Recycling Centers in Modesto, CA
Find drop-off recycling locations in Modesto, California. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
⭐ Top 5 Recycling Centers in Modesto
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Residents of Modesto, California can use this directory to locate nearby recycling drop-off locations. Whether you have household recyclables or specialty items like electronics or batteries, the facilities listed here can help you dispose of materials responsibly.
Recycling in Modesto: A Local Guide
Modesto residents recycle two ways: the City of Modesto's blue cart and the 10 buyback and scrap yards in our California directory. The city's Solid Waste Division runs a three-container system — gray garbage, green organics and a blue recycling cart serviced every other week. The blue cart takes both CRV and non-CRV plastics, glass, metal cans and clean cardboard and paper, all loose (not bagged) with no sorting required. Plastic bags, food waste and yard waste stay out of the blue cart.
California's CRV deposit makes buyback and scrap yards worthwhile here. In our verified data, United Recycling accepts batteries and electronics, JL Recycling takes scrap metal, and long-running metal yards like Modesto Junk Co (established 1920) and Jim Newells Iron and Metal handle ferrous and non-ferrous scrap. Across our Modesto listings, one site each is confirmed for scrap metal, electronics and batteries; call any facility first to confirm materials, CRV rates and hours.
Comparing options in the Central Valley and beyond? Browse recycling centers in Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles and Visalia, or see all California listings to compare buyback rates and hours across the region.
All Recycling Centers in Modesto
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Modesto
What goes in Modesto's blue recycling cart?
The City of Modesto's blue cart is part of a three-container system and is serviced every other week on your collection day. It accepts CRV and non-CRV plastics, glass, metal cans and clean, dry cardboard and paper, placed loose — not bagged — with no sorting needed. Keep out plastic bags, garbage, food waste and yard waste; organics go in the green container. Call the Solid Waste Division for your schedule and cart sizes.
Where can I recycle electronics or batteries in Modesto?
Electronics and batteries don't belong in the curbside cart. In our verified data, United Recycling accepts both batteries and electronics in Modesto. Confirm which specific items they take — phones, computers, TVs, household vs. car batteries — and any CRT-TV fees before you go, since e-waste handling and charges vary by site.
Where do I redeem CRV bottles and cans in Modesto?
California pays a California Redemption Value deposit on eligible beverage containers, reclaimed at certified buyback centers rather than through the blue cart. Modesto has buyback and scrap recyclers across town — compare them in our Modesto directory. Bring sorted aluminum, glass and plastic, and call ahead for current rates and hours, which change frequently.
Where can I take scrap metal in Modesto?
Modesto has several metal recyclers. JL Recycling is confirmed in our data to accept scrap metal, and established yards like Modesto Junk Co and Jim Newells Iron and Metal buy ferrous and non-ferrous scrap. Call ahead for current per-pound prices, accepted grades and hours.