Orange County, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Recycling in unincorporated Orange County is collected weekly in the dedicated recycling cart provided by the franchised hauler. Per the County of Orange Unincorporated WM Service Guide, recyclables must be loose, clean, and dry before being placed in the recycling cart. Accepted materials include paper (newspaper, junk mail, magazines/catalogs, phone books, paper bags, non-metallic wrapping paper), cardboard, glass bottles and food jars, metal/aluminum/tin/steel cans, and plastic bottles, jugs, jars, and containers/tubs. Items that must NOT go in the recycling cart (contamination) include foods or liquids, food-soiled paper, polystyrene foam, plastic bags, liners and film, hazardous waste, electronics, clothing/textiles, and construction debris. Bagged recyclables are specifically prohibited because plastic bags and film tangle equipment at recycling facilities; residents who collect recyclables in a bag should empty them directly into the cart and reuse the bag. The guide notes that under California Senate Bill 1383, proper use of all three containers is required - meaning no organic waste or recycling placed in the trash cart - and improper use may result in non-service. For item-specific guidance, the County directs residents to the OC Recycle Guide (ocrecycleguide.com).