Merced County cleanup dates announced for 2015

Getting rid of large items, such as mattresses and tires, is always a challenge, especially for residents who live miles away from the county’s landfills.

The Merced County Department of Public Works this week announced its annual community cleanup events, which provide residents a low-cost and safe way to discard such waste. The events will be held in 12 unincorporated communities, including Planada, Le Grand, McSwain and Delhi.

Each event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Disposing of a car, mattress or large appliance will cost $1, as will a carload of discards; pickups, vans and station wagons will be charged $2.

A state grant will allow residents to dispose of four tires free of charge. Additional car tires will cost $1 each and truck tires will cost $2 each, according to the county’s price list.

In an effort to curb illegal dumping, the cleanup events offer people the chance to throw away items at reduced rates. By way of comparison, the landfill charges $43.05 per ton for trash. Car tires are $3 each; a mattress or box spring is $5; and appliances are $18 for anything with refrigerant or $10 without.

Household chemicals, oil waste, heavy equipment and tractor tires will not be accepted. Commercial loads also will not be accepted.

This story was originally published January 25, 2015 at 9:33 PM with the headline "Merced County cleanup dates announced for 2015."