Irvine, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum frequency
- Once per week, all premises
- No-collection window
- 8:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. daily
- Sunday collection
- Barred absent City Manager approval
- Holiday shift
- One day later, never landing on Sunday
- Residential cart cap
- 150 lbs when filled
- Service is mandatory
- Subscribe or register as self-hauler
Summary
Irvine requires weekly solid waste collection at every occupied premises through the city's exclusive franchised contractor. Collection cannot happen between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., never on Sundays without City Manager approval, and holiday pickups shift one day later.
Unless otherwise approved by the City Manager, and with the exception of vacant premises meeting the provisions of Section 6-7-301, collections shall occur for all premises at which solid waste is generated not less than once per week. Collection of solid waste shall not be made between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and no collection shall occur on Sundays, unless specifically approved by the City Manager. In the event of a holiday, collections shall be completed one day later than the regularly scheduled collection day (adjusted to ensure collection does not occur on Sunday). The following are considered to be holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 | Zoning: Supplement 16).
Full Breakdown
or on Sundays absent specific City Manager sign-off. Six holidays push the route back one day - New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day - with the schedule adjusted so a shifted route still never lands on Sunday. Vacant premises generating no waste are exempt under Section 6-7-301, but the owner carries the burden of proving vacancy to the City Manager. Service itself is not optional: Section 6-7-301 requires every owner, property manager, or tenant to either subscribe to the exclusive franchised hauler or register as a permitted self-hauler.
Residential carts provided under the franchise agreement cannot exceed 150 pounds when full (Sec. 6-7-402). If a property generates more waste than its normal schedule allows, Section 6-7-502 lets the City Manager order more frequent pickups or larger/additional containers on written notice once the volume threatens a public nuisance. Containers may not sit at the curb more than 24 hours before the scheduled pickup and must be pulled back by noon the following day (Sec. 6-7-405).
Violations & Fines
Failure to arrange for collection service, or keeping waste in a manner deemed offensive or unsanitary, is declared a public nuisance abatable under Section 6-7-601. Criminal enforcement runs through Sections 6-7-902 through 6-7-904: each day a violation continues is a separate offense, punishable as a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail) or an infraction ($100 first offense, $200 second, $500 third and beyond within a year), at the City Manager's or City Attorney's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must trash be collected in Irvine?
Can trucks collect trash before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m. in Irvine?
What happens to my pickup day on a holiday week?
Is trash service optional for Irvine property owners?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Irvine
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