Recycle

Commonly Asked Questions

How do I start recycling?: Contact your waste hauler. Your waste hauler will deliver a recycling cart free of charge to residents in the unincorporated areas of the County of Los Angeles. If you live in an apartment building or condominium complex, talk to your building manager or homeowners' association about procuring recycling services.
What if I live in an apartment or condominium?: If you live in an apartment building or condominium complex, contact your building manager or homeowners' association about obtaining recycling services through your waste hauler.
Do I need to separate the recyclable items?: Yes, with minor exceptions. There are unincorporated areas within the County of Los Angeles that utilize commingled collection of trash and recyclable materials. In those areas, residents are not required to separate recyclables and/or green waste from trash. Contact your waste hauler for specific information on how to separate recyclables in your area.
Do I have to rinse out my container?: Rinsing out is not required, but it may prevent bugs, odors, and sticky residue in your recycling carts.
How much does recycling service cost?: There is no separate charge for recycling service for single-family and duplex residential units. For multi-family unit complexes and businesses that are not located within a garbage disposal district, the waste hauler may set a reasonable fee for this service to offset operational and administrative costs.
My recycling cart is not large enough to hold all of my recyclables. What should I do?: For single-family residents, call your waste hauler and request an additional cart. Many garbage districts and all franchise waste haulers provide up to two high-capacity recycling containers at no extra charge. For multi-family residents, talk to your building manager or homeowners' association.
I noticed strangers going through my recycling cart. What should I do?: This activity is called scavenging and is against State law and may be considered a misdemeanor. For your own safety, do not confront the scavenger yourself. The County's Sheriff's Department is responsible for enforcement of the Ordinance. If you notice scavengers in your neighborhood, please contact your local Sheriff's Station and provide them with any information that would be helpful for their investigation, such as vehicle license plate number, vehicle description, time, day, and any other pertinent details.
When and where should I place my recycling cart?: Place your recycling cart next to your trash on your regular trash collection day. Placing your recycling cart out on the morning of collection rather than the night before may prevent scavenging. If you live in an apartment or condominium complex, place your recyclable materials in the recycling cart(s) in your building.
Am I required to give my recyclables to my waste hauler, or can I give them to someone else?: You are not required to give your recyclable materials to your waste hauler. You may place these materials for collection by your waste hauler, donate them to a local charity/church, or you may personally return these materials to a local recycling buy-back center. Note that once the recyclable materials are placed in the recycling container at curbside, they become the property of the waste hauler.
Where can I obtain additional information about L.A. County's recycling program?: Residents can call the County's toll-free recycling hotline at 1(888) CLEAN LA or visit www.CleanLA.com.