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

Merced County's refuse ordinance requires that refuse be stored in adequate, closed containers until properly disposed of, but the day-to-day setout and placement standards are set by each franchised hauler. For Gilton Solid Waste customers (Dos Palos Y, El Nido, Santa Nella and areas outside Dos Palos/Los Banos), carts should be placed with the container facing toward the street and the wheels against the curb or gutter the night before the scheduled collection day. Gilton directs customers to allow at least 2 feet between containers and at least 5 feet between containers and other objects (such as parked cars, mailboxes, poles or low-hanging branches) so the automated truck arm can grab each cart. Lids must be securely shut, and materials must not extend beyond the container rim — overfilled carts or carts with open lids may not be serviced. Waste Management and Mid Valley Disposal serve other communities and publish their own setout guidance, but the same principles apply: set out by the night before, keep carts spaced and accessible, and do not overfill. Carts should be retrieved promptly after collection; leaving carts at the curb long-term can draw a property-maintenance or nuisance complaint.