Non Franchise Solid Waste Hauler ($20,000) Bond - Contra Costa, CA in California

Brief Summary

Contra Costa Environmental Health will not issue a non-franchise hauler permit without a current $20,000 performance bond on file. The bond is written on the County's own form, follows the permit through every annual renewal, and costs a yearly premium instead of $20,000 in cash.

Non-franchised haulers who collect or transport solid waste in unincorporated Contra Costa County need a permit from Contra Costa Environmental Health and must keep a $20,000 performance bond on file with the County. The amount is set by Board of Supervisors Resolution 2018/41 under Ordinance Code Section 418-2.018, and the same bond requirement applies to transport only permits under Section 418-3.016.

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How to Apply for a Non Franchise Solid Waste Hauler ($20,000) Bond:

• Pick the right application: collecting and transporting under Chapter 418-2, or transport only under Chapter 418-3.
• Have the surety complete the County's Non-Franchise Solid Waste Hauler Bond form for $20,000.
• Attach copies of driver's licenses for all vehicle operators and California registration cards for each vehicle.
• Provide proof of liability insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $1 million aggregate.
• Submit to Contra Costa Environmental Health, 2120 Diamond Blvd., Suite 100, Concord, with the fee set by Board resolution.
• Pass the vehicle inspection and place the permit decals on the rear and both sides of each vehicle.

Detailed Information About the California Non Franchise Solid Waste Hauler ($20,000) Bond:

Two permits, one bond amount

Contra Costa County issues two kinds of non-franchise hauler permits. A collection and transport permit under Ordinance Code Chapter 418-2 has been required since March 1, 2018 for any business that picks up solid waste in the unincorporated area and hauls it on public roads. A transport only permit under Chapter 418-3 has been required since January 1, 2025 for commercial nonfranchise haulers who only move waste over unincorporated roads. Both carry the same bond. Section 418-2.018 requires a performance bond in the type and amount set by Board resolution, and Section 418-3.016 applies that same rule to transport only permits. Contra Costa Environmental Health states the amount as $20,000.

Who is exempt

Section 418-2.008 lists the exemptions. Property owners or occupants hauling their own waste do not need a permit. Neither do building or landscaping contractors hauling waste from their own work, haulers operating under a sanitary district, community services district or joint powers authority permit, haulers under a preempting state or federal permit, franchisees working under their franchise, and anyone hauling waste from a publicly operated treatment works. A permit also never lets you collect inside another company's exclusive franchise territory or in any city.

What the bond covers

The County's Non-Franchise Solid Waste Hauler Bond form, Exhibit A to Board Resolution 2018/41, binds the hauler and surety to the County of Contra Costa for $20,000. The condition is that the hauler faithfully complies with Chapter 418-2 and every condition of its permit. The bond stays in force for the initial permit and all renewals, and the surety can cancel only by certified mail notice to the Environmental Health Director, effective 30 days after receipt.

Renewal and the 2027 cutoff

Permits expire on December 31 and must be renewed each year, with vehicles inspected again. Haulers must also carry liability insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $1 million aggregate. Section 418-3.018 says no transport only permit will be issued or renewed for a term beyond December 31, 2027, so transport only haulers should plan for that date.

Eligibility and Requirements for a California Non Franchise Solid Waste Hauler ($20,000) Bond:

• Bond amount of $20,000, set by Board of Supervisors Resolution 2018/41.
• County of Contra Costa named as obligee on the Environmental Health bond form.
• Bond kept in force through the permit term and every renewal.
• Valid motor carrier identification number where the Vehicle Code requires one.
• Collection haulers must keep pickup records and submit them to Contra Costa Environmental Health quarterly.

California Non Franchise Solid Waste Hauler ($20,000) Bond FAQs:

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