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

Bin placement in unincorporated Sutter County is shaped by two requirements. For collection, Recology Yuba-Sutter, the County's franchised hauler, uses automated trucks with mechanical arms, so carts must be placed at the curb 'at least 3 feet apart, and at least 3 feet from any cars or other objects' to allow the arm to reach and lift them without obstruction. Recyclables should be placed loosely in the blue cart (no plastic bags), and single-family residents may set bundled corrugated cardboard reduced to no larger than three feet by three feet beside the carts for overflow, or request additional carts at no extra cost. For storage between pickups, the County Property Nuisance Code (Chapter 1320, Ord. 1684, 2021) Section 1320-90(A)(7) makes it a nuisance to keep solid waste, green waste or recyclable containers in front or side yards visible from the public right-of-way for more than 48 hours, unless the Development Services Director grants a hardship exception based on premises layout. Together these rules mean residents should set carts out properly spaced for collection day and return them out of street-side view within about two days. The County does not publish a separate fine schedule specific to bin placement; the general Chapter 1320 nuisance penalties apply to over-long storage.