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Three-Cart Waste Collection

Effective January 1, 2022, all California residences and businesses are required to separate organic waste from other trash and non-organic recyclables and participate in an organic waste collection program. For more information on the legislation, visit the Irvine SB 1383 webpage.

The City of Irvine's organics/food waste recycling program for residents collect organic materials — including food waste — from all residential properties If your residence has a three-cart collection system — which includes a trash cart, a recycling cart, and a organics waste cart — see the information below.

Organic Waste Cart

Starting April 1, 2023, Irvine residents with three-cart waste service must place their organic waste (yard waste and food scraps) in their organic waste cart. Residents are not permitted to opt out of the program.

Residents must place the following items in their organic waste cart:

Meat, bones, seafood, seafood shells, poultry, eggshells
Fruits and vegetables
Cheese and dairy products
Bread, pasta, rice, and grains
Non-waxed, food-soiled paper products, tissues, or cardboard
Plate scrapings
Coffee grounds, filters, and tea bags
Untreated (no pesticide) yard waste (leaves, grass, small branches, plants)

You cannot place your organic waste in plastic or compostable/biodegradable bags. It is recommended to line the bottom of your cart with a layer of yard waste or old newspaper.

Please refer to the Waste Management service rate sheet for updated waste collection rates.

Cart Color System:

Maintaining your Kitchen Pail:

For information on sorting your household waste, visit the Household Recycling page. If you have additional questions, please email environmentalprograms@cityofirvine.org or call the Irvine Recycle Hotline at 949-724-7669.