San Benito County, CA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Cart placement in the unincorporated county follows the franchise hauler's set-out guidance rather than a detailed standalone placement ordinance. Recology San Benito County instructs customers to place containers curbside in the street with the wheels against the curb and the lid pointed toward the street; on properties without curbs, carts may be placed roadside. Carts should be spaced about 18 inches apart, all facing the same direction, so the automated trucks can lift them quickly and safely. Because pickup times can shift week to week with driver, traffic and route changes, Recology recommends setting carts out the evening before or no later than 6:00 a.m. on the service day to avoid missed pickups. Extra recyclables may be placed curbside in clear plastic bags at no extra charge, and cardboard should be flattened, tied and bundled no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet. Carts that block the right-of-way, or rubbish that spills and creates visual blight, can be addressed under the County's public nuisance code (Sec. 1.06.030). These set-out practices apply across the Recology service area, but the County Code provisions referenced here govern only the unincorporated area; the cities apply their own ordinances.