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

Container storage in the unincorporated area is governed by the County's garbage and refuse code (Division B11, Chapter IX; Ord. NS-517.94, Dec. 7, 2021). Under Section B11-189, before placement at the curb all refuse, garbage, organic waste, and recyclables must be stored in an adequate container that is durable, leak-proof, cleanable, and fitted with close-fitting lids. The same section requires occupants to remove all containers from the curb, roadside, or collection station within 24 hours after collection and, once removed, to store them in a less conspicuous area of the premises so as not to create a nuisance to neighbors. Section B11-192 separately prohibits any nuisance accumulation of refuse on a lot or parcel. The Community Preservation (blight) ordinance reinforces this: Section B38-13 provides that placing refuse or yard waste from a property in a nearby road right-of-way, street, or curbside in violation of Division B11, Chapter IX constitutes property blight. There is no county-published rule banning visible cans by appearance alone, but improperly stored, overflowing, or unattended containers can be cited as blight or nuisance. Container set-out timing is addressed under bin placement (carts out no more than 24 hours before collection).