Residents Services
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Organics
Welcome to your Organics Recycling Program!
CR&R Environmental Services, together with the City of Lake Forest, launched an Organics Recycling Program on July 1st, 2021. The program co-collects food scraps and yard waste in your green cart. The organic material collected will be taken to one of CR&R’s approved composting facilities to be converted into compost.Yard Waste Acceptable Items Unacceptable Items Grass clippings Palm fronds Leaves Pet waste Weeds Prunings Flowers Wood scraps/chips Kitchen Acceptable Items Unacceptable Items Fruit Crustacean shells Bread Meat bones Fish Meat Vegetables Dairy Coffee & Filter Compostable bags Food soiled paper Tips for your Green Organics Cart
- Place yard waste at the very bottom of the cart first to absorb liquids
- Alternate layers of yard waste and food scraps
- Sprinkle baking soda on top of your food scraps
- Drain excess liquids before placing food scraps in the cart
- Use compostable bags for food scraps
- Keep the cart in a covered or shaded area out of direct sunlight
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Curbside Pickup Information
CR&R Recommends the Following On Collection Day- Carts should be placed at curbside no later than 6:30 a.m. on collection day.
- Please place your carts side-by-side approximately one (1) foot apart and at least three (3) feet from any obstruction (i.e. car, fire hydrant, trees).
- Place your carts with the handles and wheels facing towards your home.
- Please remove from curbside within 12 hours after service.
- Items not in carts will not be collected.
Cart Reminders
- The blue cart is for recyclables.
- The gray cart is for waste.
- The green cart is for organics.
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Holiday Schedule
CR&R Observes the Following Holidays- New Years Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
If the holiday falls during the week, service postponed by one day the remainder of the week. Example: If Independence Day is a Monday, and your normal collection day is Thursday, we'll see you on Friday.
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Container Information
Container Information
Residents may order the following size(s) of containers.- 35-gallon automated cart – 38.50”H x 19.25”W x 24.25”D
- 65-gallon automated cart – 41.75"H x 24.25"W x 31.75"D
- 95-gallon automated cart – 43.25”H x 29.75”W x 35.25”D
Container dimensions are approximate.
Each residential customer is provided a set of carts included in their quarterly rate. If you generate more recyclables and organics on a consistent basis, you may order up to two (2) additional recyclables and two (2) additional organics carts at no additional charge. Charges will apply for the fourth (4th) recycle or organics cart.
Special Collections
Larger waste collection containers (from 10 to 40 yards) are available for clean-up projects and other disposal needs. -
Recycling
It's important to identify and remove materials unsuitable for recycling. Please review this section for more information on what's acceptable and unacceptable for Recycling. If you have questions about how to join the recycling program in your area, or plan a clean-up project, please contact the office located closest to you.Recyclable Paper Acceptable Items Unacceptable Items Milk or Juice Cartons Mixed products such as combinations of paper and metal. Corrugated Cardboard Waxed Paper Junk Mail Magazines Phonebooks Chipboard (Cereal/Cracker Boxes) Newspaper Computer paper Any White Paper Recyclable Plastics Please remove liquids, lids and food residue from all recyclables before placing them in the recycling container. Acceptable Items Unacceptable Items PET: soft drink bottles, photo film canisters Flower/Plant Containers HDPE: detergent containers, plastic water/milk containers,
pails, t-shirt bagsNo Mixed Products (ie plastic/metal combination) PVC: sprinkler pipe LDPE: trash can liners, shrink wrap, grocery bags PP: yogurt containers, luggage, drinking straws PS: plastic plates, cups egg cartons, food trays Other: Tupperware and mixed plastic containers Plastic Toys Recyclable Metal Acceptable Items Unacceptable Items Empty Aerosol Cans Automotive Parts Metal Coat Hangers Plumbing Parts Aluminum Cans No Mixed Products such as combinations of metal and paper Tin Cans Food and Juice Jars Empty Paint Cans (dry paint is OK) Metal Foil Recyclable Glass Acceptable Items Unacceptable Items Food and Beverage Bottles Ceramic Glass Jars and Bottles Mirrors Liquor, Soda and Juice Bottles Fluorescent Tubes Light Bulbs Safety Glass Pyrex Tempered Glass House Windows -
Hazardous Waste
Due to changes in California Environmental Protection Legislation, certain waste products are no longer accepted at the landfill or recycling center. CR&R will hold weekend HHW collection events twice annually for the collection of items listed below as part of your regular service with CR&R at no additional cost.Examples:
- Auto Fluids
- Cleaning Products
- Paint & Solvents
- Pesticides/Herbicides
- Pool Chemicals
- Non-Empty Aerosol Cans
Please check back for event dates and more detailed information about this new service.
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Bulky Items
Items that cannot fit in your automated carts are considered "bulky items." CR&R will provide up to two (2) bulky item collections per calendar year. A bulky item consists of up to four (4) items per pick up or up to 20 bundles or bags of green waste. The service is provided at no additional cost. In addition, you may schedule a free pick up of pure recyclable material such as flattened cardboard boxes or paper.Common bulky items include:
- Couches
- Desks
- Chairs
- Tables
- Mattresses
- Excess Green Waste
- Sleeper couches
- Range
- Washer/Dryer
Universal Waste such as, Fluorescent tubes, Thermostats containing Mercury, Heat Lamps containing Mercury, and Batteries (other than automotive) are collected for a nominal fee.
Refrigerators and appliances that contain Freon and other chemicals require special handling. Electronic Waste such as, a dishwasher, microwave, Television and Computer Peripherals may all be collected for a nominal charge.
To arrange a pickup of bulky items, Universal Waste, or a Refrigerator containing Freon on your regular service day, please use ourOnline Scheduling Service.
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Special Services
Customers with disabilities may request pull out service at no additional charge, proof of disability will be required.Christmas tree recycling will occur annually for a full two weeks following December 25th. We ask that you place your tree at the curb on your regular collection day, remove all ornaments and the tree stand. If the tree is over 6’ tall please cut it in half. Our tree collectors will remove your tree without having to call our office.