Long Beach Recycles

Recycling FAQs

• Why should I recycle?

  Recycling prevents usable material from going to waste and conserves our natural resources. For example, the purple recycling carts that you use to collect your recyclables are made of 40% recycled plastic. The State of California set an ambitious goal of preventing 75% of waste from going to landfills by 2020 through multiple methods, one of which is increased recycling.  

• What can I put in my recycling cart?

  Please see our recycling guidelines to find out what should and should not go into your recycling cart. 

• What day is my collection?

  Find your collection day HERE. If you would like to call us instead, please call our Customer Service line at (562) 570-2876.

• What time does my cart need to be out for service?

  Place your carts out for service by 6:00 AM on your service day and bring them in within 12 hours of being serviced.

• Where should I place my cart for collection?

  You should place your recycling and trash carts on the street, with approximately two feet of space between them and other objects.

   

• If my cart is not full, should I set it out anyway?

  No. It is not necessary to roll out your cart if you feel you have enough room to get you through the next week.

• Who collects the recyclables?

  The City contracts with Waste Management, Inc. for the collection of recyclable materials. Waste Management takes the recyclables to Potential Industries, a Materials Recovery Facility in Wilmington, where they are sorted and prepared for the market place.

• Why do I have to pay for recycling?

  The charge to residents for recycling service is minimal in comparison to trash, but with the trucks, workers, facilities needed to pick up and process recyclables, there is still a cost for the service.

• I do my own recycling/ I don’t recycle. Why am I charged for recycling?

  By Municipal Code, all City serviced accounts are charged for trash/recycling collection service. The cost of the service is evenly distributed, with everyone paying the same amount for recycling. Even if you do your own recycling, the truck comes down your street or alley, and any recycling you set out will be collected.

• What about scavengers?

  If you see someone scavenging through recycling carts, call the Long Beach Police Department at (562) 435-6711 or use our online report form.

• My recycling and/or refuse is too big. Are there other cart sizes?

  32 gallon and 64-gallon carts are available. If you’d like to request one, call our hotline at (562) 570-2876 or use our online form.