Aliso Viejo, CA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

AVMC § 7.05.100(F) sets the size limit: tree trimmings and brush shall be cut into pieces not to exceed four feet in length and four inches in diameter before being placed for collection. The code ties this to its goal of minimizing interference with public rights-of-way. Oversized limbs are not covered by the set-out rule, so they cannot simply go to the curb.

The definitions in § 7.05.010 say what the city treats as green waste: any organic waste generated from any landscape, including grass clippings, leaves, prunings, tree trimmings, pine needles, weeds, branches and brush collected under the chapter. Green waste is organic waste, so § 7.05.100(A) requires it to go in standard containers or bins approved by the collector, and the code defines a green container as the one used for source separated green container organic waste. Under § 7.05.160, self-haulers and gardeners must deposit solid waste, including organic waste, only at licensed landfill sites, recycling or composting facilities, and must report the facility and that the waste originated in Aliso Viejo. Section 7.05.230 bans burning or burying solid waste except in an approved incinerator or other permitted device, but allows composting of putrescible waste in a way that rodents, insects and other disease vectors are not drawn to the compost pile. In the nuisance chapter, § 8.24.010(C) counts trimmings from plants and trees as refuse and waste, which becomes a nuisance if kept on property for more than seven calendar days.