Modesto, California resident guide
Modesto trash, recycling & bulk pickup
Find regular trash and recycling information alongside bulk item schedules, placement rules, accepted items, and holiday changes.
Official source links checked on August 27, 2026.
Regular household service
Trash and recycling service
Start here for the recurring household collections residents use most often.
Household garbage is collected weekly in the black container by franchised haulers Gilton Solid Waste Management or Bertolotti Disposal. City of Modesto Containers
Recycling is collected every other week in the blue container (accepted: plastics, glass, metals, clean cardboard); organic waste is collected weekly in the green container. City of Modesto Containers
Need it gone before the city service?
Get a LoadUp quote when the local date is too far away or an item is excluded.
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How Modesto service works
Residents must contact their designated hauler, Gilton Solid Waste Management (209-527-3781) or Bertolotti Disposal (209-537-8000), or use the hauler’s online portal (Gilton or Bertolotti).
Find the Modesto hauler first
Gilton and Bertolotti serve different addresses
Modesto does not use one phone number for every home. The service address is assigned to Gilton Solid Waste Management or Bertolotti Disposal, and that company schedules the bulky item appointment. Check a current bill or the City's provider information before calling.
The allowance applies through the assigned residential hauler.
Use this number only when Gilton holds the service account.
Use this number when Bertolotti is named on the service account.
Wait for the confirmed appointment before moving material against the curb.
Appointment quantities and regular carts
Count limited items before contacting the hauler
The published bulky allowance includes specific quantity caps rather than one unlimited pile. A qualifying appointment can include one refrigerator or freezer, one air conditioner, two mattresses or box springs, and up to ten pieces of prepared wood. Concrete, construction debris, yard waste, chemicals, televisions, monitors, tires, and auto parts use another disposal option.
Remove doors and follow the hauler's preparation instructions.
A mattress and box spring count toward the published quantity.
Ordinary garbage belongs in the black cart.
The blue cart alternates while the green organics cart is collected weekly.
Common questions
Modesto bulky item questions
Who schedules bulky pickup at my Modesto address?
The assigned hauler does. Check the current bill to determine whether Gilton Solid Waste Management or Bertolotti Disposal serves the property. Their phone numbers and online tools are different, so calling the wrong company will delay the request.
How many Modesto bulky pickups are included?
The residential program currently includes two pickups per calendar year. Item categories carry their own quantity limits, including one refrigerator or freezer, one air conditioner, two mattress pieces, and ten prepared pieces of wood.
When can I place Modesto bulky items at the curb?
Wait until after 6 p.m. on the evening before the confirmed appointment. Place the material against the curb without blocking sidewalks, driveways, fire hydrants, or the carts needed for regular collection.
City rules at a glance
Local limits before placement
Two pickups per calendar year; quantity limits include 1 refrigerator/freezer, 1 AC unit, 2 mattresses/box springs, and 10 pieces of wood (max 8ft long)
Place items in the street against the curb no earlier than 6:00 PM the evening before the scheduled appointment; do not block sidewalks, driveways, fire hydrants, or regular collection bins.
Item guidance
What may go in the bulk item pile
Accepted examples
Air Conditioners, Appliances (doors removed), Mattresses, Couches, Chairs, Patio Furniture, Tables, Desks, Toilets, Sinks, Tubs, Water Heaters, Bicycles, Exercise Equipment, Carpet (rolled), Plywood (limit 2 sheets), Wood (limit 10 pieces)
Not accepted
Concrete, Asphalt, Construction and Demolition debris, Yard Waste, Hazardous Waste, Chemicals, Household Garbage, TVs, Computer Monitors, Tires, Auto Parts, Plate Glass, Liquids
Holiday collectionModesto holiday collection guidancePublished city guidance
Holiday schedules can change collection timing in Modesto.
TrashDayFinder does not fill this section with assumed federal holiday dates. A specific delay or makeup date will appear after it is confirmed in published local guidance.
Sources used for this guide
Official supporting information
TrashDayFinder used these public sources to prepare the resident guidance above. They were checked on August 27, 2026 and are provided here as evidence.
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