Tarrant County, TX Property Maintenance: Trash Bin Storage (2026)

Screening and storage of trash bins in unincorporated Tarrant County is primarily a private matter governed by deed restrictions and HOA covenants rather than county ordinance. Typical HOA rules require residents to store bins inside the garage, in a side or rear yard behind a fence, or behind a screen enclosure so they are not visible from the street between collection days. Bins may be placed at the curb the evening before pickup and must be retrieved within 24 hours after collection. Texas Property Code Chapter 202 allows HOAs to enforce restrictive covenants, and non-compliance can lead to written warnings, fines, and in extreme cases liens. The Tarrant County Property Standards program addresses property maintenance issues in unincorporated areas under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 343, which allows counties to regulate fluid accumulations, rubbish, and nuisances in certain designated unincorporated areas. Persistent accumulation of overflowing or damaged bins that attract vermin can be cited as a public nuisance. Commercial sites require screened dumpster enclosures meeting setback standards typically imposed during site plan review. Residents transitioning bins between storage and curb are expected to clean up any spilled waste immediately to avoid attracting wildlife and creating neighborhood complaints. Bin lids should be kept closed to prevent odors, insects, and rodents.