San Francisco, CA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Max distance from curb
- 8 feet
- Sidewalk placement
- Requires DPW permission
- Residential delivery/pickup hours
- Not 7 p.m.-6 a.m.
- Infraction fine
- $100
Summary
San Francisco debris boxes in the public right-of-way must sit parallel to the curb, no more than 8 feet out, and off the sidewalk without DPW permission.
If placed in the public right of way, a debris box shall be placed in the roadway area of the street parallel to the curb with its outer edge no more than eight feet from the face of the curb. Its placement shall be further subjected to all laws relating to the prohibition of parking unless specifically exempted from compliance therewith by written approval of the Director of Public Works. Further, no debris box shall be placed in the sidewalk area without permission of said Director.
(b) No debris box placed in a residential area shall be delivered or removed for transport through the streets of San Francisco between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (Amended by Ord. 72-87, App. 3/20/87; Ord. 281-91, App. 7/3/91; Ord. 144-21, File No. 201151, App. 9/24/2021, Eff. 10/25/2021, Oper. 1/1/2022)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Public Works Code Sec. 725.5 governs roll-off dumpsters ("debris boxes") placed in San Francisco streets. If placed in the public right-of-way, the box must sit in the roadway parallel to the curb with its outer edge no more than eight feet from the curb face, comply with parking restrictions, and stay off the sidewalk unless the Director of Public Works permits it. Residential-area boxes cannot be delivered or picked up between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. A separate permit under Sec. 725.2 and Environment Code Chapter 14 is required before placement.
Violations & Fines
Placement violations under Sections 725-725.8 are an infraction punishable by a $100 fine, or a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 and 5 days in County Jail; the Director can also order the box removed at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a debris box on the sidewalk in San Francisco?
What happens if my debris box violates placement rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.