As a customer of Allied Waste, Martinez residents get to decide when they need a special cleanup.  The latest franchise agreements with Allied Waste adopted May 4, 2011, entitle single family residential customers to a total of nine free pickups per year, representing a better service level than is currently provided to residents in other neighboring local jurisdictions.  These special pickups will include four recycling/yardwaste collections (which will now include household battery, cellular telephone, and compact fluorescent light bulb recycling); two refuse collections with up to 3 cubic yards allowable (an increase from 2 cubic yards); two “bulky item” collections (such as mattresses, furniture, or appliances); and one pre-scheduled “spring cleanup” day.  Furthermore, an additional benefit for multi-family unit residents was negotiated to provide multi-family complexes with three special pickups each year, two for refuse and one for recycling.  The new and/or expanded pickups will be effective as of July 1, 2011.  Residents should call Allied Waste the day before their next regular collection day to schedule a special pickup.  For more information about the new and expanded services, please call Allied Waste Customer service at 925-685-4711.