Tustin, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Recycling in Tustin is built into the City's mandatory franchised collection program operated by CR&R. Single-family homes use a blue cart for recyclables, described by the City as 'clean recycle materials such as paper, cardboard, aluminum and glass.' Recyclables must be placed loose in the blue cart, and as with trash, items not in the cart will not be collected. Recycling collection is weekly alongside trash and organics. Because trash and recycling service is mandatory citywide under the City Code, residents cannot opt out of the program. Multifamily properties receive separate collection service through the City's franchise, which includes recycling. Tustin's residential recycling program operates within the framework of California state recycling law: AB 341 establishes mandatory commercial and multifamily recycling for qualifying generators statewide, and SB 1383 (covered under organics) adds separate requirements for food and yard waste. The City directs recycling questions to its tustinrecycles@tustinca.org address and Public Works at 714-573-3150, and service questions to CR&R at 714-372-8272. Keeping recyclables clean and dry and keeping non-recyclables (food waste, plastic bags, hazardous materials) out of the blue cart helps the materials actually get recycled rather than landfilled as contamination.