Garbage Can Placement Steps

What’s the best way to place your garbage can on the curb for pickup?

Garbage Can Placement Steps

What’s the best way to place your garbage can on the curb for pickup?

How to Properly Place Your Trash Can for Pickup

One of the most important parts of weekly garbage pickup is placing your garbage can correctly on the curb. When cans are placed incorrectly, there’s a higher risk they’ll be damaged, missed, or cause delays for the whole neighborhood. Follow these simple steps for smooth, efficient pickup every week.

Steps on Proper Can Placement

Step 1

Be on time

Place your can out by 5AM on your scheduled pickup day.

Tip: Set it out the night before to avoid a morning rush.

Step 2

Position it correctly

Wheels and handle should face your house, with the lid opening toward the street.

Step 3

Give it space

Keep at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides.

Tip: If you have multiple cans, place them side-by-side rather than front-to-back.

Step 4

Don’t overfill

Make sure the lid closes fully. If you have extra trash that doesn’t fit, schedule a bulk pickup instead of leaving bags on top.

Steps on Proper Can Placement

Step 1

Be on time

Place your can out by 5AM on your scheduled pickup day.

Tip: Set it out the night before to avoid a morning rush.

Step 2

Position it correctly

Wheels and handle should face your house, with the lid opening toward the street.

Step 3

Give it space

Keep at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides.

Tip: If you have multiple cans, place them side-by-side rather than front-to-back.

Step 4

Don’t overfill

Make sure the lid closes fully. If you have extra trash that doesn’t fit, schedule a bulk pickup instead of leaving bags on top.

bad trash can placement

Common Placement Mistakes to Avoid

  • Cans placed backwards

  • Cans placed on uneven ground

  • Cans placed too close to cars, mailboxes, or other cans

  • Cans not out in time for pickup

  • Cans placed too close or too far from the curb

  • Multiple cans stacked front-to-back instead of side-by-side