Recycling Requirements: Los Angeles vs South Gate
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and South Gate, CA?
South Gate has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
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 →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 | Los Angeles | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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