Newport Beach, CA Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)

Section 6.06.030 of Chapter 6.06 (State Mandated Municipal Solid Waste Diversion Programs) makes organics separation mandatory for every SB 1383 single-family generator in the City, unless the household qualifies as a self-hauler under Section 6.06.070. Covered households must subscribe to the City's waste collection service and, under subsection (B), place food scraps in the container designated for food scraps, recyclable materials in the recycling container, green waste and wood waste in the green waste container, and everything else in the trash container. The section allows an alternative: households may instead prevent or reduce food scraps and green waste, manage the waste on site, or use a community composting site under 14 CCR Section 18984.9(c), in place of curbside separation.

The companion requirement in Section 6.06.060 defines full participation, including supplying labeled containers and periodically checking for contamination for covered generators. Enforcement runs through Section 6.06.150: the Municipal Operations Director monitors compliance through route reviews, inspections, and complaint investigation, and the City must issue a notice of violation giving 60 days to come into compliance before an administrative citation and fine under Chapter 1.05 can issue. From January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023 the City was limited to sending educational materials rather than penalties; civil penalties tied to Section 1.05.020's fine schedule apply for noncompliance found on or after January 1, 2024.

The City may extend a compliance deadline for extenuating circumstances such as wildfires, permit delays, or CalRecycle-documented recycling infrastructure shortfalls. Residents may appeal an administrative citation under Section 1.05.060.