Recycling Requirements: Irvine vs Midway City
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Irvine, CA and Midway City, CA?
Irvine has fewer restrictions than Midway City.
Irvine, CA
Orange County
Irvine provides single-stream curbside recycling. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic containers, glass bottles, and metal cans. Materials must be clean, dry, and loose in the blue cart. SB 1383 mandates organic waste recycling through the green waste program. Commercial properties must comply with AB 341 recycling mandates.
View full Irvine rules →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Under SB 1383, all unincorporated Orange County residents must separate organic waste, recyclables, and landfill-bound trash using a mandatory three-container system with color-coded lids. Opting out is not permitted under state law, and enforcement began January 2024.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Irvine | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Single-stream curbside recycling | - |
| Accepted | Paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, cans | - |
| Preparation | Clean, dry, loose — no bags | - |
| SB 1383 | Organic waste diversion required | - |
| Commercial | AB 341 recycling mandates | - |
| Mandate | - | SB 1383 — mandatory |
| Containers | - | Green, blue, black lids |
| Enforcement Start | - | January 1, 2024 |
| County Ordinance | - | No. 21-011 (2021) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Irvine FAQ
What can I recycle in Irvine?
Paper, cardboard, plastic containers, glass bottles, and metal cans in single-stream recycling. Materials must be clean, dry, and loose in the blue cart.
Is food waste recycling required in Irvine?
Yes, SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion. Place food scraps in the green waste cart.
Midway City FAQ
Can I opt out of organics recycling in unincorporated Orange County?
No. SB 1383 is mandatory state law. All California residents must separate organic waste from trash and recyclables. Orange County enforces compliance through franchise hauler inspections.
What goes in the green organics bin?
Food scraps (meat, fish, dairy, fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta, grains, plate scrapings), yard trimmings (grass, leaves, twigs, weeds), and food-soiled paper. Check with your hauler about bag restrictions.
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