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Newport Beach, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Blue Cart Accepts
Paper, glass, metal, plastics 1-5 & 7
Green Cart Accepts
Food scraps, yard waste, soiled paper
SB 1383 Effective
January 1, 2022
Not Recyclable
Plastic bags, Styrofoam, ceramics

Summary

Newport Beach residents must separate recyclables into the blue cart and organic waste into the green cart per California SB 1383 requirements. Accepted recyclables include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastics numbered 1 through 5 and 7. Food scraps and yard trimmings go in the green cart. Plastic bags and Styrofoam are not accepted in recycling.

Landfilled food and other organic waste rotting in landfills emits methane climate pollution contributing to California’s hotter summers, more frequent droughts, and more wildfires. 3 MILLION CARS worth of climate pollution will be cut by reaching SB 1383’s recycling and food rescue targets SB 1383 Progress Program News...

Source: City of Newport Beach — RecyclingView official code

Full Breakdown

Newport Beach residential recycling is collected weekly by CR&R Environmental Services. The blue recycling cart accepts clean paper, cardboard (flattened), glass bottles and jars, aluminum and tin cans, and rigid plastics marked 1 through 5 and 7. Materials must be clean, dry, and placed loose in the cart without bags. Prohibited items include plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-soiled paper, ceramics, mirrors, and tanglers like garden hoses. Under California SB 1383, effective January 1, 2022, all residents must divert organic waste from landfills. Newport Beach residents place food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste in the green organics cart.

Accepted organics include fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, dairy, bread, coffee grounds, paper towels, napkins, grass clippings, leaves, and small branches under 4 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length. SB 1383 also requires edible food recovery from large food generators such as grocery stores and restaurants. Newport Beach works with local food recovery organizations to divert edible food from disposal. Multi-family complexes and commercial properties must arrange recycling and organics collection through their waste haulers. The city provides educational materials and conducts periodic outreach to reduce contamination rates.

Violations & Fines

Contaminated recycling carts may be tagged and left uncollected by CR&R. Persistent contamination can lead to cart-specific notices and potential service adjustments. Under SB 1383, the city must meet organic waste diversion targets or face state penalties. Residents who consistently fail to separate organics may receive educational notices. Commercial generators that fail to arrange organic waste collection face state enforcement and potential fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What goes in the green cart in Newport Beach?
Food scraps (fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, coffee grounds), food-soiled paper (napkins, paper towels), and yard waste (grass, leaves, small branches under 4 inches diameter). This is required under California SB 1383.
Can I put plastic bags in the recycling cart?
No. Plastic bags are not accepted in Newport Beach recycling carts and cause processing equipment jams. Return plastic bags to grocery store collection bins. Place recyclables loose in the blue cart.
What happens if I contaminate my recycling cart?
CR&R may tag the cart and leave it uncollected. Check the cart for prohibited items like plastic bags, Styrofoam, or food waste. If your cart is repeatedly contaminated, you may receive an educational notice from the city.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Newport Beach

All Newport Beach rules

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