Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for East Los Angeles
Collections in California municipal routes run weekly (Mon-Fri). Your specific collection day is determined by your local neighborhood route.
State Mandate
Follow SB 1383 guidelines for food waste.
Black or Grey Bin (Trash)
Place carts on the sidewalk (do not block bike lanes) by 6:00 a.m. Return carts to your property promptly after service to avoid Department of Public Health fines.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Pet waste and litter
- ✓Used paper plates and to-go cups
- ✓Plastic utensils and straws
- ✓Takeout containers and Styrofoam
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Materials must be empty, clean, and dry. Do not place your recyclables inside plastic bags; toss them loosely into the blue cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean, flattened cardboard
- ✓Paper, mail, and magazines
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Rigid plastics (bottles, jugs, tubs)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags or film wrap
- ✕Food waste or liquids
- ✕Electronics and batteries
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
Yard Waste Bin
Food waste MUST be placed in a securely tied, clear transparent plastic bag. Yard trimmings must be placed loose. Keep lids fully closed.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food scraps (meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables)
- ✓Grass clippings and weeds
- ✓Leaves and small branches
- ✓Food-soiled paper products
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Unlimited free bulky item pickups year-round.
Placement
Place items on the sidewalk or parkway by your standard carts. Do not block bike lanes or the street. Submit your itemized request at least 24 hours before your service day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (couches, tables, desks)
- ✓ Mattresses and futons
- ✓ Major appliances (refrigerators, washers)
- ✓ Electronic waste
- ✓ Bundled green waste (up to 25 bundles, under 4 ft)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous materials (paint, oil, chemicals)
- ✕ Car batteries and tires
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Dirt, concrete, or asphalt
Pickups are entirely free for eligible East LA residents in the Belvedere GDD, but providing an itemized list to Valley Vista Services in advance is strictly enforced.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a major holiday falls on a weekday, all collections for the remainder of that week will be delayed by one day, concluding with Friday routes being serviced on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling collections experience the exact same one-day delay as residential trash.
If an observed holiday falls on a weekend, there are no changes or delays to your standard weekday collection schedule.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Use Clear Bags for Food Waste
Unlike most jurisdictions, Valley Vista Services strictly requires all food scraps to be bagged in transparent plastic before entering the green cart. Opaque bags or unbagged wet food waste will be flagged as contamination.
Keep E-Waste Out of the Trash
Old appliances, cell phones, computers, and batteries cannot go in your regular black trash cart. Schedule a free bulky pickup instead so these items can be dismantled safely and legally.
Recyclables Must Be Loose
Never place your general recyclables in any type of bag. Plastic film wraps around the mechanical gears at the Valley Vista sorting facility, causing major operational delays.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - JanuaryFree holiday tree recycling runs from December 26th through the second week of January. Trees must be unflocked, have all decorations removed, and be cut down to lengths no longer than 6 feet before being placed curbside on your normal collection day.
Spring
March - AprilBelvedere Community Regional Park periodically hosts free LA County Public Works HHW drop-off and annual community cleanup events to help residents dispose of hazardous chemicals safely. Check the CleanLA calendar for specific spring weekend dates.
About East Los Angeles Waste Management
Understanding the Belvedere Garbage Disposal District
Because East Los Angeles is an unincorporated area, it operates under the Belvedere Garbage Disposal District (GDD) managed by LA County Public Works. Unlike traditional municipal models, property owners in this district automatically receive basic weekly waste collection services that are funded directly through their annual property tax assessments. Valley Vista Services acts as the exclusive franchise hauler, ensuring streamlined residential and commercial pickup without separate monthly utility bills for standard service.
Unique Organics Bagging Rule for East LA
To comply with California's SB 1383 organics mandate, East Los Angeles residents must use their green carts for both yard trimmings and food scraps. However, Valley Vista Services has a highly unique local requirement: all food waste must be securely tied inside a clear or transparent plastic bag before going into the organics cart to contain moisture and odors. Standard yard waste, on the other hand, should still be tossed into the cart completely loose.
Taking Advantage of Unlimited Free Bulky Pickups
Clutter removal is exceptionally convenient in East Los Angeles. Single-family residents are entitled to unlimited, free bulky item pickups year-round. This robust program accepts large furniture, up to ten electronic waste items, and even bundled green waste or excess clothing per scheduled trip. Residents simply need to email or call Valley Vista Services 24 hours prior to their normal collection day to confirm an itemized list.
Reporting Illegal Dumping via The Works App
Combating illegal dumping is a major priority for the East Los Angeles community and LA County Public Works. Residents are strongly encouraged to report abandoned furniture, mattresses, or trash left on sidewalks and in alleys. You can report these violations immediately by calling the 888-CLEAN-LA hotline, emailing the county's dumping division, or by using the free “The Works” mobile application to ensure rapid, localized cleanups.
Drop-off Facilities
LA County Public Works - East Los Angeles Field Facility
4801 East 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Materials Accepted
Belvedere Community Regional Park (Periodic HHW Events)
4914 E. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulky item pickup in East Los Angeles?
East LA residents within the Belvedere Garbage Disposal District can schedule unlimited free bulky item pickups year-round. Call Valley Vista Services at (800) 442-6454 or email [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance with an itemized list of your items.
Are there special rules for disposing of food waste in my East LA green cart?
Yes. Unlike many other Southern California cities, Valley Vista Services strictly requires residents to place all food waste in a securely tied, clear or transparent plastic bag before tossing it into the green organic waste cart. Standard yard trimmings should still be left loose.
What should I do if my garbage was missed or my cart is broken?
If you experience a missed pickup or need a cart repair, contact Valley Vista Services directly at (800) 442-6454. Because East LA is an unincorporated area, do not call the City of Los Angeles Sanitation Department (LASAN).
How is trash service billed for East LA property owners?
Basic waste collection services for properties within the Belvedere Garbage Disposal District (GDD) are automatically paid for through your annual Los Angeles County real property tax statement. You will not receive a separate monthly bill for basic service.