Burgundy or Dark Gray (with Black Lid) Bin (Trash)
Carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day and removed from the right-of-way within 12 hours after collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Diapers and pet waste
- ✓Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam)
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Treated or painted wood
Gray or Dark Gray (with Blue Lid) Bin (Recycling)
Items must be placed loosely into the cart. Do not bag recyclables. Break down cardboard boxes to ensure the lid closes completely.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Rigid plastics (bottles, jugs, and tubs)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film wrap
- ✕Food waste and liquids
- ✕Electronics and batteries
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Do not put plastic bags, dirt, rocks, or pet waste in the green cart. Use a brown paper bag or layer food scraps with yard trimmings to minimize odors.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Tree branches and brush
- ✓Food scraps (meat, bones, dairy, fruits, vegetables)
- ✓Food-soiled paper (pizza boxes, dirty napkins)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Two (2) free bulky item pickups per calendar year.
Placement
Place items securely at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your designated service day, ensuring they do not block sidewalks or storm drains.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, chairs, desks)
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large household appliances (white goods)
- ✓ Electronic waste (TVs, computers)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Dirt, concrete, or asphalt
- ✕ Automotive parts
If you exceed your two free annual bulky pickups, additional collections can be scheduled with Waste Management for an additional fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Regular collection of trash, recyclables, and yard waste will be delayed by one day during the week of an observed holiday, with Friday services occurring on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling services adhere to the exact same one-day delay as residential trash pickup.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, there are no disruptions to the Monday through Friday collection schedule.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Ditch the Plastic Shopping Bags
Never bag your recyclables. Plastic grocery bags and film wrap tangle around the automated sorting gears at Waste Management's material recovery facility, causing major breakdowns.
Flocked Trees Belong in the Trash
If you buy a flocked Christmas tree (covered in artificial snow), it cannot be composted. You must cut it into smaller pieces and place it in your landfill trash cart.
Compostable Plastics Don't Compost
Even if a plastic cup or utensil is marketed as 'biodegradable' or 'compostable,' it cannot go into your green organics cart. These items must go into the regular trash.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - JanuaryWaste Management collects and recycles Christmas trees for the first two weeks following Christmas on your regular service day. Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut in half, and all tinsel, ornaments, and stands must be completely removed.
Year-Round
January - DecemberMurrieta experiences extreme heat during the summer months. It is highly recommended to freeze meat and dairy scraps in your kitchen before placing them in your green organics cart the night before your scheduled collection to prevent severe odor and maggot infestations.
About Murrieta Waste Management
Navigating Murrieta's Mandatory Trash Service and Self-Haul Exemption
To comply with California's AB 939 landfill diversion mandates, the City of Murrieta requires all residential properties to have active trash collection through Waste Management. However, Murrieta offers a unique alternative: residents who strongly prefer to transport their own waste can apply for an annual Self-Haul Permit. For a yearly fee of approximately $89.08, residents can legally opt out of the monthly franchise service, provided they submit verified disposal receipts from county landfills or certified organic facilities three times a year.
SB 1383 Organics Mandate in the Inland Empire
Like all California cities, Murrieta strictly adheres to SB 1383 regulations. Single-family homes are equipped with a three-cart system and are required to divert all organic material from local landfills. Your green yard waste cart must now be used to capture all food scraps, including meat, dairy, bones, and food-soiled paper products. Combining food waste with yard trimmings helps reduce methane emissions and supports regional composting efforts.
Curbside Used Motor Oil Collection
Waste Management makes DIY auto maintenance highly convenient for Murrieta residents. Instead of driving to an auto parts store, you can arrange for a free curbside pickup of used motor oil. You must contact Waste Management at least 24 hours before your standard collection day, and the oil must be sealed in an approved, spill-proof container to prevent stormwater drain contamination.
Landlord Responsibilities and Tenant Waste Accounts
Murrieta has specific utility rules regarding residential waste services for rental properties. The city heavily advises landlords to establish and maintain the trash service account under their own name, rolling the cost into the tenant's rent. Because waste service is classified as a mandatory utility, if a tenant leaves an unpaid balance, the property owner is ultimately held responsible for the delinquent bill.
Drop-off Facilities
Murrieta ABOP and PaintCare Facility (Riverside County)
25315 Jefferson Avenue, Murrieta, CA 92562
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I opt out of the monthly Waste Management fee in Murrieta?
Yes, but you must apply for a Self-Haul Permit. This program allows you to transport your own trash and organics to approved facilities. The permit costs $89.08 annually, and you must submit proof of legal disposal at least three times a year.
How do I schedule a bulky item pickup?
Residents are entitled to two free bulky item pickups each year. You must call Waste Management at 866-909-4458 at least 24 hours before your regular collection day to reserve your spot.
Where can I drop off hazardous household chemicals?
Riverside County operates the ABOP and PaintCare Facility right in Murrieta at 25315 Jefferson Avenue. They accept antifreeze, batteries, oil, paint, and e-waste on non-holiday Saturdays.
Can I leave my trash carts on the street all week?
No. The City of Murrieta requires that carts be placed at the curb no earlier than 24 hours prior to your pickup day and must be removed from the public right-of-way within 12 hours after collection.