Republic Services is inviting residents of Josephine County to participate in its highly anticipated annual spring cleanup event, scheduled for Saturday, April 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Merlin Transfer Station, located at 1749 Merlin Rd., providing an opportunity for locals to declutter their homes and responsibly dispose of a wide range of materials, including tires, recyclables, yard debris, scrap metal, and unwanted electronics.
One of the key highlights of this year’s event is the free disposal of tires and household trash. Republic Services will accept up to 1,000 tires free of charge, with a maximum of four tires per vehicle. After the first 1,000 tires are collected, additional tires will be accepted at a standard fee, which ranges from $6.45 to $12.80, depending on the type of tire. In addition to tires, residents can also dispose of up to one cubic yard of household trash without incurring any charges.
This year’s cleanup event will also provide an opportunity for residents to recycle and compost items that cannot be placed in regular curbside bins. Republic Services will accept household quantities of yard debris and branches, cardboard, unpainted and untreated wood, and scrap metal. For scrap metal, it is important that residents remove any fluids and tanks from items like barbecues and lawnmowers prior to disposal.
Electronics recycling will also be available at the event, including the collection of old televisions, computers, and mobile electronics. With the growing volume of electronic waste, this service allows residents to properly dispose of these items, which can often be difficult to recycle through traditional channels.
Republic Services has partnered with the Josephine County Solid Waste Advisory Committee to host the event, furthering their shared mission to maintain a clean and sustainable community. Julie Jackson, Municipal Manager for Republic Services, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “Republic Services is proud to partner with the Josephine County Solid Waste Advisory Committee to keep our community clean. Holding this event in the month of Earth Day is an especially fitting way to celebrate by ensuring that we are all taking part in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.”
The timing of the event aligns with Earth Day, which falls just days after the cleanup. As Earth Day serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship, Republic Services is encouraging everyone to take this opportunity to clean up their properties while contributing to the health of the community and the planet.
Residents are encouraged to take full advantage of this convenient, no-cost event to clear out unwanted items, recycle responsibly, and dispose of difficult-to-handle waste. For more information, including a full list of accepted materials and any additional event details, residents can visit the Republic Services website for the Grants Pass and Josephine County area at republicservices.com/grantspass.
This annual spring cleanup event is not only a great way to reduce clutter and improve the local environment but also an important step in ensuring the responsible disposal and recycling of materials, all while celebrating Earth Day.

