Outreach
South Tahoe Refuse is dedicated to customer education and community involvement. We are active in local schools by teaching lessons about proper recycling and composting, as well as hosting facility tours for students, businesses, and other community groups. STR is also involved in coordinating and hosting booths at events such as the annual South Tahoe Earth Day Festival, FireFest, farmers markets, and more!
For more information on requesting a facility tour or presentation, call (530) 541-5105.
For weekly updates, news, and events, check out our social media pages.
Our Latest Updates
3-Cart Program Success: 1-Year Reflection
It’s been one year since South Tahoe Refuse (STR) transitioned to a 3-cart system for residential waste. The new semi-automated collection program is safer for STR employees, reduces the use of plastic bags, and keeps recyclables and yard waste out of the landfill. It was designed to comply with California’s Senate Bill 1383, which mandates […]
Residential Newsletter – Fall 2025
Winter Service Reminders Yard waste collection is suspended from December-March and will resume April 1, weather permitting. Remember to store your yard waste cart in a safe place out of the snow. Be sure to place trash and recycle carts for pickup at the edge of the property line so that they are not in […]
Residential Newsletter – Summer 2025
NEW! Curbside food waste collection option While food waste separation is not required for South Tahoe residents, it’s a great way to cut down on what is sent to the landfill. STR has partnered with a local nonprofit to bring you optional curbside food waste pickups. Tahoe Composts, a 501c3 nonprofit, offers a subscription-based service […]
Important Software Update: Action Required
Important Software Update: Action Required for Online or Bank Payments Dear Valued Customer, We’re excited to announce that we are upgrading our software to better serve your billing and routing needs! As part of this transition, all customers will be seeing a new account number on your next regular billing. What You Need to Know: […]
Annual 4th of July Parade 2025
We had an incredible time at this year’s Fourth of July Parade! A big thank you to the City of South Lake Tahoe for hosting such an amazing event and letting us be a part of the celebration. Shoutout to Frozen Frame Media for capturing the fun!
Community Clean Up Day 2025
We had an amazing time at this year’s Community Cleanup Day—also known as $5 Dump Day! A huge thank you to the Clean Tahoe Program, California Conservation Corps, and the Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe for helping make this event such a success! Video and photos by Frozen Frame Media
Changes in store for South Tahoe Refuse customers in the County
South Tahoe NOW news article: Changes in store for South Tahoe Refuse customers in the County March 25, 2025 EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – South Tahoe Refuse (STR) customers in the county portion of South Lake Tahoe will have their yard waste and recycling pickup weeks changed. For the County: The week of March 31 […]
Commercial Customer News – 1st Quarter 2025
Winter Service Reminders Please help us ensure a smooth winter season by adhering to the following guidelines: Snow and ice must be removed from all sides, top, and the path to the container. Please clear at least 4 feet around the perimeter. If your container is inside an enclosure, the enclosure doors must be able […]
Customer Updates – Jan 2025 Residential News
Winter Service Reminders When you clear your driveway, be sure to dig out a spot for your carts. If you have a snow removal service, provide instructions to them. Customers must remove snow and ice from in front of bear boxes to allow doors to swing freely and fully. Place trash and recycling carts for […]
Christmas Tree Recycling
South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling is once again offering free curbside Christmas tree recycling to all our residential customers. Place your tree next to your trash cart or bear box on your normal pickup day from December 26th – January 9th. Trees must be cut into 5’ lengths and all tinsel, lights, nails, and stands […]












