Recycling services in unincorporated East Los Angeles are managed by LA County Public Works through contracts with various waste hauling companies. It's crucial to follow local guidelines to ensure materials are processed correctly.

General Curbside Recycling Guidelines (Typically a Blue Cart):

• Accepted Materials (Empty, Clean, and Dry):
  • Paper: Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, flattened cardboard, paperboard boxes (cereal, shoe boxes), phone books, paper bags.
  • Plastics: Look for resin codes. Typically, #1 (PET/PETE) and #2 (HDPE) bottles and jugs are widely accepted. Some programs accept #1-7 rigid plastics (tubs, containers). Lids can often be reattached to empty containers. Always check with your specific hauler for their list.
  • Glass: Bottles and jars (all colors, empty and rinsed). Lids should be removed (metal lids can be recycled separately).
  • Metal: Aluminum cans, steel/tin cans, empty aerosol cans (no plastic caps), clean aluminum foil and trays.
• Commonly NOT Accepted in Curbside Blue Cart:
  • Plastic bags, film, or wrap (these tangle machinery; many grocery stores have take-back programs).
  • Styrofoam (polystyrene) products.
  • Food-soiled paper or cardboard (e.g., greasy pizza boxes – green waste if organics program allows).
  • Mirrors, window glass, ceramics, Pyrex.
  • Light bulbs (incandescent can be trash; CFLs/LEDs are often e-waste/HHW).
  • Electronics (e-waste – see below).
  • Batteries (HHW – see below).
  • Clothing or textiles (donate if in good condition).
  • Hoses, wires, cords (tanglers).
  • Hazardous waste containers or items.

Organics/Green Waste (Typically a Green Cart):

• Yard trimmings (grass, leaves, branches), unpainted wood scraps.
• Increasingly, food scraps (fruits, vegetables, bread, meat, dairy - no liquids or oils) may be accepted. Verify with your local hauler's specific organics program guidelines due to SB 1383 regulations.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) & E-Waste:

• DO NOT place HHW or e-waste in your regular trash or recycling carts.
• Items include: Paint, pesticides, cleaning products, automotive fluids, solvents, batteries (all types), fluorescent bulbs, electronics (TVs, computers, monitors, phones, etc.).
• LA County S.A.F.E. Collection Centers & Events: LA County Public Works offers free drop-off at permanent S.A.F.E. Centers or periodic collection events.
  • Find locations and schedules: Search "LA County SAFE Collection Centers" on CleanLA.com (part of LA County Public Works).

Bulky Items:

• Most waste haulers serving unincorporated LA County provide free bulky item pickups (e.g., furniture, appliances, large mattresses) by appointment. Contact your hauler to schedule.

Identifying Your Waste Hauler:

• Residents in unincorporated LA County can find their assigned waste hauler through the LA County Public Works website. Look for "Residential Franchise System" or "Garbage Disposal Districts."
• Website: pw.lacounty.gov/epd/Franchise/ or search for their "Who Picks Up My Trash?" tool.
• Your hauler's website will have the most specific guidelines for your service area. Example haulers in LA County GDDs include Republic Services.

Recycling rules are constantly updated. Always refer to your specific waste hauler or LA County Public Works for the most current information to reduce contamination.

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