Trash & Recycling in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
4 verified trash & recycling rules for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Costa Mesa residential trash and recycling collection is managed by the Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) with CR&R Environmental Services handling curbside pickup. Collection occurs Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with specific collection days assigned by address.
Costa Mesa Trash and Recycling Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Costa Mesa Sanitary District requires residential trash, recycling, and organics carts to be placed curbside by 6:00 AM on collection day and retrieved by midnight the same day. Carts must be placed at the curb with handles facing the house, lids closed, and at least 3 feet from other carts, mailboxes, vehicles, and obstructions. Between collection days, carts must be stored behind the front building line and screened from public view.
Costa Mesa Trash Bin Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Costa Mesa Sanitary District provides free large item curbside collection for residential customers through the Large Item Collection Program. Residents may schedule pickups for furniture, appliances, mattresses, and other bulky items that do not fit in standard carts. Pickups are scheduled based on availability and may occur one or more weeks from the request date. Hazardous materials, construction debris, and e-waste are not accepted through this program.
Costa Mesa Bulk Item and Large Item Disposal
Few RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Costa Mesa residents must separate recyclable materials into the blue recycling cart and organic waste into the green organics cart per California SB 1383 requirements. Accepted recyclables include paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, and rigid plastics numbered 1 through 5 and 7. Plastic bags, Styrofoam, and food-soiled paper are prohibited in recycling carts. Organic waste including food scraps and yard trimmings must be placed in the green cart.
Costa Mesa Recycling Requirements
Some RestrictionsCal. Pub. Resources Code § 42652.5 (SB 1383, CalRecycle SLCP)
Landfilled food and other organic waste rotting in landfills emits methane climate pollution contributing to California’s hotter summers, more frequent droughts, and more wildfires. 3 MILLION CARS worth of climate pollution will be cut by reaching SB 1383’s recycling and food rescue targets SB 1383 Progress Program News...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Orange County →