Recycling Requirements: Mission Viejo vs Orange
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Mission Viejo, CA and Orange, CA?
Mission Viejo and Orange have similar restriction levels.
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 →Orange, CA
Orange County
The City of Orange requires residential and commercial recycling under state mandates including AB 341 and SB 1383. Recyclables go in the blue bin. Businesses generating 4+ cubic yards weekly must arrange recycling services. Organics recycling is now mandatory.
View full Orange rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mission Viejo | Orange |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Blue Bin | - | Paper, glass, metals, plastics |
| Commercial Threshold | - | 4+ cu yd/week = recycling required |
| Organics | - | Mandatory per SB 1383 |
| Hauler | - | CR&R (714) 372-8272 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Orange FAQ
What can I put in the blue recycling bin?
Paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, tin cans, and plastics #1-5 and #7. Rinse containers. No plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-soiled items.
Is recycling mandatory in Orange?
Yes. State law requires all residents and businesses to recycle and separate organics. Businesses generating 4+ cubic yards weekly must have recycling services.
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