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

Container set-out timing is governed by Section B11-189 of the County garbage code (Division B11, Chapter IX; Ord. NS-517.94). Containers must be placed for collection not more than 24 hours preceding the scheduled collection time, and the same placement and timing limits apply to uncontained wastes such as yard waste, cardboard, and other recyclables. After collection, the occupant who produced the refuse is responsible for removing all containers from the curb, roadside, or collection station within 24 hours, and once removed the containers must be stored in a less conspicuous area of the premises so as not to create a nuisance to neighbors. Section B11-189 also addresses placement location: refuse placed for curbside collection may not be located adjacent to another producer's property unless the neighbor authorizes it in writing as a necessary collection station. Bundles or piles of cardboard or yard waste must conform to the authorized collector's and Director's size and location requirements. Reinforcing this, the Community Preservation (blight) ordinance, Section B38-13, treats placing refuse or yard waste in a nearby road right-of-way, street, or curbside in violation of the garbage code as property blight. Together these rules mean carts should go out the evening before pickup and come back in promptly.