Compton, CA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum enclosure size
- 8 feet by 8 feet
- Wall height minimum
- 6 feet
- Roll-off box definition
- container 10 yards or larger
- Design approval
- Architectural Review Board
- First violation
- infraction; repeat can be misdemeanor
Summary
Compton requires every multifamily, commercial and manufacturing property to keep its trash bins and roll-off boxes inside a walled enclosure, not sitting out in the open. Municipal Code § 30-44.3(g) sets the enclosure at a minimum 8-by-8-foot footprint, masonry walls on three sides, a 6-foot minimum height and a self-latching gate, and the Architectural Review Board must approve the design.
Trash Enclosures. All trash from all multiple-family, commercial and manufacturing uses shall be kept in an enclosure of the type described in this paragraph. 1. Trash enclosures shall have a minimum dimension of eight feet by eight feet and shall be sufficient in size to contain all trash containers. 2. Trash enclosures shall be bounded on three sides by walls constructed of masonry, block or a similar material compatible in color, texture and appearance with the main structure. 3. The height of the enclosure shall be a minimum of six feet and shall be sufficient to conceal the contents of the enclosure, including all containers. 4. Trash enclosures shall have a gated opening of sufficient width to permit the removal and replacement of trash bins and/or containers. The gate shall be constructed of an opaque material and shall be equipped with a latch or other device to ensure that the gate remains closed when not in use.
Full Breakdown
3(g). The enclosure must measure at least eight feet by eight feet and be large enough to hold every container on site. Three of its sides must be walled with masonry, block or a similar material matched in color, texture and appearance to the main building, and the wall has to stand at least six feet tall, tall enough to hide the containers from view. A gated opening wide enough to move bins in and out is required, and the gate itself must be opaque and fitted with a latch or similar device so it stays closed when not in use.
3(g)(7) and (8) let the Board approve modified, fully screened storage in manufacturing zones or where a traditional enclosure is not physically possible. 10(l) requires anyone placing a container for solid waste accumulation to have a City business license and a collection agreement with an authorized hauler.
Violations & Fines
Leaving a trash bin or roll-off box outside its required enclosure, except during actual collection, violates § 30-20.5(g) and is deemed an infraction. The City Attorney can instead charge it as a misdemeanor if the property has two or more violations of the same or a different Code section on record, turning a repeat offense into criminal exposure rather than a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Compton require a fenced enclosure for a commercial dumpster?
What counts as a roll-off box under Compton's waste code?
Can I leave my business's dumpster outside the enclosure overnight?
Do I need a permit to place a dumpster on my Compton property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Compton
California rules heatmap·Compare Compton to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Dumpster Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle dumpster rules.