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Single-Use Utensils & Condiments Now By Request Only
To reduce single-use plastic waste, California law, AB 1276, now limits the distribution of disposable foodware. Food facilities are no longer allowed to automatically include utensils and condiments in your order unless you ask for them.
For more details, visit the City’s single-use plastics webpage.
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Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge 20 Lake Road
Join us for the 5th Annual Cool Irvine Eco Fair, hosted by the Cool Irvine program in partnership with the City of Irvine. Dive into hands-on climate action with live composting demos, water-saving how-tos, and creative upcycled crafts.
Learn how sustainable transportation can reduce emissions and improve air quality by visiting the Irvine CONNECT booth, where attendees can explore Irvine’s free, convenient shuttle service and discover greener ways to get around the City. Track your ride or learn more at irvineconnect.org.
Enjoy a vibrant community gathering with interactive activities, educational exhibits, local food vendors, bicycle safety checks, and opportunity drawings — all designed to inspire a more sustainable future for our community.
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Wednesday, June 17, 6–7:30 p.m. Las Lomas Community Center 10 Federation Way
Presented by the nonprofit OC Goes Solar in partnership with the City of Irvine. Learn about:
- Solar energy and battery storage systems
- Energy-efficient appliances and electric vehicle charging
- Exclusive group discounts on solar and battery options
- Improving home comfort while lowering utility bills
- How to get a free quote from pre-screened installers
- New financing options and local incentives
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Saturday, June 27, 9–11 a.m. Lakeview Senior Center 20 Lake Road
In partnership with the City of Irvine, Waste Management is hosting a free paper-shredding event. Irvine residents can safely and securely dispose of up to five banker-size file boxes. The event is first-come, first-served and will end early if the truck capacity is reached.
Customers who wish to watch their paper be shredded will need to park in a designated area away from the truck and staff.
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Tuesday, August 11, 9–11 a.m. Quail Hill Community Center 39 Shady Canyon Drive
Join City leaders, sustainability experts, and local businesses for a practical conversation on what it means to operate as a green business in Irvine.
As sustainability expectations continue to grow — from customers, investors, employees, and regulators — businesses across every industry are rethinking how they operate. Sustainability — spanning energy efficiency, waste reduction, supply chain decisions, and longer-term climate planning — is increasingly becoming both a business necessity and a powerful competitive advantage.
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May Compost Giveaway Update
The City of Irvine Sustainability division hosted a successful Compost Giveaway event on Saturday, May 30, at Portola Springs Community Center. Nearly 30,000 pounds of compost were distributed in support of organic waste recycling and community engagement in sustainability. Additionally, 150 compost collector buckets were distributed to residents to encourage ongoing composting at home.
Tierra Verde Industries and OC Waste & Recycling supported the event. Volunteers from the Orange County Conservation Corps assisted the Sustainability team with compost distribution.
Climate Action Outreach to Local Schools
Throughout May and June, the Sustainability division has worked with Irvine educational institutions. Presentations were provided to five Northwood High School science classes, UC Irvine’s Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy, and the Campus as a Living Lab class. Staff answered questions from the students about the effects of climate change in Irvine and strategies to address it. From the high school to the undergraduate level, Irvine students remain very engaged in climate action, and the Sustainability team looks forward to continuing its partnership with the student and faculty community.
Food Scraps Belong in the Green Bin
California’s SB 1383 requires all residents to recycle organic material to reduce methane emissions and fight climate change. Green bin items include:
- Food scraps, meat, bones, dairy, fruit, and vegetable scraps
- Food-soiled paper such as napkins, paper towels, and uncoated cardboard
- Yard trimmings, grass, leaves, and small branches
- Compostable bags
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 Go Green with the Residential Electric Lawn & Garden Equipment Program
The City of Irvine has partnered with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to assist Irvine residents in transitioning to zero-emission lawn and garden equipment. Residential lawn and garden equipment rebates are now available for Irvine residents. Each household can receive up to three rebates over the lifetime of the program, but only for different pieces of equipment. The rebate cannot exceed the purchase price of the equipment (excluding taxes and delivery).
For more details, view the Electric Lawn Equipment Program flier.
Shop Local and Green this Summer
Support Irvine's Certified Green Businesses — sustainable cafes, eco-friendly stores, and services that make a real difference. Every local choice brings us closer to a greener future.
Find certified businesses at search.greenbusinessca.org.
Own a business? Get certified — for free! The City of Irvine Green Business Program offers free certification plus up to $500 in rebates, expert green consulting, and official City recognition — all while boosting your efficiency and profitability.
Register, or email lisarydergreenbusiness@gmail.com to get started.
Calling all Middle and High School Students! Lead for the Planet — Join the Youth Climate Leadership Program
Ready to take action for your community and the planet? The Youth Climate Leadership Program empowers high school students in Orange County to become changemakers through hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-world impact. Choose between late June, early July, and late July cohorts.
- 10 Hours of engaging virtual sessions
- Complete a capstone project
- Certificate of completion & graduation party
- $50 stipend upon completion
Spots are limited — apply by June 12, for priority consideration. Visit cooloc.org/youth or email programs@cooloc.org for details.
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