Yard waste in El Monte must be source-separated into the green organics cart along with food scraps under Ordinance #3006 (Chapter 8.21). Bundled tree branches that don't fit in the cart can be taken under the bulky-item program (up to 20 free pickups per year).
Under El Monte Municipal Code Chapter 8.21 (Mandatory Organic Waste Disposal Regulations) implementing California SB 1383, the green cart accepts all 'lawn and garden debris' — grass clippings, leaves, weeds, small branches, prunings — combined with food scraps and food-soiled paper. Yard waste may not be placed in the brown trash cart or blue recycling cart, and may not be bagged in plastic. Material is processed at composting facilities and anaerobic-digestion plants that convert organics to renewable natural gas. Branches and tree limbs too large for the cart must be bundled (tied) and scheduled as a bulky-item pickup with Valley Vista — these count against the resident's 20 free bulky pickups per year. Burning of yard waste is prohibited under South Coast AQMD Rule 444 and Health & Safety Code §41800 et seq.; backyard composting is permitted and encouraged.
Placing yard waste in the wrong cart (trash or recycling) is a SB 1383 contamination violation enforceable under Chapter 8.21 and CalRecycle 14 CCR §18997.2 with administrative fines starting at $50–$100/day after notice, escalating to $250–$500/day for third or subsequent offenses. Open burning of yard waste violates SCAQMD Rule 444 and is also enforceable as a public nuisance under El Monte Chapter 8.44.
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El Monte, CA
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