Petaluma, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Service is
- Mandatory for all owners and occupants
- Applies to
- Existing, new, and newly-occupied structures
- Delivered under
- City's exclusive collection contract (§8.16.090)
- Rates set by
- City council resolution
- Nonpayment
- Breach of contract, possible nuisance declaration
Summary
Petaluma requires every property owner and occupant in the city to receive garbage collection service, whether the structure is existing, newly built, or changing occupants. PMC § 8.16.205 finds that citywide periodic collection protects public health and safety, and bills the cost to the owner or occupant at council-set rates.
The city council hereby finds that the public health, safety and welfare of the people of the city is hereby promoted by the periodic collection of garbage and rubbish from all places within the city. Therefore, all owners and occupants presently receiving such service, all owners and occupants of structures hereafter constructed and all owners and occupants of existing structures not receiving services at the time of change in occupancy of such structures shall receive garbage collection services as provided by the contract under Section 8.16.090 herein.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2931 NCS, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
090. The exclusive collector under that contract has a corresponding duty to collect garbage and refuse from those structures once the obligation attaches, and owners and occupants are liable to the collector for the reasonable cost of full service at the rates the city council authorizes by resolution. 220, which sets monthly charges for regular weekly or other collections of thirty-gallon or two sixteen-gallon containers. 230. 300.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 8.16 does not let a property opt out of collection: PMC § 8.16.205 makes service mandatory for every owner and occupant, and unpaid charges do not excuse the obligation. Continued accumulation of garbage or rubbish while in default on collection fees is declared a nuisance under PMC § 8.16.300, and enforcement of the chapter generally proceeds under the city's Chapter 1.10 through 1.16 code enforcement and administrative citation authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I opt out of trash service in Petaluma and haul my own garbage?
What happens if I don't pay my Petaluma garbage bill?
Who decides how much Petaluma charges for garbage collection?
Does a brand-new house in Petaluma automatically get trash service?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Petaluma
California rules heatmap·Compare Petaluma to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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