San Marcos, TX Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Set-out window
- 9 p.m. night before to 7 a.m.
- Empty cart removal
- By 9 p.m. collection day
- Cart sizes
- 35, 65, or 96 gallons
- Cart source
- Issued by city's contractor
- Max fine
- Up to $500 per violation
Summary
San Marcos requires garbage bags and carts set out between 9 p.m. the night before collection and 7 a.m. on collection day, placed close to the roadway, with empty containers returned to the side or rear of the building by 9 p.m.
(c)Bags and containers shall placed for collection between 9:00 p.m. the night preceding collection day and 7:00 a.m. of collection day and shall be placed as close to the roadway as practicable without interfering with vehicles or pedestrians. ... (e)Emptied containers shall be removed to a location at the side or rear of a building on the premises by 9:00 p.m. of collection day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 41).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 66.030 sets exact placement windows: carts and bags go out no earlier than 9 p.m. the night before collection and must be curbside by 7 a.m. on collection day, set as close to the roadway as practicable without blocking traffic or pedestrians. Emptied containers must be pulled back to the side or rear of the building by 9 p.m. that same day, no curbside storage between pickups. Section 66.029 requires city-contractor-issued 35, 65, or 96-gallon carts for residential and multifamily service, and containers must keep tight-fitting lids that block flies and vermin.
Violations & Fines
Setting out carts before 9 p.m. the night before, leaving them at the curb past 9 p.m. on collection day, or placing waste outside a bag or container is a Code violation punishable by a fine up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I put my trash cart out in San Marcos?
Do I have to bring my empty cart in right away?
What size trash cart does San Marcos provide?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Marcos
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Marcos to another location·View the Texas trash & recycling overview
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