Updated January 20, 2026
Many residents have shared feedback about noise at some recycling sites since the new front loader cardboard bins were installed. We hear you, and we agree that early morning noise can be disruptive.
Our team has been actively monitoring the new bins and collection activity, and we are continuing to work with our operations staff and partners to identify what is causing the loudest sounds and reduce them where possible. This includes reviewing collection practices and site conditions to help minimize noise during service.
It also helps to know why pickups happen early. Collection typically starts around 7:00 a.m. so our drivers can service the bins quickly and efficiently before locations become busy. As the day progresses, higher visitor traffic leads to crowding, slower movement through the site, and increased safety risks for both customers and staff.
By completing service early, we're able to get in and out of these high-traffic areas before the rush, which helps keep everyone safer. Early pickups reduce congestion, minimize interactions between large vehicles and visitors, and support a smoother, more comfortable experience for those who use our recycling sites every day.
We appreciate the community’s patience as we keep refining this new system. The upgraded bins are already improving service and reducing truck trips across the city, and we are committed to making the experience as smooth and neighbor-friendly as possible.
If you are experiencing an ongoing noise issue at a specific site, please contact us at (916) 774-5780 to share the location and what you are noticing so we can continue to track patterns and focus mitigation efforts.