Recycling For Residents
Residential Services
The City of Mission Viejo and its solid waste provider, Waste Management (WM) of Orange County, are dedicated to recycling and have developed a comprehensive curbside recycling program that is easy and convenient for the community. Each household has a three-cart system: trash cart (black lid), mixed recyclables cart (blue lid), and organics cart (green lid).
Carts are offered in three sizes: 35, 64, and 96 gallons. Additional carts are available through Waste Management. There is no additional charge for recycling and organics carts; however, there is a charge for additional trash carts. For more information, please contact Waste Management by phone at 949-642-1191, by email at wmservice@wm.com, or by visiting Waste Management's website.
- Residential Recycling and Waste Services Guide
- Household Hazardous Waste Page
- Mission Viejo's Rate Schedule - 2025
Events
Annually, the City and WM host events and workshops to provide residents with resources and learning opportunities related to recycling and composting. Please check your most recent billing statement for up-to-date details on events such as:
- Compost Giveaways (once annually)
- Shred Events (twice annually)
- Home Composting Workshops (twice annually)
Home Composting
In addition to attending the City and WM’s home composting workshops, learn how to build your own home composting system by visiting this City webpage
Educational Information
Below you can find more information on how to recycle right in the City of Mission Viejo. If you have any questions or would like to order/change service, please contact Waste Management by phone at 949-642-1191, by email at wmservice@wm.com, or by visiting Waste Management's website.
- Residential Recycling and Waste Services Guide
- Free Your Recyclables
- Residential Recycling Video
- Residential Service Town Hall Recording
Food Waste Recycling FAQ’s
Here are some frequently asked questions about the residential food waste program that was launched on January 1, 2022.
Bulky Item Collection
Mission Viejo’s trash hauler provides bulky item collection service to residents FREE of charge on their regular trash collection day. With this service, residents may place up to five large items at the curb for collection three times per year at no additional charge. Bulky waste includes furniture, appliances, electronic equipment, and other similar items. Bulky waste does not include items such as car bodies and construction and demolition waste.
To schedule a FREE bulky item pick up, please contact Waste Management by phone at 949-642-1191, by email at wmservice@wm.com, or by visiting Waste Management's website. Please schedule the collection service 48 hours in advance of your trash day.
Christmas Tree Recycling
Mission Viejo's trash hauler collects and recycles Christmas trees for the first three weeks following Christmas (flocked Christmas trees will be collected but cannot be recycled). This service is provided on the regular trash collection day. Please follow these easy steps:
Remove all decorations including tinsel, lights, ornaments, and stands
Cut trees taller than six feet (6') in half
Place the tree at the curb on your regular service day
For more information, please contact Waste Management by phone at 949-642-1191, by email at wmservice@wm.com, or by visiting Waste Management's website.
Mission Viejo's Recycling Newsletter
Mission Viejo's Recycling Newsletter is a publication provided in partnership with Waste Management to highlight the City's environmental programs and to provide tips for living a more sustainable lifestyle. The newsletter includes environmental topics such as recycling, waste reduction, and pollution prevention. Look for the newsletter in your next trash bill.
