Garbage & Recycling

  1. Bulky Item Pick Up

    Residential garbage service customers may have 2 bulky item pick-ups per calendar year. Residents must contact their garbage company to set up a collection appointment. Items should be placed out the evening before the scheduled collection day.

  2. Composting Information

    The City of Modesto first implemented its integrated composting program in 1997. The program includes collecting and processing residential yard waste material from the green cans and pruned refuse from the street collection program.

  3. Garbage Containers

    The City of Modesto uses a "Two Can" garbage program. The black can is for household garbage and non-organic materials such as plastic packaging, diapers, animal waste, etc. The green can is for organic materials including yard waste, food waste, paper and cardboard products.

  4. Garbage Pick Up Day

    You must contact your garbage company to obtain the garbage schedule for your address. Visit our Garbage Companies web page for more information.

  5. Garbage Service Faqs

    Requesting repairs to Black or Green cans, Report stolen Black or Green cans. Request Green or Black cans.

  6. Household Hazardous Waste

    Modesto residents can dispose of many different household hazardous waste and e-waste products at the City-County Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Disposal is free for all Stanislaus County residents.

  7. Modesto Garbage Companies

    The City of Modesto contracts with Gilton Solid Waste Management and Bertolotti Disposal Service for all garbage and recycling collection services. Each company has an exclusive service area as deemed by the Modesto City Council, thus your garbage company is determined by which street you live on.

  8. Recycling Events & Programs

    The City of Modesto has various recycling events and programs available to community members. View our recycling guide, recycle your phone book or participate in one of our recycling events.

  9. Street Sweeping

    City of Modesto streets are swept once per month within 48 hours of the collection of your large yard trimmings.

  10. Trash Collection Policy & Tips

    The City of Modesto uses a "Two Can" garbage program. The black can is for household garbage and non-organic materials such as plastic packaging, diapers, animal waste, etc. The material is sent to a Waste-to-Energy facility and is burned to make electricity.