Did you know the City of Modesto has its own compost facility? 

The City of Modesto Compost Facility was established in 1997 to transform everyday waste into a resource that strengthens our soil and protects our environment. Every banana peel, grass clipping, and food scrap has the potential to become something more. The Modesto Compost Facility receives roughly 200 tons of organic materials from residents and businesses every day. Green and food waste materials received such as food scraps, leaves, and yard trimmings are carefully blended, monitored, and composted under controlled conditions that ensure quality. The result is a nutrient-rich, dark compost that supports local agriculture and aids in closing the loop in our waste stream.  

This effort is especially exciting because it is powered by the community. Modesto residents and businesses play a direct role by properly sorting organic waste, while city staff and solid waste haulers work behind the scenes to prevent contamination and maintain high standards. The finished product is laboratory tested and qualified for sale per standards set by CalRecycle. 

Packaging makes up more than half of what goes into California landfills. In 2022 the State passed Senate Bill 54, requiring all single-use packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2032. Last year, the City was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Closed Loop Partners Composting Consortium, in partnership with the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and the US Composting Council. This funding allows the City to be proactive by updating labels and waste guidelines to include certified BPI or TUV certified bags that meet ATSM standards. These products are designed to break down in composting systems that would otherwise go to landfill. The City is strengthening its curbside collection program and making it easier for the community to compost with confidence by updating container labels, contamination warning tags, and providing indoor organic sorting labels for homes and businesses. This pilot effort will be implemented in phases, with distribution based on available funding. 

The City of Modesto has a three-container solid waste system designed to comply with state requirements:

• Black container – Household garbage such as plastic bags, food wrappers, Styrofoam, animal waste, and diapers.
• Blue container – Clean and dry plastic, metal, and glass containers with the option to include California Redemption Value (CRV) items, in addition to clean and flattened cardboard.
• Green Container – Organic materials including food scraps, yard waste, paper, food-soiled cardboard, and certified compostable items (e.g. BPI, TUV).

Residents are encouraged to look for the BPI logo on compostable products to ensure proper disposal in the green container. With help of Modesto residents, the City is making waste disposal and composting simpler, cleaner and more effective. 

For more information contact:

Cynella Aghasi
Communications and Media Relations Officer
209-412-1338
Email Cynella Aghasi