San Francisco requires proper storage and placement of trash, recycling, and composting bins under the Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance (Environment Code Chapter 19) and the Public Works Code. Bins must be stored on private property and placed curbside only on collection days.
Recology provides three-bin collection: black/gray for trash, blue for recycling, and green for compost. Bins must be placed at the curb by 6 AM on collection day and retrieved by 9 PM the same day. Bins must be stored out of public view when not awaiting collection. Overflowing bins and loose garbage are violations. Property owners are responsible for maintaining clean bin areas. Multi-unit buildings must provide adequate bin capacity for all tenants.
Improperly stored bins or failure to retrieve bins after collection may result in notices of violation from DPW. Fines start at $100 and increase for repeat violations.
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See how San Francisco's trash bin storage rules stack up against other locations.
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