Recycling Requirements: Burbank vs South Gate
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Burbank, CA and South Gate, CA?
Burbank and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Mandatory recycling and organics separation required under SB 1383. Blue bin for recyclables, green bin for organics/yard waste. Commercial businesses must also comply. Athens Services handles commercial waste. New requirements phased in since 2022.
View full Burbank rules →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
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.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | SB 1383 mandatory organics | - |
| Residential | 3-bin system required | - |
| Commercial | Athens Services handles | - |
| Compliance | Required since 2022 | - |
| State authority | - | AB 341, AB 1826, SB 1383 |
| Blue cart | - | Paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastics #1–#7 |
| NOT accepted | - | Plastic bags, foam, e-waste, batteries |
| CRV redemption | - | PRC §14500 (separate from curbside) |
| Commercial threshold | - | 4 cu yd/wk solid waste = mandatory recycling (AB 341) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank 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.
South Gate FAQ
Can I put plastic bags in the blue cart?
No. Plastic film tangles sorting equipment. Return clean bags to grocery-store collection points. California also banned single-use plastic carryout bags statewide under SB 270.
Do businesses have to recycle?
Yes. Under AB 341 (PRC §42649), businesses generating 4+ cubic yards/week of waste and multifamily properties with 5+ units must subscribe to recycling service.
What about CRV bottles?
You can place them in the blue cart, or redeem the deposit at a CRV-certified buy-back center for cash.
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