Los Angeles County, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum frequency
- Once weekly
- Applies to
- Unincorporated High Desert Area only
- Self-haul option
- Requires self-hauler permit
- First violation fine
- $100 civil penalty
- Enforced by
- County solid waste enforcement agency
Summary
In the unincorporated High Desert Area, county code requires occupied properties without county-provided trash pickup to use a permitted hauler or a self-hauler permit for at least weekly solid waste removal.
For all occupied properties in the High Desert Area, where the county does not otherwise provide solid waste collection services, it is mandatory for the owner and/or occupant of the property to utilize the solid waste collection services of a permitted waste collector at least once weekly or, alternatively, to obtain a self-hauler permit and transport, at least once weekly, all solid waste accumulated or stored on the property...to a solid waste facility that is legally authorized to accept such waste.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code Chapter 20.58 mandates weekly solid waste removal for every occupied property in the unincorporated High Desert Area where the county does not otherwise provide collection service. Owners or occupants must either use a permitted waste collector for at least weekly pickup, or obtain a self-hauler permit and personally haul all accumulated solid waste (except defined inert materials) to an authorized disposal facility at least once a week. Self-haulers must prepay a three-month gate-fee deposit and submit quarterly disposal receipts to the enforcement agency. The chapter was adopted specifically to curb illegal dumping and the public-health hazards it created in unincorporated High Desert communities.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction: $100 for a first violation, $250 for a second violation of the same provision within one year, and $500 for each further violation within that year; each noncompliant day counts as a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule cover the City of Los Angeles?
Can I haul my own trash instead of hiring a collector?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.