Curbside Trash and Recycling Service

The City of Brea's trash collection system keeps recyclable and green waste separate from other trash to help extend the life of the county's landfills. Republic Services, the City's exclusive waste hauler, offers Brea residents a three cart collection system. The green cart is for clean recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, aluminum, and glass. The brown cart is for plant materials that can be composted. The black cart is for all other regular waste materials. 

Cart Sizes

Residential service carts are available in 64-gallon or 96-gallon containers and includes a set of (1) Trash, (1) Recycle and (1) Yard Waste.

Recycle (Green Cart)

Place all acceptable recyclable materials in your green recycle cart. Please don’t bag the items - keep them empty, loose and dry. 

Acceptable Recyclable Materials:

Aluminum & Metal Cans, Aluminum Foil (clean) and Pans, Cardboard, Glass Bottles and Jars, Junk Mail, Magazines, Milk and Juice Cartons, Newspaper, Office Paper, Paper Egg Cartons, Plastic Buckets, Plastic Containers, Small Scrap Metal (less than 10 pounds, no cords/chains).

Unacceptable Materials:

Ceramics, Concrete, Dirt Asphalt, Construction Debris, Food-Soiled Paper, Food Waste, Light Bulbs, Garbage, Glassware, Hazardous or Medical Waste, Holiday Lights, Garden Hoses, Mirrors, Propane or Helium Tanks, Restroom Waste, Window Glass, Yard Trimmings.

Yard/Green Waste Recycling (Brown Cart)

Do not put plastic trash bags or any other items in you brown yard waste cart. Lawn and gardening service providers should be notified of this rule. Green waste material must be placed loosely inside the brown cart for collection. 

Acceptable Yard/Green Waste Materials:

Small Branches, Leaves, Grass, Weeds, Flowers, Plants, Untreated Wood, Yard Trimmings.

Unacceptable Materials:

Animal Waste, Asphalt, Concrete, Construction Debris, Dirt, Garbage, Grease, Hazardous or Medical Waste, Liquids, Food Waste, Oil, Recyclable Materials, Restroom Waste, Treated or Painted Wood.

Note: Food Waste Recycling is NOT yet Available for Brea Residents

Please continue to place food waste/scraps in the trash until you receive information from the City of Brea on the start of a food waste (organics) recycling service through Republic Services. In the meantime, Brea residents can comply with the state law by composting their food waste at home. As per state law, the City of Brea is working with Republic Services to develop a food waste recycling program for residents throughout the City. Once details become available, information will be posted here and direct contact will be made with all residences and businesses.

Trash (Black Cart)

All other items that are non-recyclable belong in the black trash cart.

Acceptable Trash Materials:

Bagged Animal Waste, Ceramics, Diapers and Feminine Products, Garden Hoses, Glassware (other than bottles and jars), Food Waste, Food Boxes (with foil/plastic liner), Snack Bags, Toys, Plastic Bags, Styrofoam, Latex Gloves, Non-Donatable Clothing, Bedding Textiles.

Unacceptable Trash Materials:

Appliances, Asphalt, Batteries, Bulk Items, Compostable Materials, Concrete, Construction Debris, Dirt, Electronics, Fluorescent Tubes or Lights, Hazardous or Medical Waste, Liquids, Oil, Grease, Mirrors, Recyclable Materials, Sharps (Needles/Syringes). 

Holidays

Republic Services observes the following holidays:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

If your pickup day falls on one of these holidays, it will be delayed by one day.

Holiday Tree Disposal

Real holiday trees are accepted at the curb by Republic Services for two weeks following the holiday (exact dates will be posted annually near the holiday). Be sure to take off all lights, ornaments, tinsel and garland, as well as the metal or plastic stand. Set the bare tree at the curb or next to the dumpsters in your complex. If your tree is more than 6 feet tall, please cut it in half for safe and easy collection. If you take your tree down after the collection period, please cut your tree into pieces that will fit into your yard waste cart. Artificial trees and wreaths are not recyclable.

Waste and Recycling Process

Did you ever wonder what happens to waste and recyclable material once it is picked up? Here is a video of the process from curbside pickup, to sorting, packaging recycling and the disposal of waste into the landfill. Visit Republic’s City designated website for more information.

Call Republic Services at (714) 238-2444 for any questions or requests regarding your services.