Providence, RI Property Maintenance: Trash Bin Storage (2026)

Rhode Island has no uniform state rule on residential trash bin storage, leaving regulation to municipalities under RIGL §45-24 (zoning) and §45-6 (local ordinance authority). Providence Code of Ordinances Chapter 13 (Health and Sanitation) and Chapter 23 (Zoning) require trash and recycling containers to be stored behind the front building line, in a garage, or screened from street view between collection days. Bins may be placed at the curb after 6 PM the evening before collection and must be retrieved by 8 PM the day of collection. Overflowing bins, loose trash, and open lids trigger nuisance citations. Providence residents use bins issued by the city through the Solid Waste contract. Cranston (Chapter 8.08), Pawtucket, and Woonsocket have similar placement rules with local variations. Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) under RIGL §23-19 manages the state landfill in Johnston and enforces recycling requirements — all RI residents must recycle per RIGL §23-18.9 (Mandatory Recycling). Dumpsters at commercial and multi-unit residential properties require enclosure and screening per local zoning. Providence's large triple-decker housing stock creates unique challenges — bins are often stored in narrow side yards or small rear yards visible from streets.