Modoc County, CA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

Bulky-waste handling in the unincorporated county runs through the transfer-station network rather than a scheduled curbside bulky-item program. Residents self-haul large items to a County transfer station operated through Alturas Disposal, and the County's waste page posts per-item disposal fees: for example, mattresses or furniture at a set charge each (around $8.50 per item), and car/pickup tires without rims at a per-tire rate (around $3.50 each), with loose household trash charged by the cubic yard and metal at a per-cubic-yard rate. Exact prices change, so confirm current fees before hauling. Household hazardous waste is handled separately and, importantly, free: the County offers free disposal of batteries (all kinds), used oil, oil filters, and paint at the Alturas, Lake City, Lookout, and Newell locations — these should never go in regular trash or be dumped. Tires, appliances, metal, and construction debris are accepted at posted rates rather than free. Because there is no universal curbside bulky-pickup service in the unincorporated county, residents must transport bulky items themselves to a transfer station on its operating days. Illegal dumping of bulky items (furniture, mattresses, appliances, tires) in lieu of proper disposal is unlawful, enforced by Environmental Health as the solid-waste LEA, and abatable as a nuisance under Title 8 with cost recovery. Confirm item-specific fees and current site days and hours with Alturas Disposal at (530) 233-2631.