About Us

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The Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) is an independent special district formed in 1944 under the Sanitary District Act of 1923. Our boundaries encompass the city of Costa Mesa and small portions of Newport Beach and unincorporated Orange County, serving a population of approximately 118,000.

As a sanitary district, we are responsible for residential solid waste (trash) collection and its transmittal to recycling facilities for sorting, recycling and disposal. Additionally, we maintain a wastewater (sewer) collection system that collects and transmits wastewater to Orange County Sanitation District facilities for treatment and recycling. These core responsibilities are accomplished through a combination of public and private services, which include an in-house administrative and wastewater maintenance staff and a privately contracted trash hauler, attorney, and treasurer.

Mission Statement

To protect public health and the environment for current and future generations

Vision Statement

Leading a community that is free from solid waste and wastewater pollution

Our Just Cause

Keeping our water environment pollution free

Our Core Values

  • Balance: We value a healthy work and life balance.
  • Dedication: We provide services in a manner that is competent, courteous and responsive.
  • Fiduciary Responsibility: We provide the highest quality of service at fair, equitable and competitive rates.
  • Integrity: We act ethically and honestly.
  • Professional Development: We are continuously learning best practices and implementing advanced technology.
  • Respect: We treat customers, employees and the general public with mutual respect, sensitivity and empathy.
  • Teamwork: We support, trust, value and empower our colleagues.
  • Transparency: We believe in an open government where information and documents are easily accessible to the public.