Costa Mesa, CA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

The Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) provides curbside collection services for single-family homes and multi-family buildings with four or fewer units. Each residential unit receives one landfill cart, one recycling cart, and up to two organics carts. Carts must be placed at the curb no earlier than 5:00 PM the evening before collection day and no later than 6:00 AM on collection day. Collection occurs Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Carts must be retrieved and stored out of public view by midnight on collection day. When placing carts, handles must face the house with lids closed and arrows pointing toward the street. Each cart must be at least 3 feet from other carts, mailboxes, parked vehicles, and any obstructions. Carts should not block sidewalks, driveways, or fire hydrants. Between collection days, the Costa Mesa Municipal Code requires carts to be stored behind the front building line so they are not visible from the street. Properties with limited side-yard access may request alternative storage arrangements through CMSD. Overflowing carts with lids that cannot close may not be collected. Extra waste must be contained in bags placed next to the landfill cart. CMSD customer service can be reached at (949) 645-8512 for cart replacement, size changes, or collection issues.