Honolulu County, HI Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- ROH § 42-1.4(b)-(c)
- Earliest set-out
- evening before pickup
- Removal deadline
- day of collection
- Hardship exception
- director may allow cart to stay
Summary
Refuse and recycling carts can go to the curb on or the evening before pickup day, must not block traffic or sidewalks, and must be removed from the street after collection day under ROH § 42-1.4(b)-(c).
On or the evening before the scheduled day of collection, all refuse, green waste, and other recyclable materials as designated by the director prepared for collection as hereinabove provided, must be placed on the street, so as not to impede vehicular traffic, or sidewalk, so as not to impede pedestrian use, in a location readily accessible to the collector. ... Containers may not be left on the street or sidewalk area after the day of collection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-10: Supplement 10, 12-2025 Ordinance No. 25-40 through Ordinance No. 25-56).
Full Breakdown
ROH § 42-1.4(b) says refuse, green waste, and recyclables must be placed on the street (without blocking traffic) or sidewalk (without blocking pedestrians) on or the evening before the scheduled collection day, in a spot reachable by the collector and limited to the resident's own street frontage. Section 42-1.4(c) then requires removal: containers may not be left on the street or sidewalk after collection day, except that in hardship cases the director may allow automated carts to stay out.
Violations & Fines
Carts left out past collection day, or set out not in accordance with § 42-1.4, are subject to a civil fine of up to $500 per violation under § 42-5.1(a), with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I put my trash cart out in Honolulu?
How soon do I have to bring my cart back in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Honolulu County
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