Black Bin (Trash)
Do not cram materials tightly into the bin; lids MUST be completely closed to receive proper service. Place carts out by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Pet waste
- ✓Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam)
- ✓Broken glass
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Snack wrappers
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Ensure all recyclable items are empty and reasonably clean. Clean clothes and shoes are uniquely accepted in the blue bin by MCSD, but do not include carpets or rugs.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Cardboard and paper products
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers
- ✓Clothes, rags, and shoes
- ✓Empty aerosol cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Carpet
- ✕Rugs
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Hazardous materials
Yard Waste Bin
If you choose to bag your organic waste before placing it in the green cart, MCSD explicitly prefers the use of compostable bags over standard plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Small branches and twigs
- ✓Meat, poultry, fish, and bones
- ✓Leftovers, pasta, rice, and bread
- ✓Eggshells and coffee grounds
- ✓Paper towels soaked in FOG (fats, oils, grease)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Two (2) items per household every 30 days
Placement
Place approved bulky items at the curb only after scheduling a pickup. Do not leave items out unannounced. For mattresses and futons, they must be dropped off directly at the MCSD facility.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas
- ✓ Chairs
- ✓ Desks
- ✓ Household furniture
- ✓ Large appliances
- ✓ Refrigerators
Not Accepted
- ✕ Mattresses
- ✕ Box springs
- ✕ Futons
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Car parts
This service is provided completely free of charge (up to 2 items per 30-day period). Additional items or non-compliant items abandoned on the street may result in code enforcement citations.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there will be no delay in service. If the holiday falls during the work week (Monday through Friday), service will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling bins strictly follow the same holiday delayed schedule as the regular black trash cart.
Streets are not swept on City-observed holidays.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Bagging Organics Properly
While keeping your green bin clean is important, never use regular plastic bags for food or yard waste. MCSD explicitly prefers certified compostable bags if you choose to bag your organic materials.
Grease-Soaked Paper Towels
Did you wipe out a greasy pan? Instead of throwing that paper towel in the black trash cart, place it in the green organic cart. MCSD accepts paper towels used to soak up FOG (fats, oils, and grease) as part of their food waste program.
No Carpets in the Blue Bin
While the Midway City Sanitary District uniquely allows clean clothes, rags, and shoes in the blue recycling bin, they strictly prohibit carpets and rugs. These bulky textiles jam sorting equipment and must be disposed of as bulky waste.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - JanuaryMCSD will send out special vehicles to pick up natural holiday trees for the first two weeks following Christmas. Simply place your tree on the curb on your regular service day with all decorations, lights, tinsel, and the stand completely removed.
Autumn
October - NovemberKeep autumn leaves and small twigs out of the street gutter to prevent storm drain blockages. Place all seasonal yard clippings loosely into your green cart, making sure the lid can fully close.
Spring
April - MaySpring cleaning is a great time to tackle old furniture and appliances. Remember that you get up to two free bulky item pickups every 30 days per household. Just make sure to schedule ahead by calling (714) 893-3553.
About Westminster Waste Management
Westminster Residential Waste Management Guidelines
In Westminster, residential trash and recycling services are exclusively managed by the Midway City Sanitary District (MCSD), a dedicated public agency that has been serving the community since 1939. Operating its own fleet of clean-burning CNG trucks, the district is committed to public health and environmental sustainability. By providing standard black, blue, and green carts, MCSD empowers residents to properly sort their household waste and reduce reliance on local landfills while seamlessly meeting California's strict recycling mandates.
Sorting Your Waste: The Three-Cart System
MCSD utilizes a color-coded cart system for all single-family homes in Westminster. The black cart is strictly for non-recyclable solid waste, such as diapers, pet waste, and polystyrene foam. The blue cart captures recyclable items like aluminum cans, glass bottles, clean paper, cardboard, and surprisingly, clean textiles like old clothes and shoes. For the green cart, Westminster residents are required to dispose of both yard trimmings and organic food waste, including meat, bones, eggshells, and paper towels soaked in cooking grease, directly aligning with SB 1383 organic recycling laws.
How to Schedule Bulky Item Pickups in Westminster
Disposing of large furniture and household appliances is convenient with MCSD’s residential bulky item program. Each household in Westminster is eligible for up to two free bulky item pickups every 30 days. To schedule a collection, residents simply need to contact the district at (714) 893-3553. However, it is important to note that MCSD no longer collects mattresses, box springs, or futons at the curb. These specific items must be taken directly to the district's drop-off location on Cedarwood Street for free mattress recycling.
Managing Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Safely
Items like old car batteries, wet paint, motor oil, and electronic waste should never be tossed into any of your three curbside bins. Improper disposal of these materials poses significant safety risks to sanitation workers and the local environment. Westminster residents are strongly encouraged to utilize Orange County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers to safely discard toxic substances. Keeping these materials out of the standard waste stream is vital for maintaining the community's environmental integrity and preventing ground water contamination.
Seasonal Reminders and Street Sweeping Etiquette
Beyond regular trash collection, Westminster strictly enforces street sweeping regulations to keep neighborhoods beautiful and prevent debris from entering storm drains. Remember that on street sweeping days, your trash carts must be placed up on the curb rather than in the street gutter to avoid blocking the sweepers. Additionally, during the post-holiday season, MCSD deploys special vehicles to collect natural Christmas trees for the first two weeks following Christmas, provided all ornaments and stands have been removed.
Drop-off Facilities
Midway City Sanitary District Mattress Drop-Off
14451 Cedarwood Street, Westminster CA 92683
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Westminster offer free bulky item pickup?
Yes, the Midway City Sanitary District offers residents up to two free bulky item pickups every 30 days. You must call (714) 893-3553 in advance to schedule your collection.
Can I leave my old mattress on the curb for bulk pickup?
No. MCSD no longer collects mattresses, box springs, or futons at the curb. Westminster residents must bring these items directly to the MCSD facility at 14451 Cedarwood Street for free recycling during standard business hours.
What happens to trash pickup on holidays in Westminster?
If an observed holiday (such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Labor Day) falls on a weekday, trash collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week. If the holiday lands on a weekend, your schedule will not change.
Where do I throw away clothes and shoes in Westminster?
Unlike many other municipalities, MCSD allows residents to place clean clothes, rags, and shoes directly into the blue recycling cart. However, large textiles like carpets and rugs are strictly prohibited in the blue cart.