Yard Waste Collection: El Monte vs South Gate
How do yard waste collection 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
Yard waste in El Monte must be source-separated into the green organics cart along with food scraps under Ordinance #3006 (Chapter 8.21). Bundled tree branches that don't fit in the cart can be taken under the bulky-item program (up to 20 free pickups per year).
View full El Monte rules →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
Yard waste goes in the green cart together with food scraps under California SB 1383. South Gate residents receive green-cart service from Universal Waste Systems; mixing organics with regular trash violates state organics-diversion law.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Yard waste cart | Green (organics) cart only | - |
| Combined with food scraps? | Yes – single-stream organics | - |
| Plastic bags allowed? | No – compostable bags only | - |
| Oversized branches | Bundle and schedule bulky pickup | - |
| Backyard burning of yard waste | Prohibited (SCAQMD Rule 444) | - |
| Backyard composting | Allowed | - |
| State authority | - | SB 1383 / Pub. Res. Code §42652 |
| Green cart | - | Yard waste + food scraps combined |
| Pickup frequency | - | Weekly with trash and recycling |
| Branch limits | - | Typically under 4 ft / 4 in. diameter for cart |
| Overflow option | - | Schedule bulky pickup or self-haul to LACSD Transfer Station |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Can I bag my grass clippings in a black plastic bag for the green cart?
No. Plastic bags contaminate the organics stream. Empty the clippings loose into the green cart, or use a certified compostable bag (BPI-certified).
My tree branches are too long for the cart — what do I do?
Tie them in bundles no longer than ~4 feet and schedule a free bulky-item pickup with Valley Vista (800-442-6454). Bundled branches are an accepted bulky item and use 1 of your 20 annual pickups.
Can I burn dry leaves in my backyard?
No. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited in the South Coast Air Basin under SCAQMD Rule 444. Use the green organics cart or backyard composting instead.
South Gate FAQ
Can I put food scraps in the green cart?
Yes — SB 1383 requires it. Combine kitchen food waste (fruits/veg, meat, dairy, bread, food-soiled paper) with yard trimmings in the green cart.
Can I bag yard waste in plastic?
No. Plastic contaminates the organics stream. Place yard waste loosely in the green cart or use paper bags.
What if I have too many branches?
Schedule a bulky pickup with UWS (10 free items/month) or self-haul to the LA County Sanitation Districts' South Gate Transfer Station.
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