Trash & Recycling in Whittier, CA (2026)
5 verified trash & recycling rules for Whittier, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Athens Services is Whittier's exclusive franchised hauler, collecting trash, recycling and organics together weekly on a set day per address. Carts must be out by 6:00 a.m. and no sooner than 6:00 p.m. the prior day. Service is mandatory under Municipal Code Chapter 8.12.
Whittier Trash Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Whittier Municipal Code Chapter 8.12 sets where and when carts go out: at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on collection day, no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the prior day. For lots without an alley, carts go in the parkway (not the sidewalk or roadway), and must be removed once emptied.
Whittier Cart / Bin Placement
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Athens Services provides Whittier single-family and multifamily residents up to four (4) bulky item collections per year, with up to three (3) items per collection, at no extra cost. Collections occur on your pickup day and must be reserved at least two business days in advance.
Whittier Bulky Item Disposal
Few RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Whittier provides every residence a 96-gallon blue recycling cart through Athens Services for paper, empty plastic containers, bottles and aluminum cans. Source separation of recyclables is required citywide as part of the city's SB 1383 program; recyclables must be empty of liquid and food.
Whittier Recycling Requirements
Some RestrictionsMandatory Organics Recycling
Whittier requires every resident and business to separate organic waste into a 96-gallon green cart, provided by Athens Services, to comply with California SB 1383. As a city over 70,000 population, Whittier is NOT eligible for the rural/low-population exemption, so the full mandate applies.
Whittier Mandatory Organics (SB 1383)
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Whittier city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Los Angeles County →