The Kings River Cleanup program began in July 2021 in response to the growing need to remove trash in publicly accessible areas on the Kings River below Pine Flat Dam. The efforts help promote responsible public access, preserve the natural beauty, and increase the ecological health of the Kings River by removing trash and debris on a regular basis. Over the last four years, with the help of dedicated volunteers and community partners, we’ve completed 40 river cleanups, resulting in 540 bags of trash thanks to volunteers who collectively put in 980 hours along the river. In addition to these numbers there have been significant graffiti abatement activities and countless pounds of bulky and hazardous waste identified for removal. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this project, and we will continue to keep the river clean and healthy moving forward.

Our next cleanup is this Saturday, August 16th. We hope you will consider joining us. For more information, directions, and what you can expect, visit our volunteer page.

What Do We Find and Remove on a Consistent Basis?

As you might expect, cigarette butts, food related trash, plastic bags, cans, bottles, and discarded household items can be found any day of the week. Unfortunately fishing tackle, line, and other discarded recreational items are always found in popular fishing spots. Where access to the river is easy, larger trash dumps can be found including furniture, appliances, mattresses, tires and other hazardous waste.

Why It Matters

Trash in the Kings River harms more than just the view. By participating in cleanups, you’re helping restore and maintain a critical river habitat and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the river. Trash and debris left near or in the river pollutes the water, chokes or entangles wildlife, discourages outdoor recreation, and damages native plant species.

We Want to Thank Our Partners

This effort wouldn’t be possible without collaboration, support, and partnerships between six organizations. Together, we coordinate volunteer events, provide equipment and supplies, and ensure that cleanup efforts align with long-term river management goals. 

Want to Join Future Cleanups?

Sign up for Kings River Cleanup notifications and fishery-related news by joining our email list. We host cleanups almost every month, and you’re welcome to join—no experience required! We provide: 

• Trash bags, gloves, and collection tools 

• Graffiti removal supplies 

• Drinking water and protective gear 

• On-site guidance and safety tips 

It’s a great way to give back to the environment, spend time outdoors, and meet like-minded people who care about the Kings River.  

Not Sure Where or How to Dispose of Certain Items?

If you don’t know where to take bulky or hazardous items, review the below list of resources or give us a call and we can direct you to the right place. Here are some local resources to help you dispose of items the right way: 

FRESNO COUNTY

Mid Valley Disposal (special handling drop-off)  

• Location: 2721 S Elm Ave, Fresno, CA 93706
• Accepts: Mattresses, large appliances (without freon), bulky items, tires, electronics, bagged trash Mid Valley Disposal+2Public Works and Planning+2Public Works and Planning+2
• You can also arrange bulky item pickup by scheduling service through them. Fresno City Government+5Mid Valley Disposal+5Fresno City Government+5     

Cedar Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station (CARTS)  

• Location: 3457 S. Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93725  
• Hours: Mon–Fri 7 am–5 pm; Sat 7 am–2:30 pm; closed Sun cagliaenvironmental.com 
• Accepts:   Mattresses (up to 10/day) — free
  Bulky furniture (sofas, tables, bed frames, etc.) — $60/unit 
  Tires (auto: $25–30 each; tractor/truck tires higher rates)  
  Appliances, electronics, scrap metal, yard/green waste, C&D debris, etc. Fresno City Government+10cagliaenvironmental.com+10Public Works and Planning+10Republic Services  
  

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)  

• Facility: Environmental Compliance Center (ECC)  
• Address: 1327 W Dan Ronquillo Drive, corner of West Ave, Fresno, CA 93706  
• Drop-off: Fridays & Saturdays, 9 am–3 pm (residential only, no appointment)  
• Limit: 125 lb or 15 gallons per trip; larger loads require prior coordination Fresno City Government+5Fresno County+5Public Works and Planning+5  
• Accepts: Paint, batteries, oils, aerosols, sharps, pharmaceuticals, bulbs, ewaste, etc. Mid Valley Disposal+5Fresno City Government+5Republic Services+5  

Tire Recovery & Recycling  

• Smaller volumes (≤9 tires): Bring to CARTS, Mid Valley, or American Ave site—typical fees apply. Tire amnesty events sometimes offer free drop-off for up to 9 passenger tires, organized by the county; call (559) 600-4259. Fresno City Government+7Public Works and Planning+7cagliaenvironmental.com+7  
• Large volumes (≥10 tires): Must use certified tire hauler and provide manifest; fees apply heavily (e.g. $410 for 10 tires) cagliaenvironmental.com 

  Sharps & Medication Disposal  

• Fresno County has secure kiosks (red for sharps, white/blue for medications) located at various fire and police stations across Fresno and Clovis. These are open 24/7 for household sharps/medication only. Fresno County+5Fresno City Government+5Republic Services+5  

American Avenue Disposal Site (Kerman)  

• Location: 18950 W American Ave, Kerman, CA 93630  
• Accepts: Mattresses, tires, large appliances (without freon) Fresno City Government+3Public Works and Planning+3Public Works and Planning+3Public Works and Planning  

KINGS COUNTY

Hazardous waste facilities in Kings County: https://www.countyofkingsca.gov/departments/outside-agencies/kings-waste-and-recycling-authority/hhw-e-u-waste

TULARE COUNTY

Hazardous waste facilities in Tulare County: https://tularecountyeh.org/eh/our-services/household-hazardous-waste