West Haven, CT Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Two subsections of § 119-1 control where and when a container sits at the street. Subsection H puts containers at the curbline or edge of the roadway in areas without curbs. Subsection I, added 5-28-1996 by Ord. No. 356, bars set-out earlier than 24 hours preceding the day of collection. The container itself must meet § 119-1(G): no ragged or sharp edges, no more than 30 gallons' capacity, no more than 70 pounds, and nonconforming containers are not collected. Under § 119-1(A) and (B), it is unlawful for a householder or occupant to allow garbage to accumulate on the premises in an offensive or unsanitary manner, and for any person to throw, drop or place garbage on streets, parks, sidewalks, beaches or catch basins or to sweep dirt, paper or other waste into streets, gutters or natural watercourses.

Condominiums follow a separate placement policy: the Director of Public Works sets the manner in which refuse is placed for collection by condominium owners and the times for collection (§ 119-1(D)(2)). Private collectors serving commercial buildings, apartments and condominiums are under the jurisdiction of the Director of Public Works (§ 119-1(H)). Recycling has its own placement rule in § 119-13(D): recyclables are placed on the ground between the curb and pavement edge and the property line, no earlier than 24 hours preceding the day of collection.

Scrap metal and storage batteries go on the ground between the curb or pavement edge and the property line, along with but separate from recycling containers and solid waste (§ 119-14). Under § 119-13(C) the household that receives a city recycling container should label it with the address where it is used.