Long Beach's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Long Beach, California, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Recycling Requirements

Long Beach mandates recycling under LBMC §8.60.370 (effective Jan 2022) and SB 1383. All accounts are auto-enrolled in organics and recycling. Tenants and employees must be educated on requirements. Inspections ensure compliance.

Key details: Mandatory: All accounts enrolled. SB 1383: Organics diversion required. Education: Required for tenants/employees. Effective: January 2022.

Contaminated bins may be tagged and skipped. Repeat contamination: $25 to $100 fine. Failure to recycle where mandatory: warning then fine.

This is one of the stricter rules in Long Beach's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Bulk Item Disposal

Long Beach provides bulky item pickup through the Environmental Services Department. The city collects refuse and organics with city staff, while Waste Management handles recycling. Illegal dumping is a significant issue with ~18,000 mattresses dumped annually.

Key details: Bulky Pickup: Available through city. Recycling: Waste Management contract. Illegal Dumping: Major enforcement issue. Code: LBMC Ch. 8.60.

Illegal dumping: $500 to $5,000 fines. Placing bulk items out before scheduled date may result in $50 to $200 code enforcement citation.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Long Beach provides refuse collection to approximately 118,000 accounts under LBMC Ch. 8.60. Refuse collection vehicles are prohibited in residential areas between 7 PM and 7 AM. All accounts auto-enrolled in organics/recycling per SB 1383.

Key details: Accounts Served: ~118,000. Collection Hours: 7 AM - 7 PM in residential. SB 1383: Organics/recycling mandatory. Code: LBMC Ch. 8.60, §8.60.370.

Failure to follow schedule may result in missed pickup. Repeated violations of bin rules may incur $50 to $200 fines from code enforcement.

Bin Placement Rules

Trash bins in Long Beach must be placed curbside on collection day and returned promptly. LBMC §8.60.370 requires all accounts to have organics and recycling service. Bins must have proper color coding and signage.

Key details: Placement: Curbside on collection day. Organics: Auto-enrolled per §8.60.370. Color Coding: Required per SB 1383. Retrieval: Prompt return required.

Bins left out past deadline: warning first, then $25 to $100 per occurrence. Improperly placed bins may be skipped by haulers.

The Bottom Line

Long Beach's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Long Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Long Beach can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.