Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do bin placement rules rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Fontana has fewer restrictions than San Bernardino.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana residents must place carts at the curb with wheels facing the house, at least 2 feet apart, and away from vehicles, mailboxes, and fire hydrants. Store bins out of public view between pickups.
View full Fontana rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino carts must be at the curb on pickup day with 3 feet between each and clear of hydrants and mailboxes. On non-collection days they must be screened from public view under Municipal Code 8.24.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Spacing between carts | 2 to 3 feet | - |
| Clear of obstacles | 5 feet minimum | - |
| Out of view when stored | Required | - |
| Lid must close | Yes, no overfill | - |
| Spacing | - | At least 3 feet between carts and obstacles |
| Storage rule | - | Carts must be out of public view on non-collection days |
| Blocked items | - | Cannot block sidewalks, hydrants, or mailboxes |
| Multi-family | - | Screened enclosures at least 6 feet high required |
| Citation | - | Starting fine around 65 dollars per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Where exactly do I put the carts?
At the curb or edge of the street, handles toward the house, and spaced apart from other objects so the automated truck arm can reach them.
Can I leave carts at the curb all week?
No. Store carts out of public view between pickups. Code enforcement may cite repeated violations.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I keep my trash cart on the side of my driveway all week?
Only if the cart is screened from public view by a fence, gate, or landscaping. Carts left visible from the street on non-collection days can be cited as a screening and blight violation.
Why should I leave space between my carts at the curb?
Automated collection trucks need at least three feet between carts and any obstacle to allow the robotic arm to grip and lift. Carts too close together may be skipped.
Where should HOA communities put shared trash bins?
Multi-family and HOA complexes must provide screened trash enclosures meeting Development Code standards, with solid walls 6 feet high and a solid gate. Enclosures must be on an approved drainage pad.
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