Trash and recycling carts in San Marcos: the local rules

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

What San Marcos's code says

San Marcos code What San Marcos's code adds
Required collection service	Required; exemption needs proof of County facility use: at least 52 receipts a year, 7 days or less apart Applies: Residential occupancies; apply in writing by January 1 each year § 8.68.090 · code text Any occupant may request exemption from the requirement of Section 8.68.060 herein, on condition that proof of regular use of a County authorized solid waste facility for the disposal of refuse accumulated on occupants property is shown.
When carts must come back	Not left out after 6:00 p.m. on the day of collection Applies: After materials have been removed or collected § 8.68.150 · code text It shall be unlawful to place or permit to remain any refuse containers on the curbings, parkways or sidewalks of any public street before 6:00 p.m. on the day prior to collection, or after 6:00 p.m. on the day of collection, after materials have been removed or collected.
When carts may go to the curb	Not before 6:00 p.m. on the day before collection Applies: Containers on curbings, parkways or sidewalks of a public street § 8.68.150 · code text It shall be unlawful to place or permit to remain any refuse containers on the curbings, parkways or sidewalks of any public street before 6:00 p.m. on the day prior to collection, or after 6:00 p.m. on the day of collection, after materials have been removed or collected.
Where carts are kept	Within a covered carport or enclosed garage Applies: Residential occupancies, when not placed at the curb or another Contractor-designated location for collection § 8.68.155 · code text Within a covered carport or enclosed garage; or Within a required side or rear yard setback, screened by a solid, view-obscuring fence meeting zoning requirements Applies: Residential occupancies, when not placed at the curb or another Contractor-designated location for collection § 8.68.155 · code text Within a required side or rear yard setback screened from surrounding view by a solid, view-obscuring fence meeting all applicable requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.

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Frequently asked questions

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

San Marcos's code: Required; exemption needs proof of County facility use: at least 52 receipts a year, 7 days or less apart (Residential occupancies; apply in writing by January 1 each year) (§ 8.68.090); Not left out after 6:00 p.m. on the day of collection (After materials have been removed or collected) (§ 8.68.150).

Trash and recycling carts in San Marcos

What San Marcos's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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