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SOS is committed to being a community partner in minimizing waste and promoting eco-friendly waste systems.We offer traditional garbage collection services as well as other options for handling household and specialized waste.

Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations like DEQ, Rogue Waste, and Southern Oregon Aspire, we strive to promote safe and eco-friendly waste systems.

Our capacity has grown significantly over the years, allowing us to serve customers in Josephine, Jackson, and Klamath counties, including various rural areas. We operate two transfer stations in Grants Pass and Kerby, open seven days a week for convenience, and also provide recycling depots at these locations and in Eagle Point.

Our goal is to develop efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable waste management approaches, including handling medical waste, wood, commercial, industrial, and yard debris waste. Additionally, we have implemented an E-Cycle program for electronic recycling and prescription drug waste solutions.

With over 70 full-time employees, including management, office staff, drivers, and mechanics, SOS is dedicated to evaluating and improving our waste management services and operations. Our commitment to continually upgrading transportation equipment reflects our dedication to economically sound, safe driving, and environmentally responsible operations.

Southern Oregon Sanitation (SOS) is a 70-year-old family-owned and operated company dedicated to waste management. While expanding our services, our main mission continues to prioritize traditional garbage pickup and related residential services.

Our History

O n August 1st, 1948, Harold Patrick Fahey founded Pat’s Sanitary Service as its first and only employee. Joined by his wife Birdena, the couple worked hard to expand their business to include garbage collection in Rogue River, Eagle Point, and Cave Junction. Their children – Rich, Gail, Nanci, and Patrick – also played important roles, learning valuable lessons in finance and work ethic. Harold Fahey, a respected figure in the industry, led the company until the mid-1990s and was honored in the Oregon Refuse & Recycling Association’s Hall of Fame. His son, Patrick Fahey, continued the company’s evolution, introducing innovations like semi-automated routes, standardized garbage carts, and fully automated trucks.
Under Patrick’s leadership, the company completed the Redwood Avenue Transfer Station in 2000, marking a significant advancement in their operations. Patrick Fahey retired in 2016, passing the role to Trent Carpenter, the third General Manager, who has continued the company’s legacy and expanded services such as street sweeping and parking lot sweeping.
As of January 2024, Southern Oregon Sanitation is now solely owned by the third generation, marking 75 years of growth and service.
70
Years