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Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Premium Trash Management Solutions
Strategic Sanitation Services was founded in 2007 by Rick Hilgert to address inefficiencies in multifamily community trash management. Our mission to honor God, care for people, and protect the environment drives our Respectful, Reliable, and Responsible service approach. With over 80 dedicated team members, we serve 300+ communities across Southern California through customized Waste Optimization Plans. Our 15+ services leverage cutting-edge technology to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve curb appeal for apartment complexes and HOAs. We maintain industry leadership through patented processes, strategic partnerships with haulers, and continuous innovation in eco-friendly solutions. Our team's combined decades of experience in waste management and business operations ensure tailored support for property managers and owners.

We guarantee satisfaction through our Love it or Leave it Guarantee and provide transparent reporting for operational clarity. As a certified B Corp, we demonstrate environmental stewardship while maintaining 98% customer retention. Our field crews and customer solutions team deliver premium service with 24/7 support for urgent needs. We partner with communities to achieve compliance, enhance resident satisfaction, and implement sustainable waste practices. Our growth from three to 300+ communities reflects our commitment to excellence in every service interaction.
Services
On-site Waste Control Large Item Pickup Enclosure Pressure Washing Odor Control Trash Chute Room Care Organics Tote Support Christmas Tree Removal Compactor Maintenance Special Cleanups Customer Solutions Team
Details
  • Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
  • We have 16 years of specialized experience in multifamily waste management
  • Our patented Waste Optimization Plan reduces operating costs by up to 30%
  • We provide dedicated customer support teams for every community
  • Our field crews maintain 98% service retention through consistent quality
  • We implement eco-friendly solutions that align with environmental certifications
What people say
Most efficient and professional Cleaner trash areas Eliminated extra communication Cleanest trash areas ever Great bottom-line savings
Services
On-site Waste Control
Our teams maintain dumpster enclosures and trash rooms through daily tidying, debris removal, and bin compression. This service prevents overflow issues and maintains curb appeal for multifamily properties. Regular maintenance reduces resident complaints about unsightly waste areas while ensuring compliance with local sanitation codes.
Large Item Pickup
We remove oversized items like furniture and appliances that accumulate around waste enclosures. This service prevents illegal dumping and maintains property aesthetics. Our crews handle mattress recycling and hazardous waste disposal following environmental regulations to protect communities and workers.
Enclosure Pressure Washing
High-pressure cleaning systems eliminate grime and odors from waste areas using biodegradable degreasers. This service improves sanitation and pest control while extending enclosure lifespan. Regular maintenance prevents permanent staining and maintains compliance with health department standards for multifamily housing.
Odor Control
Our atomized vapor systems neutralize unpleasant smells in trash rooms using natural essential oils. This service improves air quality for residents and maintenance staff while reducing pest attraction. Monthly maintenance ensures continuous effectiveness in enclosed waste management areas.
Trash Chute Room Care
Regular cleaning and inspection of vertical waste transport systems prevents blockages and fire hazards. Our technicians perform safety checks on discharge doors while maintaining cleanliness standards. This service reduces maintenance calls and ensures compliance with fire safety regulations for high-rise buildings.
People
Rick Hilgert
Founder & Principal
Rick Hilgert founded Strategic Sanitation Services after identifying waste management inefficiencies in his wife's managed community. With prior experience in electronic manufacturing and resource investments, he developed patented waste optimization processes. His environmental focus drives the company's sustainable solutions.
Steven Reyes
Principal
Steven Reyes joined Strategic in 2009, expanding service areas from 3 to 300+ communities. His business development expertise and B.S. in Business Management from CSU Fullerton shaped the company's growth strategy. He oversees operational expansion while maintaining service quality standards.
Kenneth Reyes
President
As President, Kenneth Reyes leads daily operations with 20+ years of waste management experience. He implements strategic initiatives to improve service delivery while maintaining the company's Respectful, Reliable, and Responsible values. His leadership ensures consistent quality across all service regions.
Wendy Todaro
Director of Operations
Wendy Todaro manages operational logistics for 300+ communities with a focus on efficiency and compliance. She coordinates field teams and customer support to maintain 98% service retention. Her systems ensure timely response to property managers' waste management needs.
Jessica Ramirez
HR Manager
Jessica Ramirez leads talent acquisition and employee development for Strategic's 80+ team members. She maintains the company's Respectful culture through training programs and wellness initiatives. Her HR strategies support the company's growth while upholding core values.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We serve apartment and condominium communities in Orange, San Diego, South Los Angeles, and Riverside counties with plans for statewide expansion.
How do your service plans work?
Our Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans offer tiered service frequencies with 10-15% discounts on one-time services, tailored to community size and needs.
What makes you different from other trash services?
We combine patented waste optimization technology with on-site crews and dedicated customer support to deliver measurable cost savings and environmental benefits.
Do you handle special waste types?
Our services include organics totes, Christmas tree removal, and hazardous waste disposal following all environmental regulations for multifamily properties.
What's your service guarantee?
We offer a Love it or Leave it Guarantee - if you're unsatisfied with your service plan, your last month is free with no questions asked.
How do you handle emergency situations?
Our customer solutions team responds to urgent issues within 2 hours during business hours and coordinates immediate cleanup crews for critical waste management needs.