Temecula, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Service arrangement duty
- On owner/occupant, § 8.20.320
- Unauthorized hauling
- Unlawful, § 8.20.330
- Fee liability
- Owner/occupant jointly liable, § 8.20.390
- Franchise fee
- 8% of gross revenue minimum
- Franchise exceptions
- Licensed recyclers, self-hauled yard debris
Summary
Every property owner or occupant in Temecula must arrange refuse, recyclables, and compostables collection through the city, an approved local agency, or a franchised contractor. Collecting solid waste without city authorization is itself unlawful under Sections 8.20.320 and 8.20.330.
The owner, occupant or other person responsible for the day-to-day operation of every property in the city shall make arrangements with the city, another local agency approved by the city or a contractor franchised or licensed by the city for the collection of refuse, recyclable materials and compostable materials as set forth in this chapter. ... No person shall engage in the collection of solid waste without valid authorization from the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862229; v11 updated 2026-04-14).
Full Breakdown
320 puts an affirmative duty on the owner, occupant, or other person responsible for day-to-day operation of every property in Temecula: they must make arrangements, whether with the city, another local agency approved by the city, or a contractor franchised or licensed by the city, for collection of refuse, recyclable materials, and compostable materials. 390's fee provision making the owner and occupant jointly and severally liable for service charges whether or not the service is actually used. 330 closes the other side of the loop by making it unlawful for anyone to engage in the collection of solid waste without valid authorization from the city, which is what makes Temecula's residential and commercial trash franchises exclusive rather than competitive.
500 elaborates that once a franchise is in force, only the franchisee, its agents, or employees may lawfully collect refuse for hire from covered premises, carving out limited exceptions for licensed recyclers and for people removing their own agricultural or yard debris from property they own or occupy. 360, each carrying a franchise fee of not less than eight percent of gross revenue and cooperation requirements tied to the city's state-mandated waste diversion goals.
Violations & Fines
Failing to arrange required collection service under Section 8.20.320, or collecting solid waste in the city without valid authorization under Section 8.20.330, is enforced through Section 8.20.720: a notice of violation issues first, with continued noncompliance punishable as a misdemeanor under Chapter 1.20, carrying up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in county jail, or both; unpaid service fees can also be collected on the property tax roll under Section 8.20.390.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is trash service mandatory in Temecula?
Can I hire my own trash hauler instead of the city's contractor?
Who sets Temecula's trash and recycling franchise terms?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Temecula
California rules heatmap·Compare Temecula to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Collection Schedule in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle collection schedule.