Pickup Rules & Schedules: Altadena vs South Gate
How do pickup rules & schedules rules compare between Altadena, CA and South Gate, CA?
Altadena and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Trash collection in unincorporated LA County is organized through Garbage Disposal Districts (GDDs). Property owners in GDDs are assessed a fee on their property tax bill. Residents outside GDDs are in Open Market Areas and must contract their own service. Multiple haulers serve different districts.
View full Altadena rules →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
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.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| System | Garbage Disposal Districts | - |
| Fee | Assessed on property tax bill | - |
| Open Market | Contract own service | - |
| SB 1383 | Organic waste collection required | - |
| Exclusive hauler | - | Universal Waste Systems (UWS) |
| Service days | - | Monday–Saturday (route varies by address) |
| Cart system | - | 3-cart: black trash, blue recycling, green organics |
| Customer service | - | 562-334-3660 / SGCustomerService@uwscompany.com |
| State law | - | California SB 1383 (organics diversion) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
When is trash collected in unincorporated LA County?
Collection days vary by location and hauler. Check your waste hauler's website or call LA County Public Works at (626) 458-5100 to identify your Garbage Disposal District and hauler.
What goes in the green/organics bin?
Under SB 1383, food scraps, yard waste, food-soiled paper, and compostable materials go in the green bin. This is mandatory statewide as of 2022.
Can I get a larger or extra trash bin?
Yes. Contact your waste hauler to rent an additional cart. Monthly fees vary by hauler and bin size. You can also reduce waste to fit your current bin by maximizing recycling and composting.
South Gate FAQ
Can I opt out of City trash service?
No. South Gate has an exclusive franchise with Universal Waste Systems; all residential and commercial properties must subscribe.
When did the 3-cart program start?
January 1, 2023, when UWS rolled out new black/blue/green carts to comply with California SB 1383 organics-diversion rules.
What day is my pickup?
Pickup day depends on your address. Call UWS at 562-334-3660 or check sortwastesg.org for the route map.
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