Bulky Items

Household items that cannot fit into your automated carts are considered bulky items. Bulky items must be manageable by a two-person crew. Common bulky items include: couches, desks, chairs, tables, mattresses, refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers, monitors, microwaves, televisions, printers, scanners, computers, keyboards. Each household covered under the City’s residential service contract with CR&R may order up to five bulky pickups per year, with a maximum of five items per collection, for free. Additional bulky item collections, beyond the initial five, may be arranged for an additional cost.

To arrange a pickup of bulky items contact CR&R 949-667-4158 or csnewport@crrmail.com

Pharmaceutical Waste

It is important to properly dispose of medication and sharps. In Orange County, pharmaceuticals can either be taken to one of four Orange County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers, a pharmacy participating in the Medicine Takeback Program with the State of California, or properly disposed of in a trash can following the instructions below.

Some pharmacies allow for medication drop-off while other utilize a mail-back disposal program. To locate a participating pharmacy near you, please use the website below. It would be advisable to call ahead to ensure the service(s) are available.

https://medtakebackcalifornia.org/?

To properly dispose of medication in a trash can, you need to "treat" the medicine in order to prevent people and animals from possibly ingesting it.

• For capsules, pills or liquids: add water and mix with salt, dirt, or ashes from the fireplace/barbecue
• For pills provided in a pack, wrap the entire package with several layers of duct tape

Once "treated," seal medicines in their original container with the safety cap. If desired, remove the patient's name, drug name, prescription number and other personal information before disposal. Tape the lid to the container with duct tape. For liquids, place bottle inside a plastic container in the event that the bottle breaks. Hide all medication in an outer container such as a bag or box, and wrap in several layers of newspaper to prevent discovery and removal.

Sharps

Sharps (syringes, needles, autoinjectors) are classified as hazardous waste and are illegal to dispose of in the trash. Instead, they may be collected door side in an approved puncture-proof container. All Newport Beach residents can receive one free sharps container with pre-paid postage and return box every three months through the City’s residential refuse contract with CR&R. A fresh sharps collection container will be delivered upon collection of a filled container. Sharps by mail kits are also available at City Hall and the OASIS Senior Center at no charge. Please complete the Sharps Proof of Residency Form, at respective counters, in order to receive a sharps disposal kit.

The State of California also offers the Sharps Takeback Program, allowing all California residents the ability to order and submit pre-paid mail-back sharps packages. Please follow the link below for more information about this program.

https://sharpstakebackcalifornia.org/

Hazardous Waste

Household hazardous waste (HHW) are products that are flammable, corrosive, reactive or toxic. These wastes are dangerous to the public and the environment. CR&R collects HHW such as motor oil, oil filters, paint, batteries, household cleaners, pool chemicals, electronic waste, and pesticides.

Please contact CR&R to make arrangements for door side collection of HHW items. CR&R's representative will ask you for a specific count and list of the items to be collected, which is required by law to collect the material. Please be prepared to provide this information. Contact CR&R 949-667-4158 or csnewport@crrmail.com

The Orange County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers also accept HHW. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information and locations, please visit oclandfills.com/hazardous

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been linked to health issues like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, with symptoms taking years to develop. It was often used as an insulator or as a fire retardant, and has been used in building materials like roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products. It is also found in friction products like automobile clutches, brakes, and transmission parts, as well as in heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings. Though many common uses for asbestos were banned in 1989 with further regulation in 2019, asbestos may still be present in buildings and used in certain capacities. Due to the hazardous nature of asbestos, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) regulates who can handle asbestos, requiring a state ID number, and maintains a list of authorized haulers that can transport material from a worksite to an appropriate landfill. Orange County landfills do not accept asbestos material. For more information regarding asbestos, or the handling, transporting, or disposal of asbestos, please visit the linked websites for the Environmental Protection Agency, DTSC, and California Water Boards.

Batteries

Batteries may be disposed by residents at select City facilities. Bring your batteries individually wrapped in plastic bags or cover both ends of each battery with stickers, and place them in the "Big Green Box" at the following locations: 

• Civic Center, 1st Floor Bay A, Revenue Counter
• Main Library, Copy Center
• Mariners Library, Copy Center, Front Desk Staff will provide location
• Newport Coast Community Center, Front Counter
• OASIS Senior Center, Front Counter
• Marina Park, Front Counter

Building Materials

Lumber, shingles, plaster, bricks, stones, concrete, asphalt, carpet and drywall are a few examples of building materials. Property owners may obtain a list of franchise haulers for roll-off dumpster bin service by calling 949-644-3055.

To obtain a permit for a dumpster to be placed in the public right-of-way, please contact the Public Works Department at 949-644-3311.

Please contact Orange County Landfills for acceptable items at 714-834-4000.

Visit the State's Construction and Demolition Recyclers Database for locations to recycle building materials or call 916-314-6484.

Agricultural Pesticide Containers

The AG Container Recycling Council (ACRC) is a non-profit association that assists in the collection and recycling of agricultural pesticide containers. To arrange a pickup and recycling agricultural pesticide, please contact the Orange County Agricultural Commissioner who will send ACRC to your location. The fulfill of certain requirements is necessary for free service. Please note, this service is not intended for containers that held veterinary, consumer, or home and garden protection products. 

Take Note...

Only authorized franchise haulers are allowed to collect waste. Scavenging is illegal in the city of Newport Beach because it decreases the City's state-mandated recycling rate. Scavenging is the act of unauthorized persons going through refuse containers, whether the containers are located on public or private property.

To report scavenging in your area, contact the Police Department's non-emergency line at 949-644-3717.

Please be prepared to provide as much information as possible such as a vehicle license plate, if a vehicle is present, and a description of the individual(s) involved in the illegal activity.