Skip to content

Alameda · Building on your lot

Trash and recycling carts in Alameda

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

Ask about trash and recycling carts in Alameda See coverage

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

What Alameda's code says

Alameda code What Alameda's code adds
Sorting organics and green waste
  • Organic materials must go in approved containers.
    Applies: Occupants of each premises.
    § 21-2.3 · code text
    The occupant of each premises shall place and keep solid waste, recyclable materials, and organic materials in containers approved by the City Manager and owned and provided by franchisee
When carts must come back
  • Remove containers before 12:00 midnight on the day they are emptied.
    Applies: Single-family and multi-plex owners or occupants.
    § 21-2.4 · code text
    The owner or occupant shall remove all containers from the place of collection prior to 12:00 midnight of the day on which the containers are emptied.
When carts may go to the curb
  • Not before 5:00 p.m. the day before collection (or on the collection day set by the franchisee)
    Applies: single-family and multi-plex occupants
    § 21-2.4 · code text
    Single-family and multi-plex owners or occupants shall be responsible for placing containers curbside for collection on the days established by the franchisee for collection, or after 5:00 p.m. of the previous day.
Where carts are kept
  • Do not store containers on or in any public street, sidewalk, footpath or public place.
    Applies: Single-family and multi-plex premises.
    § 21-2.4 · code text
    Containers or bags shall not be stored on or in any public street, sidewalk, footpath, or public place.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Alameda's code: Organic materials must go in approved containers. (Occupants of each premises.) (§ 21-2.3); Remove containers before 12:00 midnight on the day they are emptied. (Single-family and multi-plex owners or occupants.) (§ 21-2.4).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Alameda property

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

Ask your question

More on building on your lot in Alameda

All building on your lot rules in Alameda

Fences and walls in Alameda

Pets, chickens and bees in Alameda

Park and impact fees for new homes in Alameda

Noise and construction hours in Alameda

Affordable units in new housing (inclusionary) in Alameda

Signs on homes in Alameda

Alameda Municipal Code — full text