Pickup Rules & Schedules: El Monte vs South Gate
How do pickup rules & schedules rules compare between El Monte, CA and South Gate, CA?
El Monte and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte single-family homes receive curbside pickup of trash (brown cart), recyclables (blue cart), and organics/green waste (green cart) under an exclusive franchise with Valley Vista Services. Each cart must be used for its designated material stream.
View full El Monte 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 | El Monte | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Exclusive franchise hauler | Valley Vista Services (800-442-6454) | - |
| Cart count per single-family home | 3 (brown/blue/green) | - |
| Cart size | 96 gallons each (standard) | - |
| Holiday rule | Pickup slides one day for the rest of the week | - |
| Loose items outside cart | Not collected without prior arrangement | - |
| 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.
El Monte FAQ
Can I use my own private hauler instead of Valley Vista?
No. Valley Vista Services is the City's exclusive residential franchise hauler. All single-family premises must subscribe to the City service.
What happens to my trash day if a holiday falls midweek?
Collection on the holiday and every day for the rest of that week is pushed one day later. The six observed holidays are New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Will the driver collect bags placed next to my cart?
No. Material outside the carts is not collected unless you have scheduled a bulky-item pickup or made other prior arrangements with Valley Vista.
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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