Modesto again letting residents turn John Thurman Field into a dump for a day. Here’s why
Modesto residents once again can drop off their busted couches, broken TVs and other bulky household items at John Thurman Field at no cost, as the city continues its efforts to reduce blight and make it easier for residents to do the right thing.
The city is holding its second “drive up, drop off” event March 25 at the west Modesto ballpark at 601 Neece Drive. The Saturday event is 8 to noon and only for Modesto households, from people living in houses to those living in apartments.
The city has said its first event in June was a huge success, with residents dropping off more than 36 tons of junk in the ballpark’s parking lot. It drew so many residents that the city kept it open an additional two and a half hours but still had to turn away 70 vehicles. That was after 336 vehicles had dropped off household junk.
Modesto will not extend the hours beyond noon this time but will give vouchers to residents it turns away to dispose of their bulky items for free at Bertolotti Disposal’s transfer station at 231 Flamingo Drive, Modesto.
City spokeswoman Diana Ruiz-Del Re said a resident must be in line before the event closes at noon to receive a voucher. She said the vouchers are good only for March 25. The transfer station is open until 3:45 p.m. that day.
Ruiz-Del Re said the upcoming “drive up, drop off” event is part of the state’s Clean California initiative. As part of that, Modesto is holding two other events March 18.
Residents can drop off their household hazardous waste, such as motor oil, at the Modesto Senior Center from 9 to 1 p.m. that day, as well as participate in a community cleanup in their neighborhood.
Ruiz-Del Re said Modesto is working with Caltrans and other partners in the John Thurman Field event. She said Caltrans is covering the cost. Residents can drop off four bulky items, such as mattresses and furniture; two appliances, such as microwaves, washers and refrigerators; and televisions, printers and other electronic waste.
The city also will take tires this time. It will accept as many as nine per household, with or without rims, from cars, trucks and motorcycles. It will not accept tires from tractors or commercial trucks.
People dropping off stuff at John Thurman Field will need to provide a driver’s license or other government ID with a photo to show they live in Modesto. Ruiz-Del Re said residents will need to bring a current bill with a Modesto address if their ID does not have a Modesto address.
The “drive up, drop off” event is part of the city’s bigger effort to clean up Modesto. Illegal dumping, litter and other blight are among residents’ top concerns, according to the city.
She said Modesto will hold two more “drive up, drop off” events. The city has set aside $110,000 from its federal pandemic relief funding to pay for them. The events are expected to occur in late April and late June. One will be in northwest Modesto and the other in northeast Modesto.
Residents can call 209-577-5494 for more information about the John Thurman Field event and the community cleanup day and 209-577-5493 to learn more about the household hazardous waste event.
This story was originally published March 9, 2023 at 12:13 PM.
