Trash Bin Storage: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do trash bin storage rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Mountain View and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Trash, recycling, and organics carts must be stored out of public view except on collection day. Visible carts on non-collection days are a property-maintenance violation in Mountain View.
View full Mountain View rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara requires trash, recycling, and organics carts to be stored out of public view on non-collection days, typically in a side yard, garage, or behind a screening fence.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Storage requirement | Out of public view | - |
| Placement window | 5 p.m. before to end of pickup day | - |
| First-offense fine | Around 100 dollars | - |
| Approved locations | Garage, side yard, screened enclosure | - |
| Enforcement | Code Enforcement | - |
| Storage rule | - | Out of public view |
| Return time | - | Within 24 hours |
| Enclosure height | - | 6 feet minimum MF |
| First fine | - | Around 100 dollars |
| Responsible party | - | Property owner |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I keep my bins in the driveway?
Only if they are screened from the street by a fence or gate. Otherwise they must be inside the garage or behind the side fence.
What if I live in an apartment?
The property owner is responsible. Report ongoing issues with unscreened dumpsters to the Code Enforcement Division.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I leave trash bins in front of my house?
No. Bins must be stored out of public view, typically behind a fence, in a side yard, or in a garage on non-collection days.
What if I do not have a side yard?
Store carts in the garage or construct a screening enclosure. Contact Planning for enclosure design guidance.
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