Garbage & Recycling

Green Can/Yard Waste Program


Yard Waste Collection

The City of Modesto uses a "Two Can" recycling program. The green can program has been expanded and now includes most organic materials including yard waste, food waste, paper and cardboard products! This program has helped the city reduce its waste stream by 12% as residents recycle approximately 35,000 tons of yard waste each year. The material is made into compost and made available to the community.

Learn how to compost your yard waste in the Backyard Composting Classes held at Modesto Junior College: http://www.mjc.edu/commed/lifestyle_homegarden.html.

  • Download the complete Recycling Guide (PDF) and learn about all of Modesto's garbage and recycling programs in one stop!

Green Cans

The Green Cans

  • Grass, plant clippings and leaves
  • Brush, tree limbs less than 4' long and 6" in diameter
  • Food waste, including meat and bones
  • NEW! Cardboard, chipboard and all types of paper (newspaper, junk mail, computer paper, magazines, phone books, paper bags)
  • 100 lb weight limit
  • Lids must be completely closed

Green Can'ts

The Green Can'ts

  • No plastic bags, wires, cloth, carpet, or screen
  • No plastic-lined paper bags
  • No materials over 4' long or 6" in diameter
  • No dirt, rocks, concrete or asphalt
  • No wood or lumber
  • No trash of any kind
  • No flocked Christmas trees
  • No open lids
  • Not to exceed 100 lb weight limit

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