Trash and recycling carts in Modesto: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Modesto Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Modesto's code says

Modesto code What Modesto's code adds
Sorting organics and green waste	Place leaves and other small green waste into the organic recycling container Applies: Throughout the year § 4-7.1103 · code text Throughout the year residents shall place leaves and other small green waste into their organic recycling container. Place leaves in the street Applies: From November 1 through December 31, after the organic recycling container reaches capacity § 4-7.1103 · code text From November 1 through December 31 of each year, after an organic recycling container reaches capacity, residents shall place leaves in the street. Leaves must not be combined with any other small or large green waste Applies: Applies to leaves placed in the street from November 1 through December 31 after the container reaches capacity § 4-7.1103 · code text Leaves shall be placed in a compact manner and shall not be combined with any other small or large green waste. Leaves must not be placed in plastic bags or any other type of container Applies: Applies to leaves put out for collection § 4-7.1103 · code text Leaves shall not be placed in plastic bags or any other type of container for collection.
When carts may go to the curb	Not more than seventy-two (72) hours before the collection day Applies: large green waste placed on the street or alley for collection § 4-7.1103 · code text Residents shall not place large green waste on the street or alley for collection more than seventy-two (72) hours before their collection day.
Where carts are kept	Containers should be screened from public view Applies: Except within 24 hours before and after service day; screening must be approved by the Public Works Director § 5-5.121 · code text All containers should be screened from public view, except within twenty-four (24) hours prior to and following service day, in a manner approved by the Public Works Director.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

When can trash carts go out to the curb in Modesto?

Modesto's code: Place leaves and other small green waste into the organic recycling container (Throughout the year) (§ 4-7.1103); Place leaves in the street (From November 1 through December 31, after the organic recycling container reaches capacity) (§ 4-7.1103).

Trash and recycling carts in Modesto

What Modesto's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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