Trash & Recycling in San Clemente, CA (2026)
5 verified trash & recycling rules for San Clemente, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
San Clemente contracts CR&R Environmental Services as its exclusive franchise waste hauler. Every property must subscribe to City or CR&R collection under SCMC 8.28.050, and collection is prohibited between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in residential areas.
San Clemente Uses CR&R as Exclusive Franchise Hauler
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
San Clemente carts must be placed at the curb or alley no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the day before collection and removed within 24 hours after pickup, then stored substantially hidden from public street or alley view under SCMC 8.28.040.
San Clemente Set-Out After 5 p.m., Hidden After Pickup
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Each San Clemente resident may schedule a free bulky-item pickup from CR&R up to four times per calendar year, of up to four large items or bags each time. Free door-to-door household hazardous waste pickup is also available.
San Clemente Free Bulky Item Pickup Four Times a Year
Few RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Under SCMC 8.28.130, implementing California SB 1383, San Clemente single-family generators must subscribe to the City's three-container service and sort organics (including food waste), recyclables, and refuse into the correct carts. Commercial and edible-food rules also apply.
San Clemente Requires Three-Cart Sorting Under SB 1383
Heavy RestrictionsIllegal Dumping
San Clemente prohibits depositing solid waste, litter, or refuse on any street, alley, beach, park, or public or private property except in proper containers, under SCMC 8.28.020 and Chapter 8.40. State law (Penal Code 374.3) adds criminal fines.
San Clemente Bans Illegal Dumping on Public and Private Land
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Clemente city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Orange County →