Pasadena, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Mandatory hauler
- City is exclusive for 1-4 unit properties
- Legal basis
- Protect public health, safety, well-being
- Route/day control
- Set and noticed by the director
- Larger properties
- 5+ units need written 6-month request
- Accumulation limit
- No more than 7 calendar days
- Violation
- Misdemeanor or civil penalty, § 8.60.340
Summary
The City of Pasadena is the exclusive trash hauler for single-family homes and buildings with four or fewer units under Municipal Code Section 8.60.025(A). The director of public works sets collection routes and days and must notify the public before changing them.
Collection, removal and disposal of solid waste from all single-family residential units and all multiple family residential units containing 4 or less family residential units shall be performed exclusively by the city under the supervision of the director... The city council finds that exclusive city solid waste collection service as provided in this subsection is required to promote public health, safety and well-being. The director shall have charge and supervision of such collection and disposal and shall prescribe and establish the routes and days thereof. When such routes, days of collection or other matters pertaining to collection times or methods are established or changed, the director shall give appropriate notice to the public.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 79 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
025(A) makes the city the exclusive collector of solid waste for every single-family home and every multi-family building with four or fewer units; the city council has found that exclusive city collection service is necessary to protect public health, safety and well-being. 020(K), has charge of the collection program and sets the specific routes and days of pickup, and must give the public appropriate notice whenever routes, days or collection methods change. 025(B). 025(C)-(D). 070(A). 200.
Violations & Fines
Failing to use the city's mandatory collection service where required, or allowing solid waste to accumulate beyond 7 calendar days without the director's written permission, violates Chapter 8.60 and is enforceable as a misdemeanor or civil penalty under Section 8.60.340. The director may also refuse collection of improperly stored waste and pursue administrative citations under Chapter 1.26 for ongoing noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a private trash hauler in Pasadena instead of using the city?
How does Pasadena decide my trash pickup day?
How long can I leave trash on my property before it must be collected?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasadena
California rules heatmap·Compare Pasadena to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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