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Trash & Recycling in South Gate, CA (2026)

6 verified trash & recycling rules for South Gate, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Pickup Rules & Schedules

South Gate contracts exclusively with Universal Waste Systems (UWS) for residential and commercial collection. UWS services customers Monday through Saturday, and residents use a three-cart system (black trash, blue recycling, green organics) consistent with California SB 1383.

Trash, Recycling & Organics Pickup — South Gate, CA

Some Restrictions

Bin Placement Rules

Carts must be placed at the curb or in the designated alley point on collection day and removed promptly afterward. South Gate Municipal Code Chapter 5.08 requires property owners to keep the adjacent street, sidewalk, alley, and right-of-way clean and free of debris, rubbish, and waste matter.

Cart & Bin Placement Rules — South Gate, CA

Some Restrictions

Bulk Item Disposal

Universal Waste Systems provides up to 10 FREE bulky item pickups per month for South Gate residential customers and multifamily tenants. Items must be scheduled in advance; e-waste is unlimited.

Bulky Item Pickup — South Gate, CA

Few Restrictions

Recycling Requirements

South Gate participates in the statewide California recycling program under AB 341 (mandatory commercial recycling) and AB 1826 (organics). Residents place mixed recyclables (paper, cardboard, metal, glass, rigid plastics) in the blue cart provided by UWS. Contamination can result in a missed pickup.

Recycling Requirements — South Gate, CA

Some Restrictions

Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping is a strict-enforcement priority in South Gate. SGMC Chapter 7.78 declares illegal dumping a public nuisance and authorizes impoundment of any vehicle used to transport dumped material. California Penal Code §374.3 layers criminal fines from $250 to $3,000 plus mandatory community service.

Illegal Dumping — South Gate, CA

Heavy Restrictions

Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste goes in the green cart together with food scraps under California SB 1383. South Gate residents receive green-cart service from Universal Waste Systems; mixing organics with regular trash violates state organics-diversion law.

Yard Waste & Organics — South Gate, CA

Some Restrictions

Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement South Gate city rules.

Trash & Recycling in Los Angeles County