Recycling Requirements: Los Angeles vs Topanga
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Topanga, CA?
Topanga 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 →Topanga, CA
Los Angeles County
Mandatory recycling in unincorporated LA County is required per SB 1383 Organic Waste Disposal Reduction Ordinance adopted November 2021. All residents and businesses must subscribe to organic waste collection. Three-stream waste separation is mandated across all GDDs.
View full Topanga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Topanga |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| SB 1383 | - | Mandatory organic waste diversion |
| Ordinance | - | Adopted November 2021 |
| Requirement | - | Subscribe to organic collection |
| Streams | - | Trash, recycling, organic waste |
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.
Topanga FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in LA County?
Yes. Residents must separate recyclables and organic waste from trash. SB 1383 mandates organic waste diversion statewide. Commercial businesses generating 4+ cubic yards weekly must also recycle under AB 341.
What can I recycle?
Paper, cardboard, plastic bottles/containers (1-5, 7), glass bottles/jars, metal cans, and aluminum. No plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items. Check your hauler's guidelines for specifics.
What happens if I don't separate organics?
Starting 2024, penalties apply for repeated non-compliance with SB 1383. Your hauler may tag contaminated bins and not collect them. Education and warnings come before fines for residential violators.
Compare other topics
See how Los Angeles and Topanga 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