Trash Bin Storage: Monterey vs Salinas
How do trash bin storage rules compare between Monterey, CA and Salinas, CA?
Monterey and Salinas have similar restriction levels.
Monterey, CA
Monterey County
Unincorporated Monterey County requires every occupied home and business to have weekly solid-waste service under County Code Ch. 10.41. Carts are supplied by the County's franchised hauler, which sets container placement and removal rules - including keeping carts at the curb only on collection day and clear of obstacles.
View full Monterey rules →Salinas, CA
Monterey County
Salinas regulates where trash and recycling bins can be stored and placed for collection. Bins must typically be screened from street view between pickup days.
View full Salinas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Monterey | Salinas |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory service | County Code 10.41.030 - weekly collection from every occupied residence/business | - |
| Cart provider | County's franchised hauler under the Unified Franchise Agreement (eff. Jan 1, 2025) | - |
| Curb placement | Hauler rule: carts at curb on collection day, wheels to curb, removed same day | - |
| Clearance | Hauler rule: keep carts about 3 ft from cars, mailboxes, and obstacles | - |
| Hauler duty | Franchise: leave container upright, not blocking driveways, sidewalks, or mailboxes | - |
| Cart sizes | Commonly 35, 64, or 96 gallons (hauler dependent) | - |
| Storage | - | Screened from street |
| Placement | - | Evening before or morning of |
| Retrieval | - | Same day as collection |
| Lids | - | Must be closed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Monterey FAQ
Who provides my trash cart in unincorporated Monterey County?
Your County-franchised hauler provides and maintains the carts. Under the Unified Franchise Agreement effective January 1, 2025, the contractor distributes new carts to customers and replaces carts it damages, typically within a few work days.
Can I be required to have trash service even if I don't want it?
Yes. County Code 10.41.030 makes collection mandatory at least weekly for every occupied residence, apartment, and business, whether or not service was requested, unless a property is expressly exempted under the Code.
Salinas FAQ
When can I put my trash bins out?
In Salinas, bins can typically be placed at the curb the evening before collection and must be retrieved the same day.
Where do I store bins between pickups?
Bins must be stored out of public view in Salinas, typically behind a fence, in a garage, or screened on the side of the house.
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