Waste and Recycling
Orange County CA Waste and Recycling services help residents and businesses manage trash disposal, recycling, organics collection, composting, household hazardous waste, and landfill services. This article explains how OC Waste & Recycling operates, where residents can take specific materials, how landfill and recycling programs work, and what information to prepare before using county waste services.
OC Waste & Recycling Services
OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) provides solid waste disposal services for Orange County residents and businesses while supporting recycling, environmental protection, and resource recovery programs. The department serves communities throughout the county, including residents in 34 cities and unincorporated areas.
The department operates public landfill facilities, manages recycling programs, supports renewable energy projects, and provides education about waste reduction. Information about current programs, recycling services, and county waste operations is available through the OC Waste & Recycling website.
OCWR manages active landfill facilities using environmental protection practices and also oversees closed landfill sites throughout the county. The department also supports programs that turn organic materials into compost and mulch for community use.
Waste Disposal Locations
Orange County residents and businesses may use county landfill facilities for approved disposal needs. OCWR operates three active landfills that provide public disposal services, although some locations have different access rules depending on the type of customer.
Public Landfill Access
The county’s landfill system accepts waste only from Orange County residents or businesses. Visitors may be asked to provide proof of address before disposal services are provided.
Accepted proof of Orange County residency or location may include:
Valid driver’s license or other official proof of Orange County residency
Current utility bill showing an Orange County address
Vehicle registration
House payment information
Tax bill
Insurance card
Work order
Bill of lading
Work permit
Business license or related business documents
Residents should review landfill requirements before arriving because disposal rules, operating schedules, and accepted materials vary by location. Details about landfill locations and disposal services are available through the OC Waste & Recycling landfill information page.
Active Landfill Facilities
The three active landfill facilities operated by OC Waste & Recycling include:
Olinda Alpha Landfill near Brea, which provides commercial and public disposal services.
Frank R. Bowerman Landfill near Irvine, which provides commercial disposal services only.
Prima Deshecha Landfill near San Juan Capistrano, which provides commercial and public disposal services.
Landfill schedules vary by facility. Residents should confirm location details before bringing materials, especially for special disposal items or large loads.
Residential Recycling Services
Recycling services in Orange County depend on the local waste hauler, city, or service area. Residents should contact their waste hauler for specific instructions because collection rules may vary between communities.
OC Waste & Recycling provides information about recycling programs, local haulers, and waste sorting requirements. The county also provides resources for residents who need help determining where materials belong.
Organic Waste Recycling
Orange County residents are required to sort organic waste as part of statewide organic waste recycling requirements. Organic materials include certain food scraps, yard trimmings, paper products, and cardboard.
Organic waste that may be accepted in an organic waste bin can include:
Food scraps such as meat, fish, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, breads, pastas, grains, and plate scrapings
Grass clippings
Leaves
Twigs
Shrubbery and garden trimmings
Residents should follow instructions from their local waste hauler because accepted materials and collection practices may differ by location. Plastic bags are not compostable and should not be placed in food scrap containers. Some compostable bags may also not be accepted depending on the hauler’s processing system.
More information about household organics requirements is available through the OC Waste & Recycling organics recycling information page.
Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste requires special handling because many common household products contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive materials. OC Waste & Recycling operates Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers where Orange County residents can dispose of approved household hazardous waste and electronic waste at no charge.
Examples of materials accepted through the program include:
Paint
Cleaners
Oils
Batteries
Smoke detectors
Pesticides
Televisions
Tablets
Cell phones
Computers
Proof of county residence may be requested. These collection centers do not accept waste from businesses, schools, churches, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or residents outside Orange County.
Collection Center Locations
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers operate at four county locations:
Anaheim Collection Center
Huntington Beach Collection Center
Irvine Collection Center
San Juan Capistrano Collection Center
The centers operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and are closed on major holidays and during rainy weather. Residents who need additional information about household hazardous waste services can visit the OC Waste & Recycling household hazardous waste page.
Compost and Mulch Programs
OC Waste & Recycling provides compost and mulch resources created through the county’s recycling programs. Organic waste collected through residential programs can be processed into useful materials that support landscaping and soil improvement.
