Recycling Requirements: Altadena vs Santa Monica
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Altadena, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Santa Monica.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
California SB 1383 requires all residents and businesses in Altadena to separate organic waste (food scraps + yard trimmings) from trash. LA County Code Chapter 20.87 implements at the county level via Athens Services' three-bin program.
View full Altadena rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica mandates recycling under SB 1383 organics diversion requirements. The city's Resource Recovery Division provides recycling collection. Commercial properties have mandatory recycling program participation. Hazardous materials have separate disposal procedures.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | SB 1383 (organics) + AB 341/1826 (recycling) | - |
| LA County Code | Ch. 20.87 | - |
| Bins | Black/Blue/Green 3-bin system | - |
| Hauler | Athens Services | - |
| SB 1383 | - | Organics diversion required |
| Commercial | - | Mandatory recycling participation |
| Hazardous | - | Separate disposal procedures |
| Provider | - | City Resource Recovery Division |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Do I have to compost in Altadena?
You must put food scraps and yard waste in the green organics bin — California SB 1383 and LA County Code Ch. 20.87 require it. You can also home compost as an alternative.
Santa Monica FAQ
What can I recycle curbside?
Paper, cardboard, glass bottles, aluminum cans, and plastics #1-#5. No plastic bags or food-soiled items.
What if my recycling bin is skipped?
Likely contaminated. Remove non-recyclables and set out on next collection day.
Compare other topics
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