Del Norte County, CA Property Maintenance: Trash Bin Storage (2026)

Del Norte County does not publish a stand-alone, detailed cart-storage ordinance for the unincorporated area; instead, trash and refuse storage is governed through the county's general nuisance provisions in County Code Chapter 7.08. The code declares it a nuisance for property to be kept in a manner that allows unreasonable accumulations of offensive matter, junk, trash, debris, and rubbish, and references state weed and rubbish abatement law (Government Code sections 39500 et seq. and 39560 et seq.). Property in urban zones must be kept clean and sanitary and free from unreasonable accumulations of offensive matter, including dead animals, animal parts, and animal feces and urine, and conditions that harbor rats, vermin, or other vectors are likewise declared nuisances. Curbside carts themselves are provided and serviced by Recology Del Norte, the county's franchised hauler operating under the Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority (a joint powers authority of the county and Crescent City). For collection, carts are placed curbside on the resident's weekly service day, but day-to-day storage standards fall under the nuisance code rather than a dedicated screening ordinance. Owners who allow refuse, debris, or offensive matter to accumulate visibly can be cited through the Code Enforcement Division's notice-and-abatement process. Residents should verify any specific storage or screening rules directly with the county before relying on them.