Beginning January , 2022, all businesses and multi-family dwellings must implement an organics recycling program. Business owners should contact their local waste hauler for additional information on how to obtain organics service to maintain compliance.
What is organic waste?
Organic material comes from anything living – plants and animals. Organic waste includes grass clippings, leaves, twigs, shrubbery, weeds, and garden trimmings. In general, foods that may now go into the organic waste bin include meat, fish, dairy, fruit, vegetables, breads, pastas, grains and plate scrapings. Your waste hauler will provide very specific instructions. If in doubt, consult your local hauler as instructions may differ from hauler to hauler and by city.
OC Unincorporated Waste Haulers
The County of Orange provides waste and recycling hauler services to the below unincorporated areas. For details regarding your services, please contact the service provider below. All other Cities and Special Districts have separate services. Click HERE for a list of haulers.
| Waste Hauler |
Unincorporated Services Area(s) |
Guides |
| CR&R |
Rossmoor, Orange Islands, El Modena, Rancho Mission Viejo, Sendero, Ortega Highway/San Juan Capistrano |
Commercial
|
| Republic Services |
Yorba Linda Islands, Buena Park Islands, Fountain Valley Islands |
Commercial
|
| Waste Management |
Orange Park Acres, Coto De Caza, Wagon Wheel, Modjeska Canyon, Silverado Canyon, Lemon Heights, North Tustin, Cowan Heights, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores |
Commercial
|
ENFORCEMENT
OC Waste & Recycling’s (OCWR) exclusive waste haulers, along with OC Public Works Code Enforcement, will conduct required reviews of residential and commercial waste recycling, and organics containers for cross-contamination. These reviews are required by SB 1383 and will allow the County to conduct targeted outreach to better educate residents and business owners on how they can properly sort waste and meet recycling requirements. We ask that residents and business owners please cooperate with personnel who are conducting inspections.
Please submit questions and comments to the SB 1383 Inbox.
What happens if I do not properly sort my organic waste?
Unincorporated non-compliant businesses and residents may receive notices of violation, penalties, and/or possible denials of service if contamination is seen during inspections. Inspections in OC Unincorporated residential areas will be conducted when carts are placed in public areas for waste hauler pickup. Carts will not be inspected when stored on private property.
For details on your specific City policy, please contact your City Recycling Coordinator.
Will I be fined if I receive multiple Notice of Violations?
SB 1383 requires jurisdictions to have an enforceable ordinance in place. Residents and business owners will be provided with warnings and educational material to aid in compliance prior to fines being issued. County of Orange Unincorporated Ordinance.
I received a notice from my City or waste hauler, who should I contact?
Residents who live within a City jurisdiction should always contact their city recycling coordinator or waste hauler:
