Unincorporated San Mateo County residents must place the three carts (gray/blue/green) at the curbside by 6 AM on collection day with lids fully closed, at least 3 feet apart from each other and from vehicles, mailboxes, or utility poles. Carts must be retrieved from the curb within 24 hours after collection. Between pickups, carts must be stored out of sight from the public right-of-way (behind fencing, in side yards, or in garages).
Bin placement rules are contained in the County's franchise-agreement service standards administered through Recology's Service Guide and the County Code's public-nuisance provisions. Carts should be placed at the curb or alley edge with wheels against the curb and handles facing the house, lids fully closed (overfilled lids prevent collection and risk contamination by rain). Spacing of at least 3 feet between carts is required to allow the automated truck arms to grip cleanly. Carts may not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, driveway aprons, or crosswalks. Leaving carts out for more than 24 hours after collection can result in a property maintenance/blight citation under the County public nuisance code. Carts left out chronically may attract wildlife (raccoons, skunks, and in rural areas deer and bears) and are an attractant nuisance. For rural/long-driveway parcels, Recology may designate a specific collection point; confirm with customer service.
Overflowing cart with closed-lid rule violated: skipped pickup, warning. Carts left out over 24 hours: blight notice, $50-$200 per §1.04 infraction. Blocking public right-of-way: Sheriff removal order. Repeated violations: escalating administrative penalties.
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