Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Downey
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone
Recycling
Same day as trash collection
Yard Waste
Same day as trash collection
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling services in Downey are provided by Athens Services and billed directly to residents on a quarterly basis rather than on your city water bill.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone
Pro Tip / Discount
A discounted monthly rate is available for residents using smaller trash containers; free curbside cart valet service is also available for qualifying residents with mobility limitations.
Black/Grey Cart Bin (Trash)
All standard garbage must be placed inside the container with lids completely closed. Do not overload or overfill the bin, as items placed outside the cart will not be collected.
Accepted Items
- ✓Unrecyclable plastics (#3, #4, #6, #7)
- ✓Styrofoam and foam products
- ✓Plastic bags and film
- ✓Diapers and pet waste
- ✓Palm fronds, succulents, and cacti
- ✓Chip bags and wrappers
Blue Barrel Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be completely empty of liquid and food. Place items loosely inside the cart without bagging them in plastic.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1, #2, and #5
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (no lids)
- ✓Clean paper, magazines, and mail
- ✓Flattened corrugated cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires, cords)
- ✕Electronic waste
- ✕Food-soiled paper and pizza boxes
- ✕Ceramics and window glass
Yard Waste Bin
Do not place any plastics, bio-plastics, or petroleum-based liners in this cart. Palm fronds, cacti, and pet waste are strictly prohibited from the organics bin.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and weeds
- ✓Leaves and small branches
- ✓Food scraps (meat, dairy, produce)
- ✓100% fiber-based compostable takeout containers
- ✓Greasy pizza boxes and paper napkins
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand (up to 5 items per pickup)
Placement
Place approved bulky items safely at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled pickup day, keeping them clear of the street and sidewalks.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and appliances
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Carpet
- ✓ Bundled yard trimmings (under 4 feet long)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Dirt, concrete, and rocks
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Electronic waste (without special arrangement)
This service is free for Downey residential customers. Multi-family and commercial properties should contact Athens directly for pricing and options.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on a weekday (Monday through Friday), collection services for the remainder of the week will be delayed by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and organics collection follow the exact same one-day holiday delay schedule as standard trash and recycling.
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there will be absolutely no delay in your regular collection schedule.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to JanuaryAthens Services offers an extensive post-holiday tree pickup program. Ensure your Christmas tree is completely free of ornaments, lights, stands, and artificial flocking before placing it at the curb for collection.
Spring
March to MayAs spring cleaning kicks into gear, remember to schedule a bulky item pickup for old furniture rather than overfilling your black cart. You are permitted up to five items per scheduled request.
Local Tips & Community Info
Athens Services and Downey's Waste Program
The City of Downey partners with Athens Services to manage residential solid waste and recycling collection. Every household is provided with a standard three-container system designed to handle refuse, recyclable materials, and organic waste efficiently. By adhering to the designated neighborhood collection days, residents help maintain clean streets and support the community's environmental goals. To find your specific service day or to address any route-related questions, locals can reach out directly to Athens Services or the Downey Public Works Department.
Guidelines for Cart Set-Out Times
Timely cart placement is essential for uninterrupted service. Residents must roll their designated barrels to the curb either the night before or no later than 6:00 a.m. on their scheduled pickup day. Since automated collection vehicles require adequate operational space, ensure that bins are placed side-by-side with plenty of clearance from parked cars, fences, and mailboxes. Once your waste has been collected by the afternoon, be sure to retrieve your carts from the public right-of-way by the end of the day to comply with local ordinances.
Organics and Recycling Mandates
Following California's SB 1383 regulations, Downey strictly enforces the separation of organic materials. The green container is exclusively for food scraps, yard trimmings, and compostable items to keep them out of local landfills. Your blue recycling container is meant for clean and dry cardboard, paper, glass bottles, and unsoiled plastics. The black bin serves as the final option for non-recyclable household trash, such as chip bags, broken ceramics, and styrofoam. Ensuring that materials are properly sorted prevents cross-contamination and maximizes recycling efficiency.
Bulky Item Collection Options
If you are upgrading appliances or clearing out large pieces of furniture, you do not have to haul these heavy items to a dump yourself. Athens Services provides convenient bulky item collection for Downey residents. Items like old mattresses, heavy sofas, and discarded refrigerators can be picked up directly from your curb. To arrange for this special collection and confirm any associated limits or safety regulations, simply contact Athens Services customer support ahead of your normal collection day to submit a formal pickup request.
Holiday Delays and Schedule Adjustments
During specific national holidays, your regular waste collection routine may experience a slight interruption. Athens Services officially observes New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. When one of these major holidays lands on a weekday, all subsequent pickups for that week will be pushed back by exactly one day. However, if a recognized holiday falls on a weekend, the normal Monday-through-Friday collection schedule remains entirely unaffected and proceeds as usual.
Drop-off Facilities
Downey Area Recycling and Transfer Facility (DART)
9770 Washburn Rd, Downey, CA 90241
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the residential trash hauler for the City of Downey?
The City of Downey operates under an exclusive franchise agreement with Athens Services, which assumed waste management operations from CalMet Services. You can reach their customer service at (888) 336-6100.
How do I properly dispose of palm fronds and succulents?
Due to their tough, fibrous nature and inability to properly break down in commercial composting facilities, palm fronds, cacti, and succulents must be placed in your black landfill cart, never the green organics cart.
How many bulky items can I throw away for free?
Downey residents can request the free collection of up to five (5) large bulky items per scheduled pickup. You must call Athens Services or use their online portal in advance to get on the routing schedule.
Are trash pickups delayed on all federal holidays?
No, Athens Services only observes six major holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Other holidays like Veterans Day or Presidents' Day will not interrupt your schedule.