On July 3, 2006 City Council approved revisions to the existing solid waste contract with Rainbow Disposal to allow Rainbow to implement automated trash collection in Huntington Beach. This modern new system will bring Huntington Beach's recycling efforts to a higher level of efficiency.

Why is automation necessary?
Here are three important reasons: For a cleaner environment; to reduce the amount of trash disposed at the landfill; and to increase recycling in compliance with state mandate.

What does this mean for Huntington Beach residents?
There will be no change to the existing trash rate. Residential curbside collection customers will receive 3 new, heavy-duty 95-gal. wheeled trash carts from Rainbow Disposal-one each for recyclables, green waste, and trash. Residents will be expected to participate in the recycling effort by sorting their waste into the proper carts.

Households will have the option to choose a smaller container size, and to request additional recyclable or green waste carts at no extra charge, subject to program regulations and limitations. Additional trash carts will also be available, subject to program regulations and limitations and a one-time fee of $75. The cart sizes and dimensions are:

95-gallon cart: 45.38" high x 28.70" wide x 33.75" deep
65-gallon cart: 40.125" high x 26.50" wide x 28.11" deep
35-gallon cart: 39.13" high x 20" wide x 22.96" deep
(The depth refers to the dimension of the cart from front to back. Wheels in back.)

When will I get my carts?
Delivery begins in early May. For your scheduled delivery date, log on to www.rainbowdisosal.com. Each residence will receive a notice in the mail approximately three-weeks before their delivery which will include their scheduled date and other important information.

When will the new collection system begin?
The implementation will last from May to October, and carts will be delivered to approximately 2,000 homes per week throughout the implementation. After delivery of your new carts, Rainbow will no longer empty trash from your old cans.

What should be done with my old trash cans?
If you like, Rainbow will collect them for recycling when your new carts are delivered. "Recycle Me" stickers will be included in your three-week notice. Apply the "Recycle Me" stickers to the old cans and place at the curb on your cart delivery day.

Why will residents be charged for recycling if they are sorting their own trash?
The existing rate structure will not change, including the $3.00 recycling fee. With the new system, residents will be expected to separate recyclable materials from the trash, and place all recyclables in the blue recycling cart. These mixed recyclables must still be sorted and processed by type (paper, glass, various plastics, aluminum, etc.) at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The fee will continue to pay for the cost of processing recyclables at the MRF.

The advantage of the new system is that contamination will be greatly reduced, which allows Rainbow to recover more material. The result is less waste to the landfill and increased recycling for Huntington Beach.

What if I have more questions regarding trash collection or recycling in Huntington Beach?
Send a message to Public Works at trashinfo@surfcity-hb.org.

What will residents do with their bulky items, such as appliances and furniture?
The city recognizes that Huntington Beach residents will need a method to dispose of excess waste and oversized items. The new agreement with Rainbow establishes the new "10/4 Pick-up Program," which will allow households to schedule special collections of up to 10 items per appointment. Each household may do this 4 times per year. Qualifying items include excess trash bags (that won't fit in the trash cart), appliances, furniture, and mattresses.