When is trash picked up in Modesto? Here’s how early garbage collection can start
It’s a routine many Modesto residents know well.
Once a week, residents roll their garbage bins to the curb for pickup.
For some, the truck comes and goes without notice.
However, the rumble of the garbage truck and clatter of containers can be an early morning wake-up call for other residents.
A Modesto Bee reader recently asked our journalists with Bee Curious, a community-driven series where reporters answer reader questions about the Modesto region: “What time can garbage collection begin? We have trucks waking up our neighborhood at 6 a.m. on the dot. Isn’t there a noise ordinance that applies?”
Here’s what the Modesto city code says about trash collection:
What is Modesto noise ordinance?
According to the Modesto Municipal Code, “Loud and raucous noise” that annoys or disrupts the comfort, health, peace or safety of other residents is prohibited before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
Violating the local noise ordinance could result in a citation.
However, rules limiting loud noises in Modesto don’t apply to trucks collecting trash and recycling, according to the city code.
What time is trash pickup in Modesto?
The Modesto Municipal Code says trash can only be picked up between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in or near residential areas.
In commercial areas that are not next to residents’ homes, garbage collection is allowed from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Waste collection occurs every day of the week.
When is my weekly trash pickup day?
Trash pickup in Modesto varies depending on where you live.
You’re assigned a specific trash hauler — either Bertolotti Disposal Service or Gilton Solid Waste Management — based on the street you live on.
Garbage and organic waste are collected every week.
You can see your scheduled trash pickup day on the city’s website.
In Modesto, recyclable items such as bottles, cans and cardboard are collected every other week.
Homes with even-numbered addresses follow one schedule, while odd-numbered addresses follow another.
To find out when your recycling will be picked up, check the city’s recycling calendars.
Which holidays delay garbage pickup?
Local haulers only observe four holidays in 2025:
- New Year’s Day, Jan. 1
- Independence Day, July 4
- Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday of November
- Christmas Day, Dec. 25
If your trash pickup was delayed during the week following one of these days, this holiday schedule could be the reason.
“These holidays may cause your service to be delayed by one day during the appropriate week,” the city website says.
For example, if your usual pickup day falls on Thanksgiving, which is a Thursday, collection will shift to Friday.
Similarly, if your garbage is normally picked up on Wednesday, your collection day will move to Thursday of that week, and so forth.
Have a question about life in Modesto?
Here’s how to submit your question to The Bee:
You can submit questions directly to our reporters by emailing me directly at arodriguez@modbee.com, our service journalism desk servicejournalists@modbee.com, or by filling out the form below.
This story was originally published July 22, 2025 at 1:34 PM.
