Trash & Recycling in Pomona, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Pomona or are thinking about moving there, trash & recycling are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Pomona has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of trash & recycling, and some of them might surprise you.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Athens Services provides weekly residential collection in Pomona starting at 6 AM Monday-Friday. Three-bin system for trash, recycling, and organics. Yard and food waste go in the green container.

Key details: Provider: Athens Services 888-314-0061. Collection: Weekly, starting 6 AM Mon-Fri. Bins: Black (trash), blue (recycle), green (organics). Food Waste: Goes in green container.

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

Recycling Requirements

Pomona requires residential recycling in blue bins per SB 1383 organics diversion and AB 341 mandatory recycling. Athens Services handles collection. Tire recycling events are offered periodically.

Key details: Blue Bin: Recyclables (paper, plastic, metal, glass). Green Bin: Organics per SB 1383. State Law: AB 341 / SB 1383. Tire Recycling: City collection events.

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

Bulk Item Disposal

Pomona provides curbside bulky item pickup through Athens Services by appointment. Maximum 4 large items (2 metal, 2 non-metal) plus up to 10 bundles of wood/limbs/carpet. No hazardous waste.

Key details: Service: Athens Services by appointment. Limit: 4 large items + 10 bundles. Hazardous: Not accepted (paint, oil, tires). Placement: Curb by 5 AM on scheduled date.

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

Bin Placement Rules

Bins must be placed at the curb by 6 AM on collection day and removed from the street or alleys within 12 hours after collection. Bins should not block sidewalks or public right-of-way.

Key details: Placement: Curbside by 6 AM. Retrieval: Within 12 hours after collection. Location: Not blocking sidewalks. Provider: Athens Services.

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

The Bottom Line

Pomona'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 Pomona is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Pomona's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.