San Diego requires trash, recycling, and organic waste containers to be placed at the designated point of collection on the street, curb, or sidewalk per the collection schedule. Containers must be removed by 6:00 PM on collection day per SDMC §66.0105. When not in use, containers must be stored in a secured location not visible from the public right-of-way. Only City-approved automated refuse containers may be used.
San Diego requires trash and recycling bins placed at the curbside or alley edge on collection day with lids fully closed. Bins should face the street with handles toward the house, spaced at least three feet apart and away from parked cars, mailboxes, or utility poles. Bins must be retrieved within 12 to 24 hours after collection. Bins left out beyond the allowed window may trigger code enforcement action. Between pickups, bins must be stored out of public view.
Bins left out past deadline: warning first, then $25 to $100 per occurrence. Improperly placed bins may be skipped by haulers.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle bin placement rules.
See how San Diego's bin placement rules rules stack up against other locations.
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