Containers

City of Modesto residents currently have a three-container system for Garbage, Organics and Recycling. See the Collection Calendar to view the schedule for pick-ups. 

  1. Garbage / Black Container
  2. Organics / Green Container
  3. Recycling / Blue Container

About the Black Container

The black container is for household garbage and non-organic materials, for example: plastic packaging, diapers, and animal waste. Recycling is no longer allowed in the black container. The material is sent to a Waste-to-Energy facility and is burned to make electricity. 

Acceptable Items

  • Animal waste or litter box debris
  • Diapers
  • Flocked or treated holiday trees
  • Household garbage or trash
  • Masks, gloves, and wipes
  • Bathroom waste and feminine hygiene products
  • Plastic bags or packaging
  • Polystyrene items
  • Wood or lumber (small pieces only)

Unacceptable Items

  • Dirt, rocks, concrete or asphalt
  • Furniture or large items
  • Organic waste of any kind
  • Recycling materials
  • Hazardous, toxic or e-waste (light bulbs, batteries, chemicals, paint, computers, monitors, etc.)

Note: Do not overfill to more than 100 pounds or that the lid will not close