El Monte, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection minimum
- Weekly, residential premises
- Service provider
- Only the city's franchisee (Sec. 8.20.060)
- Collection hours
- 6am-7pm Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm Sat
- Sunday pickup
- Barred without city authorization
- Bill past due
- 40 days after issuance
- Unpaid balance
- Can go on county property tax roll
Summary
Every nonvacant residential property in El Monte must retain the city's franchised hauler, and solid waste must be removed at least weekly under Municipal Code Section 8.20.160(B). Only the franchisee may lawfully provide paid waste or recyclable collection service in the city under Section 8.20.060.
Except as otherwise authorized under this chapter, each owner of a nonvacant residential premises shall be required to retain the services of a franchisee for the provision of: 1.Solid waste handling services; and/or 2.Services for the collection, transportation, storage, transfer and/or processing of recyclable materials where such services are rendered for compensation in a manner that results in a net payment to the person rendering such service. Solid waste generated by, or otherwise accumulated upon, a residential premises shall be removed from the premises on a weekly basis at a minimum so as to prevent the unsanitary, unhealthy and/or unsightly accumulation of solid waste or to otherwise prevent the creation of a public nuisance.
Full Breakdown
160(B) requires every owner of a nonvacant residential premises to retain a franchisee for both solid waste handling and paid recyclable-material collection, and mandates that accumulated solid waste be removed from the premises "on a weekly basis at a minimum" to prevent unsanitary or unsightly buildup or a public nuisance. 060 backs this up by making it unlawful for anyone other than the city's authorized franchisee to provide solid waste handling or compensated recyclable collection services within city limits. 160(C), but subsection (D) keeps ultimate responsibility with the owner, who must keep the franchisee account in good standing. m. m. 020(F), with no Sunday collection unless the city specifically authorizes it. 160(G), citing Health and Safety Code Sections 5473 and 5473a.
Violations & Fines
Bypassing the franchisee, whether by self-hauling for compensation or hiring an unauthorized hauler, violates Section 8.20.060 and is punishable as a misdemeanor under Section 8.20.200: up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. Unpaid service bills that go delinquent under Section 8.20.160(E) can, after the notice periods run, be certified to the county assessor and added directly to the property's tax bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my own trash hauler instead of the city's contractor in El Monte?
How often must my trash be picked up?
What happens if I don't pay my trash bill?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Monte
California rules heatmap·Compare El Monte to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Collection Schedule in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle collection schedule.