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

San Bernardino Municipal Code section 8.24 and the Development Code screening rules require that solid waste carts be kept out of view from the public right-of-way on non-collection days. Acceptable storage locations include the side yard behind a gate, a rear yard, a garage, or an approved trash enclosure. Placing carts permanently against the front of the house, in the driveway, or on the front lawn can be cited as a blight and screening violation under Municipal Code 8.30. On collection day, carts must be set at the curb with the handles toward the house and wheels against the curb, at least three feet apart and three feet from any parked vehicle, mailbox, utility pole, fire hydrant, tree, or low-hanging wires. Carts cannot block sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, or driveway visibility triangles. Lids must close completely to prevent spillage, and excess bags placed beside the cart are not collected unless pre-arranged as an overflow pickup. Multi-family complexes of five or more units must provide screened enclosures meeting Development Code standards with solid walls at least 6 feet high and a solid gate. Enclosure pads must drain to an approved location rather than the storm drain to comply with Regional Water Quality Control Board MS4 permit conditions. Violations are typically addressed with a courtesy notice followed by a 65 dollar administrative citation.