Los Angeles County, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum frequency
- Once per week, same day as trash
- Required materials
- Aluminum/metal cans, newspapers, glass bottles and jars
- Container cost to resident
- Free (provided by collector)
- Covered areas
- Altadena, La Crescenta/Montrose, East Pasadena, Hacienda Heights, Lennox
- Theft of recyclables
- Misdemeanor; treble damages available
Summary
Waste collectors serving designated unincorporated communities (including Altadena, La Crescenta/Montrose, East Pasadena, Hacienda Heights, and Lennox) must provide free curbside recycling containers and collect recyclables at least once a week on the same day as regular trash.
Waste collectors shall:1.Provide an original and any replacement recyclable materials containers to each residence and, as required by the director of public works, to each multi-residential complex, commercial, institutional, or industrial entity. The container(s) shall be a rigid plastic bin, or bucket, or bag made of appropriate material and sufficient strength to contain the recyclable materials and not cause public health or safety hazards to those individuals coming into contact with the container(s). The container(s) shall be provided without charge and remain the collector's property.2.Collect recyclable materials at least once a week, on the same day, and during the hours specified for regular refuse collection. No alternate collection schedule is permitted unless approved by the director of public works. Waste collectors may collect the containers which are placed at the designated collection location.3.Return or replace containers to the location where found. Containers or lids shall not be deposited in the street or on adjoining property.4.Provide recycling collection services to each location within the areas covered by the program that the waste collector serves for regular refuse collection. Such service shall be provided at non-discriminatory rates.
Full Breakdown
Required recyclables include aluminum and metal cans, newspapers, and glass bottles or jars; the Director of Public Works may expand this list to include plastics, paper, cardboard, used motor oil, and other materials. Containers must be provided free of charge and remain the collector's property. Recycling must be collected on the same schedule as refuse and cannot use an alternate day without county approval. Collectors must submit quarterly reports on tonnage collected by type and category. Unauthorized removal of recyclables placed at the curb is prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Failure to provide recycling collection can result in permit revocation. Unauthorized removal of set-out recyclables is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code § 19, and courts may award treble damages equal to the value of material taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my waste collector have to give me a recycling bin?
What happens if someone takes my recyclables from the curb?
Can my recycling be picked up on a different day than my trash?
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
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