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

Container duties in unincorporated Nevada County come from the Nevada County Code, Article 8 (Solid Waste), administered by the Public Works and Health Departments. Section G-IV 8.2 states that every person generating refuse shall provide containers for storage that are of adequate size and design, in sufficient numbers to hold all refuse from the premises, and covered unless the Health Department waives covers. A 'container' is defined as a durable, corrosion-resistant, non-absorbent, leak-proof, watertight, odor-proof, rodent-resistant box, barrel, canister, or other approved device with a fly-tight cover. Individual storage containers shall not exceed 32-gallon capacity or weigh more than 60 pounds when filled, except where mechanical (automated) systems are approved by the county or the owner self-hauls. Containers must be stored or maintained to prevent upset and spillage. The code's solid waste storage standard (Sec. G-IV 8.2.D) prohibits storage that causes health hazards, attracts or propagates vectors, vermin, or pests, creates unpleasant odors, or creates a nuisance; the owner, operator, or occupant of any property, vacant or occupied, is responsible for safe and sanitary storage until waste is legally removed. The Health Department may inspect refuse containers at regular intervals and is the sole judge of whether they conform. Non-conforming individual or domestic containers must be replaced with compliant ones. Note that the franchised collectors in the western county (Waste Management) supply wheeled carts in 35-, 64-, and 96-gallon sizes for automated service, which fall under the mechanical-system exception; in the eastern county, Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal uses customer-provided cans up to 32 gallons.