waste Proudly Supports the 2026 Mother Lode Fair!

Cal-Waste is proud to support the 2026 Mother Lode Fair, happening July 2nd through July 5th at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora.

This year’s theme, “Heritage, Honor and Hometown Fun,” celebrates America’s 250th birthday and California’s 175th anniversary, bringing the community together for four days of tradition, celebration, and hometown pride.

As a Fair Partner, Cal-Waste is honored to support an event that highlights agriculture, community spirit, and the traditions that make Tuolumne County so special.

Fairgoers can look forward to live music, arena events, carnival rides, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, community contests, fair food favorites, and special patriotic tributes throughout the weekend.

We’re excited to join the community in celebrating this meaningful and memorable event.

Sonora High School Career Day!

Cal-Waste had a great time participating in Sonora High School Career Day on April 8th, 2026, at Bud Castle Gym.

This event gave students the opportunity to explore different career paths, ask questions, and learn about the many possibilities available after high school. Our team enjoyed connecting with students and sharing the wide range of career opportunities available at Cal-Waste, including drivers, mechanics, environmental services, operations, customer service, administration, and more.

We are grateful for the opportunity to support local students as they begin thinking about their futures. Events like this help strengthen the connection between our schools, local businesses, and the Sonora community.

Cal-Waste Joins the Fun at

Touch-A-Truck!

Cal-Waste had a great time participating in the Tuolumne County Recreation Department’s Original Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, April 25th, at Standard Park in Sonora.

Our team was excited to host a booth and bring one of our residential collection trucks for families to see up close. The event gave children the opportunity to explore different vehicles, learn more about the important work happening in their community, and ask questions in a fun and interactive setting.

We were grateful to be part of a family-friendly event that brought the community together while supporting local programs that create fun, inclusive, and educational experiences for children and families.

Proud to Support Fiesta on the Fairways!

Cal-Waste was proud to support Fiesta on the Fairways, the 26th Annual Golf Classic benefiting the Diana J. White Cancer Institute, which was held on Sunday, April 26, at Copper Valley Golf Club in Copperopolis.

The Golf Classic brought the community together to support the continued growth of the Diana J. White Cancer Institute, where more than 400 new patients receive treatment each year. Proceeds from the tournament helped support local cancer care services, including new treatment options, increased infusion capacity, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and healing spaces designed for patient comfort and privacy.

Cal-Waste was grateful for the opportunity to support an event that made a meaningful impact in the community and helped patients receive quality care close to home.

Cheers to Community, Connection, and Giving Back!

Cal-Waste was proud to be a sponsor of Barrels, Brews & Bites, a community event benefiting the Sonora Sunrise Rotary Foundation.

Our team had a great time joining in on the fun as guests enjoyed local wines, craft brews, homebrews, gourmet bites, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere. The event brought together couples, friends, local businesses, and community members for an afternoon of great food, drinks, and connection.

Proceeds from Barrels, Brews & Bites supported the Sonora Sunrise Rotary Foundation and its ongoing efforts to fund important community and international projects. Cal-Waste was grateful to support an event that brought people together while giving back to meaningful causes.

Recent Customer Compliments For Our Drivers

“I forgot to place my recycling cart out for service, but your driver noticed and went out of his way to grab it for me. I was so thankful, appreciative, and pleasantly surprised by his kindness.”

“I really appreciate the work our driver does. He always takes the time to provide great service, and I’m very grateful for his hard work and dedication!”

“I noticed some of my yard waste spilled onto the street during pickup. Your driver stopped, got out, cleaned everything up, and made sure it was properly collected.”

Received great service? Let us know!

It means a lot to our team when customers share their positive experiences. If you received excellent service, we would love to hear from you. Leave us a review or reach out directly.

📞 Call us at: (209) 795-1532

✉️ Email: customerservicesonora@cal-waste.com

Attention Sonora Residents!

LEARN ALL ABOUT GREEN WASTE!

Green waste carts are for organic yard materials, such as grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, and small branches from pruning.

Paper yard waste bags are allowed and can be placed directly into the green waste cart, bag and all. Please remember that plastic bags are never allowed.

When pruning branches, be sure to cut them down so the cart lid can fully close. A good rule of thumb is to keep branches small enough to fit fully inside the cart with the lid closed.

Items that do not belong in the green waste cart include plastic bags, rocks, cement, sod, and large amounts of dirt or soil. Small amounts of dirt are acceptable if attached to plants, but loose soil cannot be collected.

For more information, visit www.Cal-Waste.com. If you have questions, please contact our customer service team at (209) 795-1532 or email customerservicesonora@cal-waste.com.