Sunnyvale requires trash, recycling, and organics carts to be stored out of public view between collections and placed with adequate spacing on collection day.
Sunnyvale Municipal Code requires residents to store waste and recycling carts in a location that is not visible from the public street or sidewalk between collection days. Acceptable storage locations include the side yard, rear yard, garage, or behind a fence or screen. On collection day, carts must be placed at the curb with wheels against the curb, at least three feet of clearance on each side, and a minimum three-foot gap between each cart to allow automated truck arms to grab them. Carts cannot block sidewalks, crosswalks, fire hydrants, or mailboxes. Violations can result in a written warning followed by administrative citations for repeat offenders. Multi-family complexes must maintain enclosures that meet stormwater and screening standards.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale permits construction noise Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM. No construction on Sundays or major holidays without ...
Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale was one of the earliest California cities to ban gas-powered leaf blowers, ahead of statewide AB 1346. Only electric or battery blowers are allowed...
Sunnyvale, CA
Aircraft noise from Moffett Federal Airfield, NASA Ames, and San Jose International is preempted by federal FAA rules. Sunnyvale cannot regulate overflight n...
Sunnyvale, CA
Street parking in Sunnyvale is governed by SMC Title 10 and California Vehicle Code. The 72-hour rule (CVC 22651(k)) applies, and posted permit zones restric...
Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale driveway construction and use are governed by SMC Title 19 zoning and Title 16 encroachment rules. Blocking sidewalks or the public right-of-way is...
Sunnyvale, CA
RVs, trailers, and boats over 6 feet tall or 22 feet long are restricted on Sunnyvale streets under SMC Title 10. Short-term loading is allowed with limits; ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle bin placement rules.
See how Sunnyvale's bin placement rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.