Pima County, AZ Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Since unincorporated Pima County uses private waste haulers rather than county-provided service, bin placement rules are primarily set by the hauler contract and supplemented by county code. General county requirements under Chapter 7.21 (Solid Waste) include using containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent wildlife access and storing waste in a sanitary manner. Bins should be placed at the curb or designated collection point no earlier than the evening before scheduled pickup and retrieved by the evening of collection day. Many haulers require bins to be placed within 5 feet of the curb with lids closed and handles facing the street. Bins must not block sidewalks, driveways, or mailboxes. In rural unincorporated areas without curbs, bins should be placed at the edge of the roadway in a location accessible to the collection truck. Between collection days, bins should be stored in a location that minimizes visual impact and wildlife access -- behind walls, fences, or inside garages. HOAs commonly require bin screening or storage behind block walls. The county does not mandate specific screening requirements for trash bins in unincorporated areas.