Mission

Our philosophy is, and has been, to provide service whenever and wherever needed and to perform that service so that it is valuable to the customer. As a family owned and operated business, we are committed to the Kern River Valley and its citizens. We value our reputation within the community, which is substantiated by our belief that the customer comes first and that giving back is not a choice but a responsibility.

Our 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, 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.

Excellence in Service

Our customers are the life blood of our company and we are committed to provide each customer with the best possible service. Our goal is not to meet but to exceed our customer’s expectations.

Industry Knowledge

At Thomas Refuse, we take an active approach toward analyzing future trends and forecasts in the waste management business. As a result we are better prepared to respond and adapt quickly to industry changes. From waste hauling to recycling, we are committed to researching new ways to improve our operation and to provide better service for our customers.   For example, in 2010 we equipped our trucks with state of the art route monitoring systems which provide a more safe, efficient and productive service. 

Education

With industry challenges such as increased demand for recycling programs, we recognize the importance of partnering with the communities we service. To address this challenge, we have been publishing ongoing educational articles on recycling in our Talkin’ Trash column in the Kern Valley Sun newspaper and on our website. This education has helped increase the community’s awareness on what and how to recycle, in addition to preparing them for probable state wide mandatory recycling programs.

Our Future

The Company is now in a position to expand within the waste sector. We understand the challenges associated with all levels of recycling and we are always looking to improve our service to our customers. We are fully aware of the changes and demands placed on businesses like ours due to governmental regulatory policies and an ever changing political climate. As stakeholders, we stand ready and willing to participate as leaders within the communities we serve.