Garbage, recycling, and organics carts must be stored out of public view between pickups. Carts left at the curb longer than 24 hours after collection violate Palo Alto property maintenance rules.
Palo Altos property maintenance and zoning standards require that residential refuse, recycling, and compost containers be stored behind a fence, inside a garage, in a side yard, or in a screened enclosure so they are not visible from any public street or adjacent property between collection days. Carts may be placed at the curb no earlier than the evening before pickup and must be returned to their storage location within 24 hours after collection. Multifamily properties must use enclosed trash areas with gates kept closed. Carts visible from the street between pickup days, overflowing carts, or carts stored in front yards are considered property maintenance violations that can trigger a courtesy notice followed by administrative citations. The city encourages the use of lattice screens, fencing, or purpose-built enclosures. Report bin violations through the Palo Alto 311 app or by calling Code Enforcement at (650) 329-2100.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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