Can my neighbor dump garbage in my can? Modesto’s rules on broken, stolen or misused bins
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Talking Trash in Modesto
A multi-part series by The Modesto Bee
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Can my neighbor dump garbage in my can? Modesto’s rules on broken, stolen or misused bins
How often does Modesto perform garbage can inspections? Here’s what city officials say
Is Stanislaus County running out of landfill space? How much trash do we make? What to know
Will garbage pickup be delayed this holiday season in Modesto? Keep these dates in mind
Are you properly disposing of pet waste in Modesto? Here’s what the city says to do
Editor’s note: This is the first in a multi-part series about waste disposal in the Modesto area.
The city of Modesto has guidelines on how residents should dump and sort garbage.
What should you do if a neighbor tosses trash in your waste container without permission? And what are the rules if your bin is broken or stolen?
Here’s what you need to know:
Can my neighbor use my garbage can without my permission?
According to the city of Modesto’s website, illegal dumping is defined as disposing of garbage, green waste or other materials on public or private property without written permission.
That includes using your neighbor’s garbage container without asking first.
What are the penalties for illegal dumping in California?
California Penal Code 374.3 says it is a crime to dispose of garbage, waste or other materials on public or private property without permission.
According to Shouse California Law Group, examples of illegal dumping include dumping tree and brush trimmings in a public park, tossing garbage onto your neighbor’s property without permission or leaving buckets of paving stones on a private roadway during a street paving project.
Illegal dumping is considered an infraction. It’s punishable by fines ranging from $250 to more than $3,000, depending on the number of offenses, the law firm said.
How can I report illegal dumping in Modesto?
To report illegal dumping in Modesto, residents can call 209-577-5494, file a report on GoModesto! or contact the city online.
What should I do if my Modesto trash bin is broken?
To request free repair of your garbage container, such as a lid replacement, the city website says you should contact your waste hauler directly.
If you’re unsure of your hauler, check the online service area map.
If you have a damaged waste container, the city said, contact your hauler directly to have a can replaced.
“There may be a fee associated with this service,” the city said.
Fees can vary depending on the hauler.
What if my waste container is stolen?
If your waste container is stolen, the city said you should first contact your hauler to confirm it wasn’t removed by the company.
If it’s confirmed stolen, you can file a nonemergency report with the Modesto Police Department. Then provide the report number to your hauler to receive a replacement at no cost.
What questions do you have about Modesto’s waste systems?
Trash is an unavoidable part of daily life in Modesto, but what happens after it’s collected remains a mystery for many.
Modesto, we’re here to answer 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.
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.
