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Modesto, let’s talk trash. What are your biggest questions and concerns about waste?

Trash is an unavoidable part of daily life in Modesto — but what happens after it’s collected remains a mystery for many.

The journey from curbside to landfill or recycling facility is a complex process and full of steps we often overlook.

What exactly happens to the items you toss in the blue recycling bin?

How can you keep your waste containers clean? And does putting food scraps in the green garbage can really make a difference?

A Bertolotti disposal truck collects garbage in Ceres, Calif., on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.
A Bertolotti disposal truck collects garbage in Ceres, Calif., on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. Andy Alfaro aalfaro@modbee.com

By understanding why our waste goes through these processes, we can uncover insights about our consumption habits and the unseen systems keeping Modesto clean.

Modesto, we’re here for you and your questions on waste — whether they’re about trash sorting, landfills or anything in between.

The Modesto Bee wants to know what’s on your mind.

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

Examples of stories on Modesto’s waste system

From recycling to food scraps, here are some reader questions The Bee has previously answered:

Lots of trash and plastic will be screened out fo the compost before it leaves the City of Modesto Compost Facility west of Modesto, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021.
Lots of trash and plastic will be screened out fo the compost before it leaves the City of Modesto Compost Facility west of Modesto, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. Andy Alfaro aalfaro@modbee.com

How to submit your questions to The Bee

You can submit questions directly to our reporters by emailing The Bee’s Angela Rodriguez at arodriguez@modbee.com, writing to our service journalism desk at servicejournalists@modbee.com, or filling out the form below.

You may be contacted by a Modesto Bee reporter.

A Bertolotti disposal truck collects garbage in Ceres, Calif., on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.
A Bertolotti disposal truck collects garbage in Ceres, Calif., on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. Andy Alfaro aalfaro@modbee.com

This story was originally published October 14, 2024 at 5:00 AM.

Angela Rodriguez
The Modesto Bee
Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.
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