Los Angeles, CA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Container requirements
- Nonabsorbent, watertight, vector-resistant, durable, easily cleanable
- Cover rule
- Must remain closed except when adding or removing waste
- Black container
- Solid waste only
- Blue container
- Recyclables/commingled recyclables
- Green container
- Source-separated organic waste
- City rejection right
- May refuse to collect waste not properly prepared (§ 66.27)
Summary
Every owner and occupant of commercial and residential premises in Los Angeles must provide covered, nonabsorbent, watertight, vector-resistant, and durable solid waste containers of adequate size, and must keep the correct color-coded containers for waste, recyclables, and organic waste.
SEC. 66.02. SOLID WASTE CONTAINER SPECIFICATIONS.
It shall be the duty of every owner, manager, or person in possession, charge or control of any commercial establishment, and every person occupying a residential premises within the City to provide, and at all times to keep containers for holding solid waste. Each container shall be constructed to be nonabsorbent, watertight, vector-resistant, durable, easily cleanable, and designed for safe handling. Each such container and its cover shall be made of such materials as may be approved for such use by the Board and by the City Council. The cover shall not be removed except when necessary to place solid waste therein or to remove solid waste therefrom. Each container and its cover shall be kept cleaned on the outside from accumulating grease and decomposing material and shall be of an adequate size and in sufficient numbers to contain, without overflowing, all the solid waste that a household or other establishment generates within the designated removal period.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 66.02 requires containers to be nonabsorbent, watertight, vector-resistant, durable, easily cleanable, and designed for safe handling. Covers must remain on containers except when adding or removing waste, and containers must be cleaned on the outside to prevent grease or decomposing material accumulation. Containers must be large enough to hold all waste generated between collection days without overflowing. Under § 66.03, residents receiving City service must use black containers for solid waste, blue for recyclables/commingled recyclables, and green for organic waste. Under § 66.27, the City may reject waste not properly prepared and placed in accordance with Board rules.
Violations & Fines
Administrative penalties: $50 first violation, $100 second, $250 third or subsequent (LAMC § 66.07). City may refuse to collect solid waste not properly prepared and placed per Board rules (LAMC § 66.27). Tampering with others' solid waste containers is prohibited under LAMC § 66.28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my trash bin need a lid?
What happens if I put my recycling in the wrong bin?
Can I use any size trash bin I want?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Bin Placement Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle bin placement rules.