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We were never garbage men, we were scavengers.
As a new immigrant from Italy, Joe Garbarino’s father and uncle formed the first Scavengers Protective Association in 1920. Hauling garbage in giant burlap bags on his back over the steep hills of San Francisco, John Garbarino quickly learned that people threw away more than they should, and most of it could be reused. He soon began scouring wine bottles, eyeglasses and shoes and reselling them.
MSS began in 1948 when together the families Garbarino, Segale, Zappetini, Marconi and Zanotti left San Francisco and ventured into the growing communities of Marin County to start a new garbage service. In 1994, the County of Marin granted a franchise for additional unincorporated areas around San Rafael. MSS currently services more than 33,000 residential and commercial accounts.
Now there are three generations of Garbarinos working at Marin Sanitary. The family has toiled long and hard over the years to get Marin County to recycle over 74% of all waste. The business has grown and expanded into three separate divisions in order to address every facet of waste management and recycling.
The Garbarinos practically invented recycling. Their innovative operations have served as a model for both the state and the nation. It has kept them at the forefront of the movement to reduce, reuse and recycle, and end waste as we know it today.
Since MSS was founded its evolution has closely paralleled that of Marin County itself. We have grown philosophically with our customers, and believe in the power of recycling to preserve our natural resources. As a result, we are well on our way to achieving our goal of zero waste.
Our company has grown and our divisions work together to provide comprehensive collection, recycling, and education services to our community.
We are grateful to serve our community and appreciate your business.
We take great pride in serving our community and are honored to have received the following recognition from organizations, government and the media.
Pacific Sun: Best of Marin
Best Recycling Center
2019
Pacific Sun: Best of Marin
Best Recycling Center
2018
Pacific Sun: Best of Marin
Best Recycling Center
2017
Call2Recycle
Leaders in Sustainability
2017
Marin County Lion Dance Team
20+ Years Recognition of Appreciation
2016
Global Student Embassy
Resource Conservation and Recycling Innovation
2016
Pacific Sun: Best of Marin
Best Business that Promotes Going Green
2015
North Bay Leadership Council
Paint the Community Green: Leaders of the North Bay
2014
Marin County Board of Supervisors
Resolution of Commendation to Joe Garbarino
2014
National Waste & Recycling Association
Joe Garbarino Inducted into the “Hall of Fame”
2014
California Product Stewardship Award
Partner of the Year
2013
California Climate Action Registry
Climate Action Leader
2006
Pacific Sun
Heroes of Marin for “Innovation”
2012
Marin Builders Association
Leadership in Sustainability Award
2011
Novato Fire Foundation
“Heroes Among Us” for extraordinary Business & Community Leadership
2011
San Rafael Chamber of Commerce
Large Business of the Year Award
2010
Acterra Business Environmental Awards
Susanne Wilson Award for Pollution Prevention/Resource Conservation
2009
North Bay Biz
Top 500 North Bay Companies
2008
Governor’s Environmental Economic Leadership Award
Category: Climate Change
2008
San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce
“Spirit of Marin” – Business of the Year Award
2008
Marin County Board of Supervisors
Golden Spire Outstanding Business of the Year
2007
Environmental Forum
Marin Environmental Golden Acorn Award
2006
Pacific Sun: Best of Marin
Reader’s Poll: Best Green (Environmentally Conscious) Business
2006
Family Works
Family Business of the Year
2005
California Refuse Removal Council
The John P. Moscone Award
2004
San Rafael Chamber of Commerce
Environmental Leadership Award
2004
Falkirk Cultural Center
Good Company Award
1999
Marin Conservation League
John M. MacPhail, Jr. Award
Recipient: Marin Recycling
1993
Congresswoman Barbara Boxer
Outstanding San Francisco District Small Business Person
1989
Congresswoman Barbara Boxer
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Meritorious Achievement
1987
