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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Set-out window
No earlier than 12 hrs before pickup
Pick-up window
No later than 12 hrs after pickup
Curb distance
Within 2 feet of street curb
Obstruction clearance
At least 3 feet from obstructions
Collection hours (residential)
6:00 a.m.-7:00/8:00 p.m.
Violation class
Infraction, § 13.10.100.E

Summary

Sacramento requires garbage, recycling and organics carts to be grouped at the curb, kept clear of obstructions, and screened from public view except during a narrow collection window. Carts may sit out no more than 12 hours before and after the scheduled pickup day.

A. Containers placed for collection service shall be placed: 1. Together in one location adjacent to the property where collection service is rendered; 2. Within two feet of the street curb or edge of road right-of-way... B. Containers shall be placed for collection service no earlier than twelve (12) hours prior to the scheduled collection day, and shall be removed from the public right-of-way not later than twelve (12) hours after the scheduled collection day. C. ... containers shall be placed out of view from any street, sidewalk, or other public right-of-way by fence, landscaping, building, or other barrier approved by the solid waste manager...

Source: Sacramento City Code Ch. 8.104 - Solid Waste CollectionView official code

Full Breakdown

100 sets the citywide rule for where and when residential and commercial containers may sit out for city or franchise collection. Containers must be placed together in one location adjacent to the serviced property, within two feet of the street curb or road right-of-way edge and in front of any fence, barrier or enclosure so they stay readily accessible to the collector, and at least three feet from obstructions such as parked cars, trailers, motor homes, fences, lampposts or mailboxes. B limits set-out timing precisely: containers cannot go out earlier than 12 hours before the scheduled collection day and must come back off the public right-of-way no later than 12 hours after it.

C requires containers to be screened from view of any street, sidewalk or public right-of-way by a fence, landscaping, building or other barrier approved by the solid waste manager; storing carts immediately next to the residential building also satisfies the screening requirement. D separately bars placing, keeping or storing any container on a street, sidewalk, alley or public place in a way that impedes traffic or drainage, creates a health or safety hazard, or blocks a doorway. E: black or gray containers take garbage only, blue containers take recyclables only, and green containers take organic waste only, unless the customer has an approved exemption. m. during daylight saving time) of the same day.

Violations & Fines

A violation of § 13.10.100 is an infraction under § 13.10.100.E, enforced by the city's solid waste division. Improper container sorting under § 13.10.070 is likewise punishable as an infraction, with fines set under California Government Code § 36900. Persistent early set-out, late pickup of empty carts, or unscreened storage can draw code-enforcement notices in addition to the infraction citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early can I put my trash cart out in Sacramento?
Not before 12 hours ahead of your scheduled collection day, per City Code § 13.10.100.B. Carts must also be pulled back from the public right-of-way within 12 hours after the scheduled day, so leaving them out longer risks an infraction citation.
Do I have to hide my trash cans between pickups?
Yes. Section 13.10.100.C requires containers to be screened from street or sidewalk view by a fence, landscaping, a building, or another barrier the solid waste manager approves, except during the 12-hour set-out window before and after collection.
Can my neighbor's parked car block my cart from the collector?
No. Section 13.10.100.A.3 requires containers to sit at least three feet from obstructions like automobiles, trailers, fences or mailboxes so the collector has unimpeded access.
What happens if I mix recyclables into the black garbage cart?
Section 13.10.070.E limits the black or gray container to garbage only, blue to recyclables, and green to organics; mixing them without an approved exemption is punishable as an infraction under Cal. Gov. Code § 36900.

Sources & Official References

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