FAQs

In 2016, the State of California passed Senate Bill (SB) 1383, California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, which aims to reduce methane and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions statewide. To meet this goal, the bill establishes two targets by 2025:

• A 75% reduction of statewide organics waste disposal from 2014 levels.
• A 20% or greater recovery (for human consumption) of edible food currently disposed of in California.

SB 1383 is overseen by CalRecycle, while the implementation is managed by individual jurisdictions. In order to meet the goals of SB 1383, all jurisdictions are expected to implement ordinances, franchise requirements, and other regulations as necessary to achieve compliance.   This includes rollout of mandatory recycling and mixed organics collection services for most customers.

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The GREEN ORGANICS container is for plant matter, food scraps, and food-soiled paper products.  NO BUILDING MATERIALS; CACTI, SUCCULENTS, or YUCCA; CONCRETE; DIRT; PALM FRONDS; PET WASTE; SAND; STONES; TRASH; OR TREE TRIMMINGS LARGER THAN 4 INCHES IN DIAMETER OR 4 FEET IN LENGTH (these require bulky item pickup service).

ACCEPTABLE MIZED ORGANICS

Loose in Cart

• Flower & hedge trimmings
• Flowers & herbs
• Grass clippings
• Leaves & branches
• Lumber, scrap wood, & plywood (not painted or treated)
• Weeds

Bagged in Clear Plastic Bags

FOOD SCRAPS

• Bread, rice, & pasta
• Cheese & dairy
• Fruits & vegetables
• Meat, bones, & poultry
• Seafood & soft shells
• Tea bags, coffee grounds, & paper filters

FOOD-SOILED PAPER

• Food-stained paper
• Paper egg cartons
• Paper napkins & paper towels
• Pizza boxes
• Paper bags (lunch sacks)
• Paper plates without coatings
• To-go boxes (no coating)
• Wooden & fiber-based utensils

DO NOT INCLUDE

• Any plastics, other than clear bags for holding food and food-soiled paper)
• Cacti, succulents, & yucca
• Compostable plastics (bioplastics)
• Coffee cups & pods
• Fats, oils, & grease
• Food stickers (please remove)
• Gloves
• Medication
• Palm fronds
• Paper napkins & towels with cleaning chemicals
• Parchment & wax paper
• Pet waste
• Rocks & soil
• Rubber bands & twist ties
• Textiles
• Tissues & wet wipes

The blue RECYCLING container is for the collection of commingled recyclables such as aluminum/tin foil and trays (clean); aseptic containers, juice boxes and milk cartons; cans (aluminum, bi-metal, and tin); cardboard; envelopes; glass bottles and jars; non-glossy junk mail; magazines; all metal; newspaper; office paper; paper grocery bags; plastic containers (numbered 1-7); and shredded paper (bagged). NO FOOD WASTE, LIQUIDS, ORGANICS, PACKAGING PEANUTS, PET WASTE, TRASH, OR YARD TRIMMINGS.

The black LANDFILL container is for non-recyclable trash such as bathroom waste, candy bar wrappers, ceramics/porcelain, chip bags, cigarette butts, diapers, wrapping and gift tissue paper, disposable gloves, foam to-go containers and cups, glossy junk mail, juice pouches, packaging peanuts, palm fronds, pet waste, succulents and cacti, yucca leaves, and other solid waste materials considered to be no longer of use.

We realize that every once in a while, your containers may need a bit of maintenance. Call Customer Service at (310) 366-7600 to request repair or replacement. If the damage is due to normal wear and tear, we’ll repair or replace for free. However, if the damage seems to be a result of willful damage, you will be charged a replacement fee.

Things happen, we get it.  If we went by before you were ready, give us a call.  We’ll try to get back to you on the same day, but may be the next.

Residential collection hours are typically 7am-6pm Mondays-Fridays.  Commercial collection hours vary by city and day of the week.

We strive to provide our customers with efficient and high-quality service all the time.  But…we’re human.  Sometimes we make mistakes.  And when we do, sometimes your bin gets missed.  If we happen to miss your bin on your regularly scheduled day (not including holidays that could delay service one day), please call us right away so that we can service your container.  If you don’t let us know, we can’t make it right.

We can credit your account for a missed pickup, but you need to call us within 2 business days of the missed date.  Otherwise, we consider services rendered and no credit will be due.

We understand that sometimes there are times you need extra service.  No problem!  Contact us to schedule an extra pickup for a nominal charge.

Waste Resources can provide you with locking lids for your bins.  There is a one-time charge and monthly service fee for the additional service.  Contact us to set up this service.

Sorry, we cannot put locks on carts at this time.

Abandoned trash should be reported to:

• Carson – visit the city’s iWorQ page or call (310) 830-7600 Monday-Thursday 7am-6pm.
• Gardena – visit the Gardena Direct page or call (310) 217-9600.
• Hawaiian Gardens – contact Code Enforcement at (562) 420-2641, Ext. 221/224/277.
• Lynwood – visit the Lynwood Service Request page or call (310) 603-0220 x207.

We routinely check to see that our collection service runs smoothly. Part of that includes checking to see if there are issues that can cause service disruptions. If you received a warning notice, look for the Warning Notices link in your service area to see how to resolve it.

Waste Resources’ online customer portal is called eTower.  First time users will need to register with either the phone number on file or the most recent invoice number.

See our guide  Adding Accounts in eTower for tips on setting up your eTower account.

We understand that sometimes change is necessary.  If you need to terminate services with us due to closure or moving, we’ll work with you to complete our service commitment to you until our relationship ends.  Because we bill for the month ahead, you may be due a refund if service is terminated mid-month.  Refund checks will be issued after all charges are settled and usually within two months of service end.  Be sure we have a forwarding address so that the refund check will get to you.

Unfortunately, no.  State law requires proper separation of solid waste by these major segments: recyclables, mixed organics, construction/demolition, and trash.

Regular roll-off and compactor services need to meet the same requirements as all other waste generators in California.  See our SB1383 page for more information.

Temporary needs for a remodel, construction, or demolition project must comply with state recycling laws specific to C&D waste. 

After all recycling efforts have been exhausted, the little bit that’s left over can be set out as trash.  In addition, single commodity loads tend to cost you less, so be sure to recycle right!

Roll-offs are best placed on hard level surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. The box may be placed on hard dirt but keep in mind that it can get stuck after a heavy or long steady rain.

Keep in mind that roll-offs have metal wheels, which can damage the surface on which they are placed.  If damage to your surface area is a concern, you might want to use a protective board, such as plywood to protect it from scratches and scrapes.