Gastonia, NC Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Section 11-61 of the Gastonia Code of Ordinances requires bulk containers at any apartment complex, condominium, mobile home park, or building with six or more dwelling units, as well as any multi-unit structure that is part of a larger development with two or more structures. Single-family attached homes on separately deeded lots with direct street access are exempt regardless of unit count. Where a bulk container physically cannot be placed on the premises, the city instead provides curbside rollout service. The administrator in the solid waste services division controls the quantity, size and location of every bulk container, weighing occupant needs, neighbor welfare, and the city's ability to service the unit.

Placement itself is restricted: containers cannot go in front of a nonresidential unit, ahead of the building setback line closest to the street, or anywhere in the public right-of-way, and lids must stay closed. Property managers must keep containers clean, painted and in good repair, with all doors and lid springs functional, and must flatten cardboard before it goes in. Every container needs an all-weather access drive from the public street, at minimum well-graded and graveled, so collection trucks can reach it. Properties using bulk containers forfeit residential curbside, yard waste and recyclables pickup from city crews entirely.