Anchorage, AK Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard carts
- out morning of collection only
- Retrieval deadline
- 9:00 p.m. collection day
- Bear-resistant carts
- up to 12 hrs early
- Off-day storage
- inside or within 5 feet
- Enforcement
- daily fine under AMC 14.60.030
Summary
Anchorage sets exact curbside windows for trash carts: standard carts go out only the morning of collection and come back by 9 p.m., while locked bear-resistant carts can be set out up to 12 hours early.
D. Locked bear-resistant trash containers may be placed for pick up no more than 12 hours prior to the day of collection and retrieved not later than 9:00 p.m. of the same day.
E. All other trash containers shall be placed for pick up the morning of collection and retrieved not later than 9:00 p.m. of the same day. This provision shall not apply to temporary construction dumpsters.
F. When not set out for collection, trash containers shall be stored inside a structure or within five feet of the principal (main) structure. This provision shall not apply to temporary construction dumpsters.
G. No person shall place into the public right-of-way or yard setback any trash container that is not securely closed, regardless of whether it contains refuse attractants. (AO No. 2019-74(S), § 1, 6-18-2019)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5010260; v11 updated 2026-09-01).
Full Breakdown
Anchorage Municipal Code 15.110.040 governs when residential trash containers can sit at the curb. Standard, non-locking carts must be placed out the morning of collection day and retrieved by 9:00 p.m. that same day, no leaving them out overnight beforehand. Locked bear-resistant carts get a head start: they can go to the curb up to 12 hours before the scheduled pickup, but still must be pulled back in by 9:00 p.m. on collection day. When not set out, carts must be stored inside a structure or kept within five feet of the main building, and any cart left in the right-of-way has to stay securely closed at all times.
Violations & Fines
Each day a cart sits out past its window, or is stored improperly, counts as a separate violation; the property owner is held responsible and faces a civil fine under AMC 14.60.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my trash cart out the night before in Anchorage?
When do I have to bring my trash cart back in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anchorage
Compare Anchorage to another location·View the Alaska trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.