Yard Waste Collection: Los Angeles vs South Gate
How do yard waste collection rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and South Gate, CA?
Los Angeles and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Los Angeles | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| 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.
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.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Los Angeles and South Gate compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool