Bin Placement Rules: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do bin placement rules rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco has fewer restrictions than San Mateo.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Bins must be at the curb by collection morning with lids closed. Space bins 3 feet apart and 3 feet from obstacles. Retrieve by evening. Store out of public view when not at curb.
View full San Mateo rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Setout rules in unincorporated San Mateo County are set mainly by the franchised hauler. Recology instructs residents to place carts curbside before 6 a.m. on the service day, wheels against the curb and lid toward the street, spaced about 2 to 3 feet apart facing the same direction. County Code separately requires materials to be contained in transit.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | By collection morning | - |
| Retrieval | By evening of collection day | - |
| Spacing | 3 ft apart, 3 ft from obstacles | About 2–3 feet apart, same direction |
| Lids | Must be closed | - |
| Storage | Out of public view | - |
| Setout time (Recology) | - | Curbside before 6 a.m. on service day |
| Cart orientation | - | Wheels against curb, lid toward street |
| Containment in transit | - | Required by County Code Sec. 4.04.100 |
| Rule source | - | Hauler service guidelines (franchise) |
| After collection | - | Bring carts back from the curb |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Mateo FAQ
When do I put bins out?
By the morning of your collection day. Retrieve by evening.
How far apart should bins be?
At least 3 feet apart and 3 feet from obstacles.
Can I leave bins at the curb?
No. Bins must be stored out of sight when not at the curb.
South San Francisco FAQ
What time do I need to put my carts out?
Recology San Mateo County asks residents to place carts curbside before 6 a.m. on their service day, with the wheels against the curb and the lid pointing toward the street. Residents served by other haulers should follow that hauler's posted setout time.
How should I arrange my carts at the curb?
Place them about 2 to 3 feet apart, all facing the same direction, with wheels against the curb. This spacing gives the automated collection truck room to grab each cart. Keep carts clear of sidewalks, bike lanes, and travel lanes.
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