Recycling Requirements: El Monte vs Los Angeles
How do recycling requirements rules compare between El Monte, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
El Monte and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte Ordinance #3006 (Chapter 8.21 of the Municipal Code, adopted October 5, 2021) implements California SB 1383 and requires every residential, commercial, and multi-family premises in the city to subscribe to the City's organic waste reduction program and properly source-separate recyclables and organics.
View full El Monte rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
California SB 1383 and City Ordinance 187711 mandate organics recycling for all properties. Single-family homes use the three-cart system from LASAN. Properties with 5+ units must provide recycling under LAMC 66.03 through RecycLA franchised haulers. Contamination of recycling bins can result in service warnings. Commercial generators must also comply with AB 341 recycling mandates.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Local ordinance | El Monte Ordinance #3006 (Chapter 8.21) | - |
| Adopted | October 5, 2021 | - |
| Program launch | July 2022 | - |
| State authority | California SB 1383 (Lara, 2016) | - |
| Statewide organics-reduction target | 75% below 2014 by 2025 | - |
| Subscription scope | All residential, multi-family, and commercial premises | - |
| Organics | - | Mandatory under SB 1383 |
| Multi-Family | - | Recycling required per LAMC 66.03 |
| Hauler | - | RecycLA franchise system for 5+ units |
| Commercial | - | AB 341 recycling mandates apply |
| City Ordinance | - | 187711 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Do I have to put food scraps in the green cart?
Yes. Under Chapter 8.21 and California SB 1383, all food waste — including meat, dairy, bones, and spoiled food — must go in the green organics cart, not in the trash.
Can I opt out of recycling service?
Generally no. Ordinance #3006 requires every residential and commercial premises in El Monte to subscribe to the City's three-cart recycling and organics program. Limited waivers exist (e.g., de minimis generators) but must be applied for through the City.
What happens if I put trash in the recycling or organics cart?
Contamination triggers a notice from Valley Vista. Repeated contamination can lead to administrative citations of $50–$500+ per day under CalRecycle's SB 1383 enforcement framework that El Monte has adopted.
Los Angeles 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.
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