Baytown, TX Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Baytown's solid waste collection rules specify how and where carts must be placed for pickup. On collection day, carts should be positioned at the curb with the lid opening facing the street so the automated collection truck can service them. Carts must be spaced at least 3 feet apart from each other and at least 3 feet from mailboxes, parked vehicles, utility poles, and any other obstructions. Do not place carts under low-hanging tree branches or wires. Both the trash and recycling carts should have lids fully closed. Items left outside the cart or protruding from the lid may not be collected. After collection, carts must be retrieved and returned to a storage location that is not visible from the street by the end of the collection day. Acceptable storage includes the garage, side yard behind the front building line, or a screened enclosure. Carts left at the curb past the retrieval deadline are subject to property maintenance enforcement. The city may also address improperly placed carts that block sidewalks or create pedestrian hazards. Contact Code Enforcement at (281) 420-6585 for placement complaints.