Recycling Requirements: Midway City vs Mission Viejo
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Midway City, CA and Mission Viejo, CA?
Mission Viejo has fewer restrictions than Midway City.
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 →Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County
Mission Viejo requires single-stream recycling and organic waste diversion under California SB 1383. Food scraps and yard waste go in the green cart. Recyclables include paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics #1-5 and #7. No plastic bags in recycling.
View full Mission Viejo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Midway City | Mission Viejo |
|---|---|---|
| Mandate | SB 1383 — mandatory | - |
| Containers | Green, blue, black lids | - |
| Enforcement Start | January 1, 2024 | - |
| County Ordinance | No. 21-011 (2021) | - |
| Recycling Type | - | Single-stream (blue cart) |
| Organics Required | - | Yes — SB 1383 |
| Food Scraps | - | Green cart with yard waste |
| No Plastic Bags | - | Items must be loose |
| Contact | - | (949) 642-1191 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Mission Viejo FAQ
What can go in the blue recycling cart?
Paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics #1-5 and #7. Items must be clean, dry, and empty. No plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-soiled paper.
Do I have to put food scraps in the green cart?
Yes. California SB 1383 requires all residents to divert food scraps from landfill. Place food scraps (fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, coffee grounds) in the green organics cart with yard waste.
What happens if I contaminate my recycling cart?
Contaminated loads may be rejected and collected as trash. Common contaminants include plastic bags, food waste, and styrofoam. Ware Disposal may tag your cart with an educational notice for repeat issues.
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