Pasadena, CA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Section 8.61.010(D) defines a 'bin' as one or more containers, a roll-off box, debris box, dumpster or other freestanding waste container a franchisee provides for depositing and collecting solid waste or recycling, typically two or three cubic yards or larger. Section 8.61.098(A) requires every bin to be manufactured specifically for its intended use and to comply with the administrative rules and regulations the public works director adopts under Section 8.61.035(B) covering specifications, characteristics, maintenance, cleanliness and permanent labeling. If the director determines a franchisee's bin has been installed, used or maintained in violation of the chapter, including any failure to observe a franchise term or condition, subsection B authorizes an order to comply under Chapter 1.25 or an administrative citation under Chapter 1.26.

Subsection C gives the director summary removal power: if a bin's condition or placement is a dangerous condition or obstruction, or if it sits on a public sidewalk or parkway without a valid franchise, the director can have it removed immediately and without a hearing. An administrative citation must then be served on the bin's owner within 24 hours of removal, and if the owner can't be identified, the bin is treated as abandoned property. Placing solid waste in a dumpster at all requires the hauler operating it to hold a nonexclusive franchise under Section 8.61.030, since collecting, transporting or disposing of solid waste in the city without one is unlawful.