Aliso Viejo, CA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

The enclosure standards sit in AVMC § 15.62.080(F) and apply to residential projects as well as nonresidential ones. Sections 15.14.190 (residential districts) and 15.22.090 (nonresidential districts) both point back to § 15.62.080. On placement, enclosures must be directly available to collection vehicles so crews do not need substantial hand carrying of containers or hand pushing of dumpsters, and they must be located substantially away from the public viewscape and from pedestrian and vehicle circulation areas unless the decision-making authority determines that is infeasible. On design, the code requires a solid wall on three sides at least six feet in height and a solid self-latching gate on the fourth side at least five feet in height. Gates must be metal or metal-framed, heavy duty, anchored to metal posts, kept in working order and kept closed except when in use. Walls and gates have to match the colors and finishes of nearby buildings. Enclosures also need a concrete pad with a floor drain connection or other approved containment to the satisfaction of the city engineer, a solid overhead cover approved by the planning director and city engineer, and interior curbs. Plastic or corrugated metal walls or covers need an exception permit under AVMC 15.74.070.

On the service side, § 7.05.120 requires commercial bins to be accessible to the contractor. Section 7.05.240 makes it a misdemeanor to place a commercial bin at any premises in the City of Aliso Viejo without a city-issued written franchise or written solid waste collector's permit. Section 7.05.110(C) lets the director of public works require more frequent collection or an increase in the size or number of bins.