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

How trash containers must be stored in unincorporated Santa Barbara County is governed by a mix of zoning standards and the franchise hauler's set-out rules rather than one comprehensive bin ordinance. Under the County Land Use & Development Code (Chapter 35), Section 35.24.050 requires that in commercial zones (CN, C-1, C-2, etc.) 'areas for trash or outdoor storage shall be enclosed and screened to conceal all trash or stored material from public view'; the LUDC's industrial-zone landscaping standards similarly require outdoor storage areas to be screened by a wall or fence at least six feet high. For single-family residential customers, the practical rule comes from the County's franchise hauler, MarBorg Industries: carts must be placed at the curb no later than 6:00 a.m. on the collection day, and 'containers must be removed from the roadway within twelve (12) hours after collection.' MarBorg provides wheeled carts in 35-, 64-, and 96-gallon sizes for trash, recycling, and green/organic waste. Leaving carts out long after pickup, or storing damaged or overflowing containers in public view, can become a Code Compliance or fire-hazard issue. The County's Resource Recovery & Waste Management Division administers the residential franchise system and can be contacted about service. Always confirm specific storage and set-out expectations with MarBorg for your service zone.