Calaveras County, CA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential setback
- 20 feet from hauler parking point
- Multi-dwelling/commercial setback
- 10 feet from hauler parking point
- Drop-box in right-of-way
- requires public works encroachment permit
- Container size (hauler-serviced)
- 10 to 32 gallons
- Max loaded weight
- 60 pounds including container
- First-offense fine
- up to $50 (infraction)
Summary
Calaveras County requires solid waste customers to set containers within twenty feet of where the hauler's truck can park; multi-dwelling, commercial and industrial accounts get a tighter ten-foot limit. Drop-box containers need the hauler's agreement and, if left in the road right-of-way, a public works encroachment permit.
A.In order to facilitate collection in community areas, solid waste collection containers shall be placed by the customer in a location no greater than twenty feet from the nearest point where the hauler's vehicle can reasonably be parked. The twenty feet shall be measured along the path over which the hauler must walk to carry the solid waste collection container.B.Standard containers for solid waste collection from multiple-dwelling buildings, apartments, commercial and industrial premises shall be placed in a location no greater than ten feet from the nearest point where the hauler's vehicle can reasonably be parked. Drop-box containers shall be located as agreed upon between the customer and the hauler. Drop-box containers shall not be stored within the roadway right-of-way unless an encroachment permit has been obtained from the department of public works.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
130 governs where a customer must place containers for pickup. For single-family and typical residential accounts, the container goes no more than twenty feet from the nearest point the hauler's vehicle can reasonably park, measured along the path the hauler actually walks carrying the container. Multiple-dwelling buildings, apartments and commercial or industrial premises get a shorter ten-foot leash from the parking point. Drop-box containers (the larger roll-off style bins) are placed wherever the customer and hauler agree, but they cannot sit in the roadway right-of-way without an encroachment permit from the department of public works.
C). 070 requires nonabsorbent, watertight, vector-resistant containers with tight-fitting lids, sized between ten and thirty-two gallons when serviced by a permitted hauler, and loaded to no more than sixty pounds including the container's own weight. 040 for storing waste so it does not attract vectors or create a nuisance, which is the backdrop against which the placement distances are enforced.
Violations & Fines
Placement violations are enforced as infractions under § 8.12.570: a fine of no more than fifty dollars for a first offense, up to one hundred dollars for a second violation of the same rule within a year, and up to two hundred fifty dollars for each further violation in that year. A sixth or later violation within twelve months can be charged as a misdemeanor instead. Each day a container sits out of compliance counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to the street does my trash can need to be in Calaveras County?
Can I leave a roll-off drop box in the street in front of my property?
What happens if my container isn't placed correctly?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Calaveras County
California rules heatmap·Compare Calaveras County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.