Yard Waste Collection: Carson vs Los Angeles
How do yard waste collection rules compare between Carson, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Carson and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Yard waste in Carson goes in the 96-gallon GREEN-lid organics cart along with food scraps — that is the SB 1383 organics stream. Branches, leaves, grass clippings, prunings and small wood are all accepted. Items too large to fit in the cart can be scheduled as a free bulky pickup with Waste Resources ("large yard waste" is an eligible bulky category). Open burning of yard waste is prohibited under South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 444 and Health & Safety Code §41800 et seq.; stockpiling green waste so it becomes a nuisance is a CMC code-enforcement violation.
View full Carson rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles collects yard waste weekly in the green organics bin alongside food scraps under California SB 1383. Branches under 4 feet long and 4 inches diameter go loose in the green bin. Christmas trees are collected curbside the first two weeks of January.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Yard waste cart | 96-gal GREEN-lid organics cart (commingled with food scraps) | - |
| What's accepted | Grass, leaves, weeds, prunings, small branches | - |
| Oversize branches | Schedule as free bulky pickup (up to 5 items/qtr SFR) | - |
| Open burning | Prohibited — SCAQMD Rule 444 + H&S Code §41800 | - |
| State framework | SB 1383 / PRC §42652 et seq. mandatory organics diversion | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Where does yard waste go in Carson?
In the 96-gallon GREEN-lid organics cart, mixed with food scraps. SB 1383 (PRC §42652) makes that diversion mandatory statewide. Carson does not run a separate green-waste-only cart.
Can I burn leaves or yard trimmings in my backyard?
No. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited under California Health & Safety Code §41800 and South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 444. Civil penalties can reach $1,000 per day.
What do I do with large tree branches that don't fit the cart?
Schedule a free bulky-item pickup with Waste Resources at (310) 366-7600 — "large yard waste" is an eligible category in your quarterly free pickup of up to 5 items.
Los Angeles FAQ
What day is my green bin picked up?
Your green bin is collected on the same day as your black trash bin every week. Look up your service day at lacitysan.org or by calling 311.
Can I put branches in the green bin?
Yes, branches up to 4 feet long and 4 inches diameter can go loose in the green bin. Larger limbs require a free bulky-item pickup.
Do leaves go in a separate bag?
No. Loose leaves go directly in the green bin alongside grass clippings and food scraps. Plastic or paper bags are not allowed inside the bin.
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