Trash and recycling carts in Sacramento: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Sacramento Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Sacramento's code says

Sacramento code What Sacramento's code adds
Sorting organics and green waste	Only organic waste may be placed in the green container § 13.10.090 · code text Green container: only organic waste may be placed in the green container. Recycling or organic waste may be placed in the garbage container Applies: A person has received an exemption for recycling or organic waste collection services § 13.10.090 · code text If a person has received an exemption for recycling or organic waste collection services, the person may place recycling or organic waste in the garbage container.
When carts must come back	Not later than 12 hours after the scheduled collection day § 13.10.100 · code text Containers shall be placed for collection service no earlier than twelve (12) hours prior to the scheduled collection day, and shall be removed from the public right-of-way not later than twelve (12) hours after the scheduled collection day.
When carts may go to the curb	No earlier than 12 hours before the scheduled collection day § 13.10.100 · code text Containers shall be placed for collection service no earlier than twelve (12) hours prior to the scheduled collection day, and shall be removed from the public right-of-way not later than twelve (12) hours after the scheduled collection day.
Where carts are kept	Out of view from any street, sidewalk or public right-of-way, by a barrier approved by the solid waste manager Applies: Except when containers are placed for collection service § 13.10.100 · code text Except when containers are placed for collection service in accordance with subsection B of this section, containers shall be placed out of view from any street, sidewalk, or other public right-of-way by fence, landscaping, building, or other barrier approved by the solid waste manager Immediately adjacent to the residential building Applies: Alternative to storage out of view § 13.10.100 · code text except that storage of containers immediately adjacent to the residential building shall satisfy the requirements of this section.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

When can trash carts go out to the curb in Sacramento?

Sacramento's code: Only organic waste may be placed in the green container (§ 13.10.090); Recycling or organic waste may be placed in the garbage container (A person has received an exemption for recycling or organic waste collection services) (§ 13.10.090).

Trash and recycling carts in Sacramento

What Sacramento's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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