Fair Oaks, CA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Sacramento County's Department of Waste Management & Recycling publishes specific cart placement rules for residents in the unincorporated areas (except multifamily apartment complexes served by commercial franchised haulers). Carts must be placed at the curb no later than 6 a.m. on the scheduled collection day, including holidays. To avoid leaving carts out too long, the County says to place carts out no more than 24 hours before collection and to return them to the property within 24 hours after collection. Proper spacing is required for the automated collection trucks: place carts at least 6 feet from cars, mailboxes, basketball hoops, and other objects; keep carts at least 3 feet apart from each other; and provide overhead clearance of 14.5 feet (clear of low branches and wires). These spacing requirements let the automated arm grab and empty each cart without obstruction; carts that are blocked, too close together, or under low obstructions may be missed. Residents can use the free SacGreenTeam mobile app to find their collection calendar, sign up for reminders, schedule bulky pickups, and report missed service. For questions about placement or missed collection, contact DWMR at 916-875-5555. These rules are County collection requirements for unincorporated areas and differ from the separate ordinances of incorporated cities.