Chico, CA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Multifamily, commercial, industrial property
- Empty when
- Within 4 inches of top, weekly
- Large containers
- Covered metal, over 32 gallons ok
- Hoisting
- Mechanical means required for large bins
Summary
Chico requires multifamily, commercial, and industrial properties to store waste in receptacles emptied weekly or once contents sit within four inches of the rim, per Municipal Code § 8.08.060.
All receptacles used for the storage of garbage, rubbish and waste matter accumulated on such property shall be emptied and the contents thereof removed and disposed of when: 1. Said contents are within four inches or less from the top of the receptacle; and 2. At least once a week. ... Garbage, rubbish and waste matter accumulated on such property in large quantities may be stored for collection in covered and watertight metal receptacles in excess of thirty-two-gallon capacity of a type approved by the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Multifamily, commercial, and industrial properties in Chico must keep accumulated garbage, rubbish, and waste matter in receptacles or store it for collection as Chapter 8.08 requires. Under § 8.08.060, those receptacles must be emptied whenever contents sit within four inches of the top or at least once a week, whichever comes first, and different waste types may share a container. For larger volumes, the code allows covered, watertight metal dumpsters exceeding thirty-two gallons, provided a licensed solid waste collector or the property operator supplies the mechanical hoisting equipment needed to empty them.
Violations & Fines
Letting a dumpster overflow past the four-inch/one-week threshold, or storing waste outside an approved receptacle, is a Chapter 8.08 violation enforced by the city manager under § 8.04.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must a commercial dumpster be emptied in Chico?
Can a Chico apartment complex use one big shared dumpster?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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