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San Mateo County · Building on your lot

Trash and recycling carts in San Mateo County

San Mateo County's own rules on trash and recycling carts, with the code text for every value.

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

What San Mateo County's code says

San Mateo County code What San Mateo County's code adds
Required collection service
  • Minimum curbside collection service levels are set for residential properties
    Applies: Properties used for residential purposes in County Service Area No. 8
    § 4.04.200 · code text
    The County has established the minimum Curbside collection service levels set forth in Section 4.04.220 for all properties in the CSA No. 8 that are being used for residential purposes.
When carts must come back
  • Within 24 hours
    Applies: Following removal of the Solid Waste and recyclable materials
    § 4.04.120 · code text
    Following removal of the Solid Waste and recyclable materials, all carts, bins and receptacles must be stored within twenty-four (24) hours in a less conspicuous area of the premises so as not to create a nuisance to the occupants of neighboring premises and to safeguard the public health and safety of the inhabitants of the County of San Mateo.
When carts may go to the curb
  • Not more than 24 hours before the Weekly Collection Service day
    Applies: before the Weekly Collection Service day
    § 4.04.120 · code text
    All carts, bins and receptacles placed for collection by a Solid waste Hauler must be placed for collection not more than twenty-four (24) hours preceding the Weekly Collection Service day.
Where carts are kept
  • A less conspicuous area of the premises
    Applies: Following removal of the Solid Waste and recyclable materials
    § 4.04.120 · code text
    Following removal of the Solid Waste and recyclable materials, all carts, bins and receptacles must be stored within twenty-four (24) hours in a less conspicuous area of the premises so as not to create a nuisance to the occupants of neighboring premises and to safeguard the public health and safety of the inhabitants of the County of San Mateo.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

When can trash carts go out to the curb in San Mateo County?

San Mateo County's code: Minimum curbside collection service levels are set for residential properties (Properties used for residential purposes in County Service Area No. 8) (§ 4.04.200); Within 24 hours (Following removal of the Solid Waste and recyclable materials) (§ 4.04.120).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how San Mateo County's trash and recycling carts rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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