Mobile County, AL Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Surface requirement
- Firm, level ground or concrete pad
- New stationary bins built onto buildings
- Prohibited
- New underground receptacles
- Prohibited
- Access requirement
- Easily accessible to collection vehicle
- Non-residential pickup frequency
- At least twice weekly
Summary
Section 45-49-252.07(f) requires mechanically serviced bulk containers, the roll-off dumpsters used at commercial and multi-unit sites, to sit on firm, level ground or a concrete pad where the collection truck can reach them, and subsection (e) bans building new stationary storage bins onto any building.
(e) External stationary storage bins for putrescible solid waste shall be prohibited from being built or added on to existing or new buildings. New installations of underground receptacles shall be prohibited. Existing receptacles may continue in use until they become impractical to repair. (f) Mechanically serviced containers (bulk containers) shall be designed or equipped so as to prevent spillage or leakage during on-site storage or transport, or both. The container shall be easily cleanable and located on firm, level ground or a concrete pad, and shall be easily accessible by the collection vehicle.
Full Breakdown
" Subsection (e) separately prohibits new external stationary storage bins for putrescible waste from being "built or added on to existing or new buildings," and bars any new installation of underground waste receptacles; existing stationary or underground receptacles already in place can stay in service only until they become impractical to repair, after which they must be replaced with a compliant container rather than rebuilt in place. These bulk-container rules apply on top of the general storage duties in subsections (a) through (d): the owner or occupant must keep the container from harboring rats or vectors, keep it in sound, clean condition, and avoid overflow given the pickup interval. 06(b) as non-residential solid waste management, with garbage collected at least twice a week and scheduled to avoid interfering with rush-hour traffic.
Violations & Fines
Placing a roll-off or bulk container so it can't sit on firm, level ground or a pad, or so the collection truck can't reach it, violates Section 45-49-252.07(f). Building a new stationary bin structure onto a building, or installing a new underground receptacle, violates subsection (e). Both are violations of the solid waste part and, under Section 45-49-252.17, are punishable as a Class C misdemeanor under Section 13A-7-29.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can a commercial dumpster be placed in unincorporated Mobile County?
Can I build a permanent trash bin enclosure attached to my building?
How often is dumpster waste collected at a business in Mobile County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mobile County
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