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 material is sent to a Waste-to-Energy facility and is burned to make electricity.
The Black Can "Cans"
- Animal waste or litter box debris
- Bottles and cans: Please recycle CRV bottles and cans at a local buy-back center
- Diapers
- Flocked or treated holiday trees
- Household garbage or trash
- Plastic bags or packaging
- Polystyrene items
- Wood or lumber (small pieces only)
The Black Can "Cant's"
- Dirt, rocks, concrete or asphalt
- Furniture or large items
- Garbage cans over 100 lbs.
- Hazardous, toxic or e-waste
- Overfull cans - lids must be completely closed
- Yard waste of any kind
Collection Day
Residents must place their garbage cans out by 6 a.m. on their collection day. Ensure that your cans are collected quickly by following these tips:
- Cans must be placed at least three feet from any obstruction such as mailboxes, cars, poles, etc. Please leave at least one foot of space between the cans.
- Cans will be serviced on the same day, but not necessarily at the same time.
- The lids must be closed. No excess garbage will be collected without prior arrangements with your service provider.
- Neither can may exceed 100 pounds.
- Place cans on the asphalt portions of the street, next to the curb. Do not block the sidewalk. If you have alley pickup, put both cans in the alley.
- Place cans with the handle toward your home.
For more information on garbage or recycling programs, contact the Solid Waste Division at 209-577-5494 or by using our online Contact Us form.
Acceptable Placement
Next to or near curb or gutter.
Unacceptable Placement
Never on the sidewalk.