San Clemente, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- SCMC §§ 8.28.050, 8.28.060
- Residential quiet hours
- No collection 7:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.
- Non-residential quiet hours
- No collection 7:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.
- Service requirement
- Mandatory through City or Franchise Hauler
- First-violation fine
- $50
Summary
San Clemente requires every property owner to have solid waste collected through the City or its exclusive Franchise Hauler under Section 8.28.050, and Section 8.28.060 bans collection service in residential zones between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and in non-residential zones between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
A The owner, occupant, or person in control of every premises in the City shall cause solid waste generated or accumulated on such premises to be collected and lawfully disposed by the City or the Franchise Hauler or by his or her own efforts. ... It shall be unlawful to provide solid waste handling services in areas of the City zoned for residential use between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. It shall be unlawful to provide solid waste handling services in areas of the City zoned for other than residential use between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Traffic: Supplement 30 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
050 makes solid waste service mandatory: the owner, occupant, or person in control of every premises in the City must have solid waste generated there collected and lawfully disposed of, either through the City, the exclusive Franchise Hauler, or the owner's own lawful efforts. Transferring solid waste between premises is barred unless the same person manages a valid service account at both locations. Rates for Franchise Hauler service come from a schedule mutually agreed between the City and the hauler under the exclusive solid waste handling services contract, with the Solid Waste Coordinator publishing any annual rate increase.
m. is itself violating the chapter. 070 before the City will issue a certificate of occupancy, sized to hold the containers the site needs and matching the height and setback standards of its zoning district.
Violations & Fines
A hauler or resident providing or receiving collection outside the permitted hours violates Section 8.28.060, enforced under Section 8.28.210(C) at $50 for a first violation, $75 for a second, and $100 for a third or later violation of the same provision, effective May 1, 2023. Failing to maintain mandatory service under Section 8.28.050 can result in the City requiring payment for service at every premises the responsible person is associated with.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Clemente
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