Los Angeles, CA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Development projects with >2,000 sq ft of impermeable surface
- Grass clippings
- Must be recycled on- or off-site; not to enter off-site waste stream
- Vegetative waste threshold
- Lots ≥7,500 sq ft must recycle all vegetative waste
- Lawn-area waste
- Must be recycled when lawn exceeds 15% of planted area
- Exception
- Waste from initial landscape installation or seismic/erosion work is exempt
Summary
Los Angeles requires that grass clippings and vegetative waste generated on development projects be recycled on-site or off-site and not introduced into the regular solid-waste stream under LAMC § 12.43.
SEC. 12.43. SOURCE REDUCTION OF WASTE. (Added by Ord. No. 170,978, Eff. 5/13/96, Oper. 7/13/96.)
A. If any landscape includes grass, all grass clippings shall be recycled on- or off-site, and shall not be introduced into the off-site waste stream.
B. If a lot is 7,500 square feet or greater, all vegetative waste, except that which is not appropriate to recycle, shall be recycled on- or off-site and shall not be introduced into the off-site waste stream.
C. In any landscape with lawn area greater than 15 percent of the planted area, all lawn area waste shall be recycled on- or off-site.
D. Exceptions shall be made when the waste is produced by installation of the landscape, as a result of fulfilling the requirements of Division 88, Article 1 of Chapter IX of this Code, or as a result of fulfilling the requirements of Article 7, Chapter V of this Code.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 12.43 applies to 'Projects', development activities involving more than 2,000 sq ft of impermeable surface, and mandates source reduction of landscape waste. All grass clippings must be recycled on- or off-site and must not enter the off-site waste stream. On lots of 7,500 sq ft or more, all vegetative waste (except material not suitable for recycling) must likewise be recycled. Where lawn area exceeds 15 percent of the planted area, all lawn-area waste must be recycled. Exceptions exist for waste produced during initial landscape installation, seismic rehabilitation demolition, or compliance with erosion-control and fire-prevention ordinances. The on-site recycling requirement for grass clippings (§ 12.43 A) takes effect immediately; the vegetative waste requirements for larger lots (§ 12.43 B–C) take effect only after the Board of Public Works certifies that sufficient off-site facilities exist.
Violations & Fines
Violation of the landscaping and source-reduction provisions is enforced by the Department of Building and Safety as part of the landscape permit approval process; non-compliant projects may be denied a certificate of occupancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put grass clippings in my regular trash bin after a construction project?
Does this yard-waste recycling rule apply to my single-family home?
What counts as vegetative waste that must be recycled on a large lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Yard Waste Collection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle yard waste collection.