Need to get rid of an old mattress in Modesto? A broken fridge? Here’s what to do
The holiday season often brings a wave of new gifts, new gadgets and, for some households, new appliances.
If you’re planning to gift someone a kitchen upgrade or treat yourself to a new washer and dryer set, the city of Modesto offers an easy way to get rid of the old ones.
The city of Modesto makes it easy for single-family households to get rid of large items through its Bulky Item Collection Program.
Each household can schedule two pickups per year.
If you haven’t used any of your pickups in 2025, here’s how to schedule one before the year ends:
Will Modesto pick up my old mattress? Broken appliances?
As part of its Bulky Item Collection Program, the city will accept the following items:
- Air conditioners
- Doors and ladders
- Exercise equipment and bicycles
- Plastic or fake Christmas trees
- Large appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and dryers (all doors must be removed)
- Mattresses, couches and chairs
- Patio furniture and barbecues without the propane tank
- Tables and desks
- Toilets, sinks, tubs and hot tubs
- Water heaters and softeners
Which bulky items aren’t picked up by the city?
The city will not accept the following:
- No concrete or asphalt
- No construction or demolition debris, wood or yard waste
- No dead animals
- No hazardous waste, chemicals or toxic materials
- No household garbage
- No items associated with businesses, such as store fixtures
- No liquids, paints or solvents
- No plate glass, TVs or computer monitors
- No tires or other automobile parts
How to schedule a bulky item pickup in Modesto
Modesto residents can use curbside bulky item collection to dispose of large household items that don’t fit in their regular weekly trash pickup.
To schedule a pickup, contact your waste hauler to set up an appointment:
- Gilton Solid Waste: Bulky item pickup appointments
- Bertolotti Disposal: Bulky item pickup appointments
All items must be placed on the street against the curb, directly in front of your own residence. Make sure not to block sidewalks, driveways, fire hydrants, storm drains or garbage cans.
Items will not be collected if they’re placed in an alley.
“Please do not place items out for collection until 6 p.m. the evening before your scheduled appointment,” the city said on its website.
Can I schedule a bulky item pickup if I live in an apartment?
For residents in apartments or multi-unit buildings that use Dumpsters, the city of Modesto is testing a pilot bulky item pickup program.
“This pilot allows us to work through any issues with the program to ensure it does not contribute to illegal dumping or blight and to provide funding for the two years,” the city said on its website.
Can I drop off my bulky item myself?
Modesto offers a Haul It Yourself Program for residents who want to take their bulky items directly to a transfer station instead of scheduling a pickup at home.
You can bring a truck or trailer load of items measuring no larger than 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet.
Each household or account is eligible for two vouchers per year. Vouchers are held at the transfer station and are valid for seven days after they’re issued, according to the city website.
For single-family homes, contact your solid waste company to request a voucher.
If you live in a multi-family homes, you can contact your property manager or owner to request a voucher through the solid waste company.
