Modesto residents can take old paint, household chemicals, and electronics to the Stanislaus County Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 1710 Morgan Road for free. It is open Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, except holidays. Hazardous items and e-waste should never go in your regular trash bin.
Where to Take Hazardous Waste in Modesto
The main drop-off spot is the Stanislaus County Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 1710 Morgan Road in Modesto. County residents can drop off household hazardous waste there at no charge.
Here is the quick version:
- Address: 1710 Morgan Road, Modesto
- Days: Fridays and Saturdays
- Hours: 8 a.m. to noon
- Cost: Free for Stanislaus County residents
- Closed: Holidays
Because the window is short and only two days a week, it helps to plan your trip ahead of time. Showing up late on a Saturday means waiting another week.
What Counts as Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste is any leftover product from around the house that can be harmful to people, pets, or the environment if it is dumped or thrown out. Think of the stuff that tends to pile up in a garage, shed, or under the kitchen sink.
Common examples homeowners ask about include:
- Old paint and paint-related products
- Cleaning chemicals and solvents
- Pesticides and lawn or garden chemicals
- Automotive fluids
- Batteries and similar items
The exact list of what the facility accepts can change, so look at the county's facility page before you load the car. If you are unsure about a specific product, check the label and confirm with the county first.
Limits to Know Before You Drive Over
The facility publishes limits on what you can bring. Planning around them keeps you from getting turned away or having to make a second trip.
- No containers larger than 5 gallons
- A limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds per car, per day
If you are cleaning out a garage with a lot of old cans and jugs, you may need to split the load over more than one trip. Rules can change, so check the current guidelines on the county site before you go.
Tips for a Smooth Drop-Off
- Keep products in their original containers whenever possible so they are easy to identify.
- Make sure lids are tight and nothing is leaking.
- Pack containers upright in a sturdy box in your trunk or truck bed, away from the passenger area.
- Never mix different chemicals together to save space.
- Arrive early enough in the 8 a.m. to noon window to avoid being caught in a line at closing time.
Where to Take Old Electronics in Modesto
Old TVs, computers, monitors, and other electronics are not trash. According to Stanislaus County Environmental Resources, electronic waste is collected free for residents at the Modesto facility on Fridays and Saturdays. The county also notes that improper disposal of e-waste is illegal in California.
That means tossing an old television in the dumpster or leaving a dead computer monitor at the curb can cause real problems. Taking it to the facility is free, so there is no good reason to risk it.
Before you drop off old devices, it is smart to:
- Back up anything you want to keep
- Sign out of accounts and reset the device if you can
- Remove personal files, since the county will not do that for you
What Should Stay Out of the Trash
A good rule of thumb is that if a product has a warning label, is flammable, is toxic, or contains a battery or circuit board, it should not go in your regular garbage can. Dumping hazardous items in the trash can hurt sanitation workers, damage equipment, and contaminate soil and water.
Keep these out of your bins:
- Leftover paint and solvents
- Household chemicals and pesticides
- Automotive fluids
- Batteries
- TVs, computers, monitors, and other electronics
And never pour liquids down a storm drain, onto the ground, or into the sink. Storm drains in most neighborhoods lead to local waterways without treatment.
Cleaning Out a Garage or Shed in Modesto
Hazardous items often show up during a big cleanout. Garages, sheds, attics, and basements are where half-used paint cans, old chemicals, and dead electronics tend to collect for years.
A simple approach is to sort first:
- Set aside anything hazardous or electronic in a separate, safe spot.
- Plan one or two Friday or Saturday morning trips to the county facility, keeping the per-car limits in mind.
- Let a junk removal crew handle the rest, such as old furniture, broken shelving, boxes, and general clutter.
Elbows Junk Removal helps Modesto-area homeowners with garage cleanouts, shed and storage cleanouts, and general junk removal. If you have bulky items like old appliances mixed in with your pile, it is worth asking about them when you book. When you are not sure whether something counts as hazardous, contact us and we will help you figure out what to set aside before the crew arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hazardous waste disposal free in Modesto?
Yes, for Stanislaus County residents. The Household Hazardous Waste Facility on Morgan Road offers free disposal on Fridays and Saturdays, and electronics are collected free there on those days too.
When is the Modesto hazardous waste facility open?
Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, except holidays. Check the county website before you go in case anything has changed.
How much can I bring in one trip?
The facility's published limits are no containers larger than 5 gallons and no more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds per car, per day. Larger loads may need to be split up.
Can I throw old electronics in the trash?
No. Stanislaus County says improper disposal of e-waste is illegal in California. Take TVs, computers, and other electronics to the Modesto facility instead.