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Downey · Building on your lot

Trash and recycling carts in Downey

Downey'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 Downey Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Downey's code says

Downey code What Downey's code adds
Sorting organics and green waste
  • Cut green waste into pieces at most 4 feet long and 4 inches across.
    Applies: Applies before putting it in containers for green waste.
    § 5232 · code text
    Green Waste shall be cut into pieces not to exceed four feet in length and four inches in diameter, before being placed in containers designated for Green Waste.
  • Green waste must not be contaminated with other solid waste or hazardous substances.
    Applies: Applies when placed in containers for green waste.
    § 5232 · code text
    If placed in containers designated for Green Waste, Green Waste shall not be contaminated with other forms of solid waste or with Hazardous Substances.
When carts must come back
  • Remove containers by 1:00 a.m. on the day after the regular collection day.
    Applies: Applies to residential solid waste containers next to a street or public right-of-way.
    § 5232 · code text
    Residential Solid Waste Containers shall be removed from locations adjacent to a street or other public right-of-way not later than 1:00 a.m. on the day following the regularly schedule collection day.
When carts may go to the curb
  • Not before 6:00 p.m. on the day before the regular collection day.
    Applies: Applies to residential solid waste containers and bulky goods.
    § 5232 · code text
    no person shall place a Residential Solid Waste Container or any Bulky goods adjacent to a street or public right-of-way for collection service before 6:00 p.m. on the day before the regularly scheduled collection day.
Where carts are kept
  • Containers must not be visible from the public right-of-way.
    Applies: Except while placed out for curbside collection.
    § 5232 · code text
    Except during the time a Residential Solid Waste Container is placed for curbside collection, Residential Solid Waste Containers shall not be visible from the public right-of-way.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Downey's code: Cut green waste into pieces at most 4 feet long and 4 inches across. (Applies before putting it in containers for green waste.) (§ 5232); Green waste must not be contaminated with other solid waste or hazardous substances. (Applies when placed in containers for green waste.) (§ 5232).

General information, not legal advice.

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

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Downey Municipal Code — full text