Can my Modesto neighbor put their trash in my garbage can? What city rules say
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Nosy Neighbors in Modesto
A multi-part series by The Modesto Bee
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Living in a Modesto neighborhood comes with its own set of rules, from where you can park to cleaning up after your pets.
What about trash?
Can you report your neighbor for tossing their garbage into your curbside waste container in Modesto?
Here’s what Modesto residents need to know about city rules:
Can my neighbor put their trash in my garbage can?
According to the city of Modesto, using someone else’s trash container without permission can be considered illegal dumping.
Under Modesto’s Municipal Code, illegal dumping includes disposing of garbage, green waste or other materials on public or private property without written permission.
That also includes placing trash in a garbage container “without the permission or consent of the person owning, renting or having legal control of that container.”
How can I report my Modesto neighbor for illegal dumping?
Modesto residents can report illegal dumping in several ways.
To report illegal dumping in Modesto, residents can call the city’s Solid Waste Division at 209-577-5494.
Residents can also submit an online report through the Go Modesto App.
“All submissions remain anonymous,” city officials said.
What are the fines for illegal dumping in Modesto?
Under California Penal Code, it is against the law to dump garbage, waste or other materials on public or private property without permission.
According to the city of Modesto, people caught illegally dumping can face steep fines beginning at $1,000 for a first-time violation.
A second violation within a 12-month period can result in a fine of $1,500, while a third violation within 12 months of the second violation can result in a $2,000 fine.
What questions do you have about living alongside Modesto neighbors?
Living alongside neighbors can be a challenge.
Whether your questions are about reporting violations or understanding what’s allowed, The Bee is here to help you navigate neighborhood issues.
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.
