Trash & Recycling in Modesto, CA (2026)
3 verified trash & recycling rules for Modesto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Modesto requires all residential customers to use a three-container system — black (trash), green (organics), and blue (recycling) — collected by city-contracted haulers. Containers must be curbside by 6 AM on collection day and must not remain in the public right-of-way more than 24 hours before or after service.
Modesto Three-Container Trash, Recycling, and Organics Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. SB 1383 (2016) — Public Resources Code Sec. 42652.5 (Organic Waste Reduction; Mandatory Curbside Organics Collection)
42652.5. (a) The department, in consultation with the State Air Resources Board, shall adopt regulations to achieve the organic waste reduction goals for 2020 and 2025 established in Section 39730.6 of the Health and Safety Code. The regulations shall comply with all of the following: (1) May require local jurisdictions to impose requirements on generators or other relevant entities within thei...
Bin Placement Rules
Modesto Municipal Code Title 5, § 5-5.108 requires residents to place solid waste, recycling, and organics carts at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day. Carts must be removed within 12 hours of service and may not remain in the public right-of-way more than 24 hours.
Trash and Recycling Carts Must Be Placed at Curb by 6 AM
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Modesto provides residential customers two free curbside bulky item pickups per calendar year through licensed haulers Gilton Solid Waste Management and Bertolotti Disposal. Items must be placed curbside the evening before pickup. Most large household items are accepted; construction debris and hazardous materials are excluded.