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

The Midway City Sanitary District (MCSD) uses automated trucks with mechanical arms, so cart placement matters for service in Westminster. Residents must place each container in the gutter near the driveway with the wheels against the curb. Carts should be set about three (3) feet apart and at least three (3) feet away from all obstructions, including parked cars, poles, mailboxes, and other containers, so the truck's arm can grab them. The lid must close easily, loose items should be bagged to prevent spills, and carts must not be overfilled. After collection, containers must be removed from the street within 12 hours and stored in an area not visible from the street. These spacing and removal rules are MCSD/district requirements layered on top of the City of Westminster's general property-maintenance standard that carts not be visible from any highway on non-collection days. California state law does not set cart-spacing standards, so these are local operational rules. Carts blocked by cars or set too close together are a frequent cause of missed pickups. For placement questions or a missed collection, call MCSD at (714) 893-3553.