Walnut Urges Residents to Follow Trash Can Regulations

Walnut city officials are urging residents to follow regulations for placing their trash cans curbside and putting them away after pick up.

Tom Weiner, community development director, said last month that the city has received some complaints from residents about trash cans being left out on the curb long after the garbage has been collected. 

Weiner said violating the city’s ordinance can result in a $150 fine to start, but he emphasized that staff gives several warnings and attempts to work with residents before issuing citations.

“This is not about being punitive to residents,” he said. “It’s about getting compliance.  We respond to complaints.”

Mayor Mary Su said last month that she didn’t think residents were violating the policy on purpose.  Many just are not aware, she said.

The city posted guidelines on its website.

“Trash bins and recycling containers placed too soon or left out after collection can cause a number of inconveniences for a neighborhood,” staff wrote on the website. “Unattended bins can generate odor problems, hazards for vehicle and pedestrian traffic, prevent the street from being swept, be knocked over by animals and create an overall unsightly appearance to the neighborhood.”

City officials also posted the following municipal code section 15A, which outlines regulations for trash cans:

Per the City Municipal Code Section 15A-31 (C) containers shall be placed near the curb in front of a property no sooner than 4 PM the day before the designated trash pick-up day and removed no later than 6 AM the day after trash pick-up day.

Additionally, per code, containers may not be stored or kept in the front yard setback of a property. Trash and recycling containers need to be stored or kept behind a fence or gate during any other times other than designated trash pick-up times.