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

100 sets the physical placement rule for every collection container: all carts and bins for garbage, organic waste, recyclable materials, and other collected materials must be placed at least three feet apart, either at or near the curb or at another location the City has approved for contractor pickup. That spacing requirement exists so the automated collection trucks used citywide can grab and empty each cart without the arms colliding. The same section fixes the set-out window on both ends: containers cannot go out for pickup more than 24 hours before the regularly scheduled collection day, and they cannot stay at the curb more than 24 hours after that day.

Residents who roll carts out too early or leave them out too long are out of compliance even if the cart itself is otherwise properly used. 110, which makes it unlawful for anyone other than the owner, the lawful possessor, or the contractor to turn over, tamper with, or remove the contents of another person's container once it has been placed for collection. 040, giving the City Manager authority to enter premises and treat a violation of Chapter 9-12 as a misdemeanor.