Thomas Refuse Service

Since 1972, the Thomas Family has proudly served the Kern River Valley’s waste management and storage needs. The Thomas Family Companies consists of our parent company, Thomas Refuse Service and our two subsidiary companies, Sierra Waste Transfer and Kern River Valley Recycling Center. Whether you are a residential or a commercial customer, you can count on us to provide you with excellent service and affordable pricing on solid waste handling, septic pumping, portable toilets, recycling, or storage rentals. In addition to our customer service, we have a strong commitment to our community and believe in investing in it to keep the Kern River Valley beautiful and strong through events like Pride Day, college scholarships and donations. 

Company History

Thomas Refuse Service was founded in 1972 by Bob and Mae Thomas. As a Kern County franchised solid waste hauler for the Kern River Valley, Thomas Refuse Service began with less than 500 total residential and commercial accounts. In 1979, Mike and Linda Thomas purchased the company from Mike’s parents and began growing the company a little bit at a time. Between 1979 and 1984, the company changed its company colors from green to desert tan, moved to its current location at 2000 Chain Avenue, built a forty-four unit storage facility, began operating an on-site recycling redemption center now called Kern River Valley Recycling Center, bought additional equipment and, purchased a small septic service and portable toilet company.Today, Thomas Refuse Service employs fourteen people, including their daughter, Sheri Bowyer, services over 3800 residential and commercial refuse accounts, services over 200 portable restrooms per week and services various septic and roll off accounts.

Trash Cash

Earn $20 in Trash Cash by referring a friend who does not currently have garbage service with Thomas Refuse and who has not had service within the last 12 months.It simple!Have your friend mention your name when they sign up for service and once you are confirmed as a current customer, you will earn $20 in Trash Cash.

Your account will be immediately updated with the Trash Cash and you will receive your certificate in the mail within 30 days. However, you may redeem your Trash Cash once you have been confirmed as a current customer.

You can also earn Trash cash by joining our Trash Cash Recycling Program. Every time you recycle your CRV items with us, you will receive your redemption value, as well as, have your total CRV weight entered into our program. Once you have recycled 500 pounds of CRV items, you will receive a $20 Trash Cash Certificate.

Trash Cash may be used towards any service offered by Thomas Refuse for a period of 12 months after issue date. Trash Cash is not legal tender and is non transferrable.

Trash Cash is just one way for us to thank all of our customers for choosing Thomas Refuse Service and Kern River Valley Recycling Center.

Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Wastes are products that are purchased for use in or around the home, that when discarded, may threaten human health or the environment if disposed of improperly.  These products can include; household cleaners; deodorizers; personal hygiene products; pesticides; herbicides; insecticides; pet care products; paint products; photographic chemicals; swimming pool chemicals; and automotive products & fluids.

Recycling

What is SINGLE STREAM RECYCLING?
Single stream recycling means that you can put all of your recyclables into one cart. No more sorting and separating, just throw it into the recycle cart and you are done!

Who is the recyclng service for?
The recycling service is for all of our current residential and commercial customers.

I already recycle ALL of my stuff, so I don't need a recycling container.
While there are a few who are diligent recyclers and recycle all of their junk mail, cardboard, paperboard, plastics, glass, etc., many people think of recycling as something only pertaining to CRVs (plastics, aluminum and glass). However, almost 75% of your so called trash is actually recyclable. Download our brochure for all of the items that you can recycle and keep out of our landfills.

How often does the recycle cart get serviced?
Recycle carts are emptied every other Thursday in the afternoons.

Does it cost money to have recycle cart service?
Yes. The cost for residential service is an additional $6.50 each month ($19.50 a quarter). Please call for the commercial service cost.

Why should I pay to have Thomas Refuse take my recycling? They should pay me.
A common misnomer with recycling is that it's a big money maker, however that simply isn't the truth. The recycling market itself is extremely volatile and most of the product doesn't yield much money. In addition, when you consider the cost of picking up the recycling from each customer, sorting the recyclables by type and then hauling the recyclables to market, the goal is to break even.