Fall 2026 Newsletter

Better Together Headline with "Conservation. Our Earth. Our Mission. Our Job." In a banner underneath

Welcome to the Fall 2026 edition of the Marin Sanitary Service Community Newsletter. We’ve provided the newsletter in two formats: an accessible web version below and downloadable PDF versions in English and Spanish. 

Join us for Customer Appreciation Day

Sunday, September 27

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Celebrate with us at our biggest community event of the year! Enjoy family-friendly activities, facility tours, free compost, document shredding, textile recycling, the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, and more.

Visit our Community Events page for the full schedule, event details, and everything happening throughout the day.

DRIVER SPOTLIGHT

Picture of Alvin Digesti

Thank You, Alvin, for 51 Years of Dedicated Service

For more than five decades, Alvin Digesti has helped make Marin Sanitary Service stronger. 

When he was a young man working in the pit, bailing cardboard, sweeping the yard, packing cans in the Canal, or driving his route in Peacock Gap, San Rafael, he built the work ethic and dependability that have defined his career.

Over those five decades, Alvin adapted as technological advances and automated equipment transformed an industry once powered almost entirely by the strength of a person’s back and character.

Alvin is resourceful, careful, and determined. He has provided excellent service to our customers.

Alvin Digesti has stood the test of time. His ability to rarely miss a day of work has set an example worthy of imitation. After more than 50 years of faithful, loyal service to Marin Sanitary Service, Alvin has become a cornerstone of the company.

From Further Together to Better Together

Community Is at the Heart of What We Do

In June, the Marin Sanitary Service Drill Team (better known as a group of employees who enjoy having fun together) proudly joined the Further Together Fairfax Festival. Their creativity, teamwork, and community spirit earned the team the Best Local Merchant Float award.

But what inspired us most was the festival’s message. It celebrated the same belief that has always guided Marin Sanitary Service: protecting our environment and serving our community happen best when we work together.

We look forward to seeing you at the next community event!

MSS Driver leans down to talk to 2 kids at the Fairfax Festival 2026
2 MSS employees in yellow jackets walk in the Fairfax Festival parade 2026
The MSS parade team poses in front of a garbage truck at the Fairfax Festival 2026

Better Together: Organics

Food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings work better together.

Place them in your green compostables cart to create compost instead of landfill waste.

A line up of hazardous waste including batteries, bulbs, electronics, paint and household cleaners

Everyday items. Safe Disposal.

Household Hazardous Waste Doesn’t Belong in Your Carts

Many everyday household products including batteries, paint, cleaners, fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, and motor oil, should never be placed in your garbage, recycling, or compost carts. Marin residents (except Novato) can dispose of household hazardous waste free of charge at the Marin Household Hazardous Waste Facility in San Rafael.

More HHW Programs

Zero Waste Marin provides additional HHW disposal and recycling programs for batteries, bulbs, used motor oil, marine waste, and solar panels.

Better Together in Action

How Coleman Elementary Turned Small Actions into Big Results

Five years ago, Coleman Elementary School in San Rafael began taking a closer look at the amount of waste produced during lunch. Individually packaged meals and inconsistent sorting made it clear there was room for improvement.

Today, the school’s Green Team has grown from just 10 students to 46 student leaders, and every TK–5 student participates in daily waste reduction efforts. Clearly marked sorting stations and student volunteers help classmates recycle and compost correctly while reducing contamination.

Those efforts have made a remarkable difference. Coleman reduced its weekly landfill waste from 15 cubic yards to just 6 cubic yards, becoming only the second school in Marin County to earn Platinum status for its waste reduction achievements.

The school’s success demonstrates that meaningful environmental change begins with simple daily habits.

A chalkboard sign listing how Coleman Elementary approaches reducing waste

Go Behind the Scenes

See Where Your Recycling Goes

Have you ever wondered what happens after your garbage, recycling, and compost carts are collected?

Join us for a free behind-the-scenes tour of Marin Sanitary Service. You’ll visit our recycling facility, learn how materials are processed, tour Flying Can Ranch, and have an opportunity to ask questions about recycling and composting in Marin County.

Tours are free, but advance registration is required.