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

Storage of refuse, recycling and organics carts in unincorporated Sutter County is regulated by the County Property Nuisance Code (Chapter 1320, Ord. 1684, 2021). Section 1320-90(A)(7) makes it a specific property nuisance to keep 'solid waste, green waste or recyclable containers, receptacles or bins in front or side yards that are visible from the public right-of-way in excess of 48 hours,' unless the Development Services Department Director grants a hardship exception based on the layout or configuration of the premises (a determination that is not appealable). In practice this means carts must be returned out of street-side view within roughly two days of collection. The collection program itself is operated by Recology Yuba-Sutter under an exclusive franchise with the County and the joint-powers Regional Waste Management Authority (RWMA). For automated collection, Recology directs that carts be placed at the curb 'at least 3 feet apart, and at least 3 feet from any cars or other objects' so the truck's mechanical arm can reach them. Standard residential service includes a 32-gallon cart, with 64- or 96-gallon upgrades available for a small monthly charge. The County does not publish a specific fine schedule for cart storage in Chapter 1320; the general nuisance penalties (misdemeanor and/or administrative citation under Ord. 87-110, with daily continuing violations) apply.