Where can you trash batteries, electronics and other hazardous waste in Stanislaus County?

Dominique Williams
·4 min read

If you have leftover paint, chemicals or other materials taking up space in your home, Stanislaus County has a number of ways you can dispose of them for free.

The county offers both permanent facilities and temporary events for residents to drop off hazardous, electronic, pharmaceutical and other household waste.

Here’s where you can dispose of unwanted materials in Modesto and surrounding areas:

Modesto’s permanent drop-off location

Stanislaus County residents can drop off items for free at Modesto’s hazardous waste collection facility. No out-of-county waste is accepted.

The facility, at 1710 Morgan Road, is open Fridays and Saturdays between 8 a.m. and noon.

There is a waste limit each day of 15 gallons, or 125 pounds, per car, according to the county website. Containers cannot be larger than 5 gallons.

The facility accepts the following items, according to the county:

Electronic waste including cameras, cellphones, computers, light bulbs and tubes, microwaves and televisions.

Medical waste like sharps, which refers to items such as needles and syringes, and small medical equipment.

Hazardous yard waste including lighter fluid, fertilizers and pool/spa chemicals.

Automotive waste including antifreeze, car batteries, brake fluid, used or contaminated oil and oil filters, and gasoline.

Household waste including batteries, fire extinguishers, paint and drain cleaners.

Not accepted at the facility are prescription medications, tires, ammunition and printer cartridges, among other items outlined in the county’s recycling guide.

While the facility is for residents’ use, small businesses may be able to dispose of waste products by appointment if they are approved to do so. Fees apply for small businesses to drop off waste, according to the county. Businesses can call 209-525-6700 to see if they qualify.

A reuse day is held at the facility every Saturday from 7 to 8 a.m., where residents can take home items that others have dropped off.

Temporary drop off events in Stanislaus County

In addition to the permanent Modesto location, Stanislaus County holds drop-off events that may be more easily accessible to residents who live outside the city.

All locations are open 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or until full.

Here are the 2023 drop-off event dates and locations, listed on the county’s website:

  • Aug. 26- Patterson | Patterson Aquatic Center | 1025 W. Las Palmas Ave.

  • Sept. 9- Riverbank | City Corp Yard | 2901 High St.

  • Sept. 30- Oakdale | City Corp Yard | 455 S. Fifth St.

  • Oct. 7- Turlock | Water Quality Control | 901 S. Walnut Road

  • Oct. 14- Newman | City Corp Yard | 712 Fresno St.

Electronics, light bulbs and flares are not accepted at temporary drop-off locations in addition to the items not accepted at the facility.

Drop-off locations for items Modesto’s facility does not accept

There are other options for residents who wish to dispose of waste products Modesto’s facility does not accept.

Prescription medications, according to the county, can be dropped off at the following locations. More locations are listed in the county’s guide.

  • Sheriff’s Department | 250 E. Hackett Road, Modesto | Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

  • Ceres Police Department | 2727 Third St., Ceres | Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Modesto Police Department | 600 10th St., Modesto | Monday-Tuesday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Oakdale Police Department | 245 N. Second Ave., Oakdale | Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For tires, residents should call the county about free disposal events.

Ammunition can be dropped off at the Sheriff’s Department.

Many places that sell printer cartridges, including Office Depot and Staples, also recycle them, according to the county.

Drop-off locations for paint

The facility does accept paint, but there are several other locations in the county that also take it, including:

  • Vista Paint | 3900 Pelandale Ave., Modesto | 10 gallons per visit

  • Dunn-Edwards | 2000 W Orangeburg Ave., Modesto | 20 gallons per visit

  • Habitat ReStore Modesto | 2206 Tenaya Drive, Modesto | 50 gallons per visit

  • Richland Ace Hardware | 2531 E Whitmore Ave., Ceres | 10 gallons per visit

  • Sherwin-Williams | 1605 Sperry Ave., Patterson | 20 gallons per visit

  • Dunn-Edwards | 2320 W Monte Vista Ave., Turlock | 20 gallons per visit

Drop-off locations for oil

Places residents can also dispose of oil in Stanislaus County include AutoZone, Jiffy Lube and O’Reilly Auto Parts locations, and the following:

  • A&B Truck Parts | 959 S. Ninth St., Modesto

  • Pro Lube Oil Change | 3037 Sisk Road, Modesto

  • Pit Stop Auto Lube | 1530 E. F St., Oakdale

  • 10 Minute Lube ‘N’ Oil | 1620 Countryside Lane ; 437 N. Golden State Blvd., Turlock

  • Turlock Recycling | 1020 S. Walnut, Turlock

  • Valvoline Instant Oil Change | 5200 Squire Wells Way, Riverbank

What do you want to know about life in Modesto? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@modbee.com.