Santa Monica, CA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Earliest set-out time
- 4:00 p.m. the day before collection
- Latest set-out time
- 7:00 a.m. on collection day
- Retrieval deadline
- 8:00 p.m. on collection day
- Off-day storage distance
- At least 10 feet from street right-of-way
- Alley distance
- Within 10 feet of alley on private property
- Parkway distance
- No more than 4 feet from curb
Summary
Trash and recycling containers may not be set out earlier than 4:00 p.m. the day before collection and must be removed by 8:00 p.m. on collection day. Between collections, bins must be stored on private property at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way.
Any refuse and recyclable materials placed for collection shall not be placed for collection in that portion of any street or alley abutting on property other than the property owned or controlled by the person placing the refuse and recyclable materials. On other than collection days, when refuse collections are made from the street, containers shall be stored on private property no closer than 10 feet from the street right-of-way line, unless the containers are stored in an outdoor enclosure. Where there is a public alley along which refuse collections are made, all refuse and recyclable materials shall be placed for collection upon private property within 10 feet of the alley... Refuse and recycling containers shall not be placed for collection earlier than 4:00 p.m. a day before collection day and not later than 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection. (d) Refuse and recycling containers placed upon a public street or alley for collection shall be removed not later than 8:00 p.m. on the day of collection.
Full Breakdown
Containers placed on the parkway must be no more than 4 feet from the curb. Where a public alley is used for collection, refuse must be placed on private property within 10 feet of the alley. In the central business district (Ocean Ave/Wilshire/5th/Colorado), refuse containers may only be on public property between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturday. No containers may be placed on the right-of-way except on collection days without a permit from the Director of General Services.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized removal of refuse or containers is an infraction punishable by a fine up to $250, or a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or up to 6 months in the County Jail. Containers not meeting placement requirements may be removed by the City.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I put my trash bins out the night before collection?
When do I have to bring the bins back in?
Where do I keep bins on non-collection days?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Bin Placement Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle bin placement rules.