Sedona, AZ Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Core requirement
- Containers must be wildlife-proof
- Applies to
- All solid waste and recycling citywide
- Liable party
- Owner/occupant, jointly and severally
- First-offense fine
- $100.00 civil penalty
Summary
Every recycling and solid waste container in Sedona, wherever it sits in the city, must be secured or stored so wildlife can't get into it. The rule exists specifically to keep bears, javelina and other animals out of trash and recyclables near the surrounding Coconino National Forest.
All solid waste and recycling, regardless of location within the city, shall be secured or stored in containers in such a manner as to prevent wildlife from accessing the contents of such containers. It is the intent of this chapter to encourage the proper storage of solid waste and recyclable materials for purposes of minimizing conflicts between wildlife and citizens of the city.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Initiative Ordinance 2026-01, approved by voters at the July 21, 2026 election).
Full Breakdown
060(A) requires that all solid waste and recycling, regardless of where it sits within the city, be secured or stored in containers in a manner that prevents wildlife from accessing the contents. The chapter states its own intent directly: to encourage proper storage of solid waste and recyclable materials to minimize conflicts between wildlife and Sedona residents, a real concern for a city ringed by the Coconino National Forest. 060(B) as the owner, occupant or business establishment controlling the premises, who remains responsible for solid waste and recyclables until a private service provider collects them.
060(B) makes them jointly and severally responsible. 060(D) extends that liability chapter-wide, making each responsible party answerable for compliance and jointly and severally liable for any violation. 070(E).
Violations & Fines
Failing to keep recycling wildlife-secure triggers the SCC 8.05.100 penalty schedule: $100.00 for a first violation, $200.00 for a repeat within 180 days at the same premises, and $250.00 to $2,500 for further violations, plus responsibility for cleaning up any scattered material under SCC 8.05.070(E).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sedona require animal-proof recycling bins?
Who is liable if my recycling bin isn't secured and attracts wildlife?
What happens if my recycling spills out and attracts animals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sedona
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