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Modesto has new location for free junk drop off event. Here’s what you can throw out

The city of Modesto is continuing its Drive Up Drop off event Saturday, this time at a new location.

Residents can bring old furniture, appliances and other bulky or electronic items to Modesto Junior College from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or until the site is full, according to the city. The event was previously held at John Thurman Field.

“We selected a new location that is a bit more central to make it easier for residents to get to the event,” said Diana Ruiz-Del Re, a spokesperson for the city. “If we continue to be able to host these events, we will continue to seek new locations to serve more neighborhoods easily.”

Here’s what you can drop off at the site, and what happens if the collection becomes full:

Items accepted at Modesto junk drop off

The event is available for Modesto households and apartments only, with proof of address. Businesses are not allowed to drop off junk at the event, according to the city.

Residents should enter the part of campus located at 2201 Blue Gum Ave to dispose of their items for free.

“This event is funded through Measure H and partnerships with other agencies,” Ruiz-Del Re said. “Mattress disposal is funded by the Mattress Recycling Council. Tire disposal is funded by a Cal Recycle grant.”

The items that will be accepted, according to the city, are:

  • Household bulky items- mattresses, couches, chairs, tables, outdoor or patio furniture and other similar items
  • Tires- limit nine per vehicle, with or without rims; no tractor or commercial truck tires
  • Appliances- refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, microwaves and similar items
  • E-waste- computers, monitors, televisions, printers, electronics and similar items

“If a household wanted to return to the event a second time, they can do so and join the end of the line,” Ruiz-Del Re said.

Bertolotti worker Jerald Chancey unloads a junk grill during Modesto’s “drive up, drop off” refuse collection event at John Thurman Field in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, March 25, 2023.
Bertolotti worker Jerald Chancey unloads a junk grill during Modesto’s “drive up, drop off” refuse collection event at John Thurman Field in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, March 25, 2023. Andy Alfaro aalfaro@modbee.com

If the community college becomes full

If the collection becomes full during the event hours, Ruiz-Del Re said the city will offer vouchers for residents to take to Bertolotti Transfer Station for same-day drop off.

If a load is very large, like a trailer or a lot of loose material, city staff will provide a voucher and direct people to drop it off at the transfer station.

“This is in an effort to keep the line moving quickly and efficiently,” Ruiz-Del Re said.

What do you want to know about life in Modesto? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@modbee.com.

This story was originally published June 23, 2023 at 12:46 PM.

Dominique Williams
The Modesto Bee
Dominique Williams writes about new business, restaurant and retail developments for The Modesto Bee. She is a Ripon native and a graduate of Sacramento State.
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