Los Angeles County, CA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum pickup frequency
- At least once per week
- No collection hours (residential)
- 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Buffer zone (commercial collectors)
- 500 feet from residential areas
- Max container weight (manual)
- 70 pounds including contents
Summary
Residential waste collectors in unincorporated LA County must collect trash at least once per week and are prohibited from collecting in residential areas between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
waste collectors providing residential solid waste collection services shall collect solid waste at least once each week from property owners or occupants who have paid for such services, and such collection shall comply with the location requirements of Section 20.72.100 and with the following additional requirements:1.Waste collectors shall collect all solid waste placed inside containers that comply with the applicable requirements for containers and their contents set forth in subsections A and B of Section 20.72.090.2.Waste collectors shall collect all construction or demolition debris, including items such as dirt, rock, brick, pasteboard, roofing paper, and similar building materials, placed in containers or bundles that comply with the applicable requirements set forth in subsection C of Section 20.72.090. Waste collectors providing automated collection services may charge additional fees and/or require advance notice for providing this service.3.Waste collectors shall collect bulky items set out for collection that are not reasonably susceptible to being placed in waste containers or bundles, including stoves, refrigerators, furniture, water heaters, and other similar items. Waste collectors may charge additional fees and/or require advance notice for providing this service.
Full Breakdown
Collectors must pick up all solid waste in compliant containers, construction and demolition debris in bundles, bulky items (with the option to charge extra fees), and yard waste placed in bundles per § 20.72.090 requirements. Containers set out for manual collection cannot weigh more than 70 pounds including contents. Commercial and industrial collectors may operate at any hour, but must observe the same 10 p.m.–6 a.m. restriction when operating within 500 feet of a residential area. The enforcement agency may waive nighttime restrictions when conditions beyond the collector's control require it.
Violations & Fines
Failure to provide minimum collection services can result in permit suspension or revocation. Civil penalties under Chapter 20.70 begin at $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second, and $500 for additional violations within 12 months. Each day of noncompliance is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must trash be picked up?
Can collectors pick up trash in the middle of the night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
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