Lake Elsinore, CA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

LEMC § 8.16.080 governs how yard debris that cannot fit in a standard container must be set out: it must be carefully bundled beside the refuse container, tied securely, weigh under 40 pounds and, specifically for tree limbs, trunks, hedge cuttings, brush and lumber, measure no more than four feet in length. The City agent may waive the weight limit where covered bins are provided. Containers themselves must be built of durable material such as metal, plastic or processed cardboard under the same section; noncompliant containers may be treated as refuse and removed.

"Green waste" is defined in § 8.16.020 to include tree and shrubbery trimmings, grass cuttings, weeds, leaves, wood chips and other plant material, and under the mandatory recycling program at § 8.16.330, single-family organic waste generators must subscribe to the City's organic waste collection service and sort green waste into the designated green container rather than the gray trash container. Bundled brush that exceeds the standard limits, or bulk yard debris beyond normal set-out, can be scheduled for special collection under § 8.16.140 at the City agent's discretion, with additional charges possible.

Enforcement runs through § 8.16.440: the City's Enforcement Official documents noncompliance, issues a notice of violation with a 60-day cure period, and may then issue an administrative citation and fine if the resident does not comply.