St. Martin Parish, LA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Section 36-17 of the St. Martin Parish Code, titled Removal of containers and adopted by Ord. No. 19-02-1254-OR on 2-5-2019, puts the burden on the resident. All containers and carts, after collection, shall be removed by the resident or residents to whom they are registered from their curbside or roadside location within 24 hours after collection. The clock starts at collection, and the duty falls on the registered resident. Anyone violating the section is subject to the fines and penalties of section 36-15.

Article II of Chapter 36 sets out set-out rules for the Stephensville-Belle River Area, where only collectors authorized by the parish through a franchise or license can collect, and residents are not required to use the service if it is available (section 36-41(a)). Under section 36-41(b)(3), containers and other material authorized for collection are placed at curbside or on the outside edge of the shoulder on an accessible public road, readily accessible to the collectors. Underground containers must be removed from their wells and placed aboveground at curbside. Section 36-41(b)(5) bars placing garbage cans or other containers for collection for a period exceeding 24 hours prior to the usual day and time of the regular collection, and says material shall not normally be set out prior to 4:00 p.m. of the day preceding the regular collection day. Empty containers come off the curbside or shoulder promptly after the collection vehicle has completed collections at that geographical area. No collection is made on Sunday without the express approval of the parish, and the collector provides a minimum of one collection per week on a regular recurring schedule determined by the resident (section 36-41(b)(4)).

Section 36-40 regulates the container itself in that area. Containers are kept covered at all times except during placing or removal of contents, are not filled so the lid cannot fit properly, and the area around the container is kept clean. Nondisposable household cans hold not less than 20 gallons or more than 35 gallons, and the combined weight of can and contents cannot exceed 75 pounds. Disposable bags are capped at 30 gallons and 35 pounds, with the opening securely tied before setting out for collection.