Modoc County, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Recycling in the unincorporated county is delivered through drop-off and redemption rather than a mandatory residential curbside program. California Refund Value (CRV) beverage containers can be redeemed for cash at Blue Water Recycling Corporation in Alturas, described as the leading CRV redemption center serving Modoc and Lassen Counties; the statewide CRV 'bottle bill' (5 cents under 24 oz, 10 cents at 24 oz and over) applies to eligible containers regardless of local service. Through the County's transfer stations (operated via Alturas Disposal), residents can also drop off certain materials free — batteries of all kinds, used oil, oil filters, and paint — at the Alturas, Lake City, Lookout, and Newell sites, keeping those materials out of the landfill stream. On the mandatory side, the requirements come from California law rather than a Modoc County ordinance: AB 341 (Mandatory Commercial Recycling) requires businesses and public agencies that generate four or more cubic yards of solid waste per week, and multifamily properties of five or more units, to arrange recycling service; AB 1826 adds commercial organics requirements where applicable. For ordinary households in the unincorporated county, no separate County recycling fine was identified — recycling is encouraged through drop-off and CRV redemption rather than imposed as a household penalty. Materials should be kept clean and sorted so loads are accepted. Confirm accepted materials, redemption hours, and any service options with Blue Water Recycling and Modoc County Environmental Health.