Free compost and mulch are available at several OCWR greenery locations, including:
Bee Canyon Greenery at Frank R. Bowerman Landfill in Irvine
Capistrano Greenery at Prima Deshecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano
Valencia Greenery at Olinda Alpha Landfill in Brea
Residents must submit a request and schedule a pickup appointment. Compost and mulch pickup areas are self-service locations, so visitors must bring their own tools and containers for loading materials.
Large bulk orders over five cubic yards, questions about availability, or assistance requests are handled through the compost and mulch program information provided by OC Waste & Recycling. Residents can review the OC Waste & Recycling compost and mulch request information before scheduling a pickup.
Landfill Disposal Requirements
Preparing before visiting a landfill can help prevent delays. Residents should know the type of material being disposed of, confirm that the material is accepted, and bring required proof of Orange County residency or business location when requested.
Special disposal items may require additional instructions or an appointment. Residents who need disposal services for items such as boats, campers, jet skis, vitamins, powdered substances, or similar materials should contact OC Waste & Recycling before arriving.
Landfill fees and acceptable payment information are provided through OCWR’s landfill service pages. The county also provides information about disposal costs and payment requirements for public landfill use.
Waste Sorting Requirements
Correct sorting helps reduce landfill waste and supports recycling programs throughout Orange County. Residents should place materials in the correct containers according to instructions from their waste hauler.
Common mistakes that can cause problems include placing non-recyclable materials in recycling containers, putting plastic bags into organic waste bins, and mixing hazardous materials with regular household trash.
Residents living in apartments or other multifamily housing should contact their property manager or landlord for instructions because organic waste collection methods may vary by building or community.
OC Waste & Recycling Contact
OC Waste & Recycling provides countywide information services for residents who need assistance with waste disposal, recycling programs, landfill services, and environmental programs.
Relevant Departments and Offices
OC Waste & Recycling — 601 North Ross Street 5th Floor, Santa Ana, CA 92701 — 714.834.4000
Olinda Alpha Landfill — 1942 North Valencia Avenue, Brea, CA 92823 — 714.993.0372
Frank R. Bowerman Landfill — 11002 Bee Canyon Access Road, Irvine, CA 92602 — 949.551.7100
Prima Deshecha Landfill — 32250 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 — 949.728.3040
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers — 601 North Ross Street 5th Floor, Santa Ana, CA 92701 — 714.834.4000
Waste and Recycling FAQs
How do I prepare for a landfill visit in Orange County?
Before visiting an OC Waste & Recycling landfill, check that your material is accepted and confirm the disposal requirements for your load. Public disposal is available only for Orange County residents and businesses, and proof of address may be requested. Accepted proof may include official residency documents, utility bills, vehicle registration, insurance cards, or business-related documents. Landfill schedules and accepted services vary by location, so residents should review the latest information through the OC Waste & Recycling landfill information before arriving.
What should I do with household hazardous waste and electronics?
Residents can take approved household hazardous waste and electronic waste to Orange County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers at no charge. Items that may be accepted include paint, cleaners, oils, batteries, smoke detectors, pesticides, televisions, tablets, cell phones, and computers. The centers are available only for Orange County residents and do not accept materials from businesses, schools, government agencies, or organizations. Collection centers operate Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., except during major holidays and rainy weather. More details are available on the Household Hazardous Waste services page.
Can I get compost or mulch from Orange County programs?
OC Waste & Recycling provides compost and mulch resources at county greenery locations in Brea, Irvine, and San Juan Capistrano. Residents can request pickup appointments and use self-service areas to collect available materials. Visitors should bring their own tools and containers because loading supplies are not provided. Availability depends on each location, and residents can review pickup requirements through the compost and mulch request information.
How do I know what belongs in my organics bin?
Orange County residents should follow their local waste hauler’s instructions because sorting rules can vary by service area. Organic materials that may be accepted include food scraps, yard trimmings, paper products, and cardboard. Food items such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish, breads, pastas, grains, and plate scrapings may be included. Plastic bags should not be placed in food scrap containers, and compostable bags may not be accepted by every hauler. Residents can review organics recycling guidance from OC Waste & Recycling for current requirements.