Temecula, CA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Temecula's trash cart placement rules under TMC Chapter 8.20 are designed to maintain neighborhood appearance and prevent obstruction. Carts may be placed at the curb no earlier than 6:00 PM the evening before scheduled collection day, and must be retrieved and stored by midnight on collection day (in practice, by the end of pickup day after the truck has passed). Between collection days, carts must be stored entirely out of view from the public right-of-way — acceptable storage locations include: inside the garage, behind a side-yard gate or fence, in a rear yard not visible from the street, or in a permanent screened enclosure with a solid door. Storage in the front yard, on the driveway visible from the street, or anywhere along the side of the house facing the street is a violation. Curb placement rules: carts must be on the resident's side of the street (not directly in the gutter blocking drainage), with wheels and handles facing the house, at least 3 feet from any obstruction (mailbox, parked car, other carts) and from each other to allow the automated arm to grasp. Carts placed in the street travel lane, on top of the sidewalk blocking pedestrian access, or in front of a fire hydrant violate Vehicle Code §22500 and Fire Code requirements as well. Multi-family properties with shared dumpster enclosures must keep enclosure doors closed and the area clean. Violations result in courtesy notices first, then administrative citations of $100, $200, and $500 for repeat offenses.