Los Angeles, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Black container
- Solid waste only
- Blue container
- Source-separated recyclables and/or commingled recyclables
- Green container
- Source-separated organic waste
- Solid waste retention limit
- 7 days maximum on premises
- First administrative penalty
- $50
- Compliance deadline after notice
- 60 days (or stated deadline, whichever is earlier)
Summary
Los Angeles requires all premises receiving City collection service to use a three-container system and place recyclables only in the blue container. All commercial establishments and multi-family dwellings must have collection services for source-separated recyclables and organic waste.
SEC. 66.03. SOLID WASTE SERVICE REQUIRED.
(a) No Person shall keep any Solid Waste or allow any Solid Waste to remain upon any premises within the City for more than seven days, excluding Organics used for composting or mulch. All Solid Waste shall be placed in containers that meet the requirements of Section 66.02.
(b) A Person from whom the City collects Solid Waste, Recyclables, and/or Organics shall place Source-Separated Organic Waste in the green container, Source-Separated Recyclable Material and/or Commingled Recyclables in the blue container, and Solid Waste in the black container.
(e) All Commercial Establishments and Multi-family Dwellings shall have Collection Services for Source-Separated Recyclables and/or Commingled Recyclables and Source-Separated Organic Waste.
Full Breakdown
Under LAMC § 66.03, solid waste may not remain on any premises for more than seven days. Persons receiving City collection must place source-separated organic waste in the green container, recyclables and commingled recyclables in the blue container, and solid waste in the black container. All commercial establishments and multi-family dwellings must subscribe to and pay for recycling collection services (§ 66.03(e)). Commercial establishments must provide labeled recycling containers in all customer-accessible areas (except restrooms), prohibit employees from placing organics in the wrong container, and annually provide employees, contractors, tenants, and customers with written information about proper sorting requirements. No solid waste may be placed in the blue or green containers.
Violations & Fines
Administrative penalties: $50 for first violation, $100 second, $250 third or subsequent (LAMC § 66.07(e)(2)). A notice of violation allows a compliance deadline of 60 days or as stated on the notice, whichever is earlier. City may reject collection of waste not properly prepared and placed per Board rules (§ 66.27).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sort my recyclables before putting them in the blue bin?
Does my apartment building need to have a recycling container?
Can I leave trash bins out for more than a week?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles 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.
Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle recycling requirements.