Just click here to enjoy the latest edition of One Person's Trash Please recycle your old cell phone. Click here for more, it's important! Irvine is a community committed to the future! Since the Irvine Recycles program began in 1987, it has helped Irvine residents recycle more than 100,000 tons (that's 200 million pounds) of recyclable materials. Reducing... Reusing... Recycling... 3 R's worth remembering! Goals of the Irvine Recycles Program In an effort to help conserve existing landfill space and to minimize its share of waste flowing into Orange County landfills, the City of Irvine initiated the voluntary Irvine Recycles program in September 1987. Originally started as Orange County's first multi-material curbside recycling program, Irvine Recycles has expanded over the years to provide recycling opportunities to apartment and condominium residents and waste reduction assistance to Irvine businesses. California's Solid Waste Reduction Law Every city in California is under a challenging State mandate to keep 50 percent of its waste out of landfills or face State-imposed fines of $10,000 per day. These fines could mean higher waste management costs in the future for all residents and businesses. To avoid these penalties and to keep our waste management system affordable and effective we need your help – not only recycling, but also by reducing the amount of waste generated in the first place!