Bulk Item Disposal: Altadena vs Carson
How do bulk item disposal rules compare between Altadena, CA and Carson, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than Altadena.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Bulky item disposal in unincorporated LA County varies by Garbage Disposal District. Most contract haulers provide bulky pickup service. Residents outside GDDs must arrange private service. Illegal dumping is enforced by county code enforcement with fines.
View full Altadena rules →Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson single-family residents get one free bulky-item pickup of up to 5 items per calendar quarter (4 free pickups/year), scheduled through Waste Resources. Multi-family complexes get one free pickup of up to 5 items per unit per year. Pickup happens on the unit's regular collection day and must be requested by phone before noon the day before, up to 7 days in advance. Eligible items are anything that does not fit in the carts but can be safely handled by two people — furniture, mattresses, appliances, large yard waste, wood, clothing. Setting bulky items at the curb without scheduling is illegal dumping.
View full Carson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Carson |
|---|---|---|
| GDD Service | Varies by district hauler | - |
| Open Market | Arrange own private service | - |
| Illegal Dumping | Fines and enforcement | - |
| Contact | Your GDD contract hauler | - |
| Free pickups (SFR) | - | 1 pickup of up to 5 items per quarter — 4 per year |
| Free pickups (multi-family) | - | 1 pickup of up to 5 items per unit per year |
| How to schedule | - | Call Waste Resources (310) 366-7600 before noon day before, up to 7 days in advance |
| Service day | - | Same day as your regular cart collection |
| Eligible items | - | Furniture, mattresses, appliances, wood, large yard waste, clothing — anything two people can lift |
| Not eligible | - | Hazardous waste, e-waste, refrigerants, commercial volumes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
How do I dispose of large items in LA County?
Schedule a free bulky item pickup with your waste hauler (most offer 1-4 pickups per year). Place items at the curb on your scheduled day. Contact your hauler or LA County Public Works at (626) 458-5100 to schedule.
Where do I take hazardous waste?
LA County operates Household Hazardous Waste collection centers. Visit cleanla.com for locations and hours. Paint, batteries, chemicals, and electronics are accepted. Never place hazardous waste in regular trash bins.
How do I report illegal dumping?
Call the LA County illegal dumping hotline at (888) 846-0800 or report online. Provide the location and description of dumped items. Illegal dumping carries fines of $250-$10,000.
Carson FAQ
How many free bulky pickups do I get?
Single-family Carson residents get one free pickup of up to 5 items each calendar quarter — four free pickups per year. Multi-family complexes get one free pickup of up to 5 items per unit per year.
How do I schedule a bulky pickup?
Call Waste Resources at (310) 366-7600 before noon the day before your scheduled pickup. You can book up to 7 days ahead. Pickup happens on your regular collection day.
Can I just leave bulky items at the curb?
No. Unscheduled bulky items at the curb is illegal dumping under Penal Code §374.3 — mandatory fine $250 to $1,000 on a first conviction, plus city code-enforcement action under CMC Art. 5 Ch. 2.
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