Trash and Recycling Collection in Modesto, California

The city of Modesto provides weekly garbage, recycling, and organics collection for residents through contracted haulers. This article outlines Modesto’s trash and recycling schedules, guidelines, and other key details to help residents understand the city’s waste collection program.

Collection Days

• Trash, recycling, and organics are collected weekly on the same day. Your collection day depends on your address.

• Find your designated route map at Service Area Map to determine your pickup day.

• Collection occurs Monday through Friday.

• View the Collection Calendar for specific dates.

Holiday Schedule

• If a holiday falls on or before your regular collection day, pickups that week will be delayed by one day.

• Holidays observed are New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Collection Times

• Place containers at the curb by 6:00 AM on your collection day.

• Trash collection hours are from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

• Remove empty containers from the curb within 12 hours of service.

Trash Guidelines

• Garbage containers cannot exceed 50 gallons or 100 pounds.

• No recycling, hazardous materials, or organics in the black garbage container.

• Bag and tie animal waste before placing in garbage.

Recycling Guidelines

• Place clean and dry recyclables loose in the blue container, not bagged. No sorting required.

• Accepted: glass, cardboard, paper, cans, plastic containers. Rinse residue but leave labels.

• Flatten cardboard boxes.

• No plastic bags, garbage, food waste, or yard waste.

Organics Guidelines

• Use the green container for food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste.

• Keep organics loose or bag in compostable bags only. No plastic bags.

• Avoid overfilling with yard waste; limit branches to 4 feet.

Special Collection

• Christmas trees collected first 2 weeks of January on regular pickup day. Remove all decorations.

• Bulky items like furniture can be collected for an extra fee by appointment.

Resources

• Contact your designated hauler Gilton or Bertolotti for repairs, missing pickups, or other issues.

• View frequently asked questions.

• Learn more about SB 1383 food recycling mandates.

• Request second organics container for free under SB 1383 requirements.

Staying up-to-date on your collection schedule is key to successful participation in Modesto’s waste services. Visit the Solid Waste Division website for additional information and use the online Waste Wizard tool if you have questions on sorting waste properly. Proper curbside placement and separation will help Modesto meet state mandates to reduce landfill waste.