San Jose, CA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Placement window
- Allowed 12 hrs before, 6 hrs after pickup
- Right-of-way ban
- Banned from sidewalk, curb, gutter, alley, street
- Governing section
- SJMC § 9.10.1410
- Residential debris boxes
- 14-day on-site limit under § 9.10.1090
- Rolloff box definition
- Set at SJMC § 9.10.1400
Summary
San Jose bans keeping a commercial dumpster or rolloff box in the public furnishing zone except from 12 hours before scheduled pickup through 6 hours after, and bars them from sidewalks, curbs, gutters, alleys, and streets entirely.
No Commercial Solid Waste Container or Rubbish container shall be kept or permitted to remain upon the public Furnishing Zone/Parkstrip, as defined in Section 11.04.110, except during the twelve (12) hours immediately preceding the scheduled time of collection by the Solid Waste Collector and during the six (6) hours immediately following collection. No Commercial Solid Waste or Rubbish container shall otherwise be placed, kept or maintained within or upon any public sidewalk, Furnishing Zone/Parkstrip, curb, gutter, alley, street, or other public right-of-way.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code § 9.10.1410 lets a business or hauler park a Commercial Solid Waste container or rubbish rolloff box in the curbside furnishing zone/parkstrip only within 12 hours before the collector's scheduled pickup and 6 hours after: outside that window it can't sit on any sidewalk, curb, gutter, alley, street, or other public right-of-way. Section 9.10.1400 defines the rolloff box itself, and lets a temporary cleanup or construction box skip the standard cover requirement if it's removed, covered, or secured whenever workers aren't on site. Residential debris boxes get a separate 14-day on-premises cap under § 9.10.1090.
Violations & Fines
Leaving a dumpster or rolloff box in the right-of-way outside the 12-hour pre-pickup/6-hour post-pickup window is a code violation the Director of Environmental Services can cite and order removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dumpster sit on the street overnight in San Jose?
Does a construction rolloff box need a cover?
How long can a residential debris box stay on the property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose 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.
Dumpster Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle dumpster rules.