Gray Bin (Trash)
Place your gray automated cart out by 6:00 a.m. on your service day or the night before. Keep a minimum of 2 feet distance between carts and 3 feet from obstructions.
Accepted Items
- ✓Broken glass
- ✓Ceramics
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Pet waste
- ✓Snack bags
- ✓Vacuum bags
- ✓Rubber or garden hoses
- ✓Wire
Blue Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loosely in the blue cart. Never bag recyclables in plastic bags, as they jam sorting machinery.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Clean mixed paper and newspaper
- ✓Cardboard (flattened)
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic containers marked 1-7
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Ceramics
- ✕Window glass
- ✕Mirrors
- ✕Food-soiled paper
- ✕Wax paper
Yard Waste Bin
Use the green organics cart. Food waste can be wrapped in non-wax paper, but absolutely no plastic bags (including biodegradable/compostable bags) are allowed.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Brush and leaves
- ✓Food scraps
- ✓Food-soiled paper
- ✓Halloween pumpkins
- ✓Non-flocked Christmas trees
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Unlimited
Placement
Items are collected on your regular trash day, but you must call EDCO at (562) 597-0608 at least 24 hours prior to pick-up to schedule the service.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Major appliances
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ E-waste (TVs, computers)
- ✓ U-waste (fluorescent tubes, batteries)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household hazardous waste (chemicals, paint)
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Automobile parts (tires, motor oil)
There is no additional charge for La Mirada residents utilizing this service.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a holiday falls on a weekday, service for that day and the remainder of the week will be delayed by one day. If the holiday falls on a weekend, there is typically no delay in service.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling are collected on the exact same delayed schedule as your regular trash.
Even during holiday weeks, please ensure all carts are placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. to guarantee collection.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Wrap Food Scraps in Paper
La Mirada's organics program accepts food scraps wrapped in non-wax paper (like newspaper or brown bags), but absolutely prohibits any plastic bags. Even bags labeled 'compostable' contaminate the load.
Keep E-Waste Out of the Blue Bin
Do not toss batteries, bulbs, or electronics in your trash or recycling carts. La Mirada offers curbside e-waste pickup by appointment—just call EDCO to schedule.
Don't Bag Your Recyclables
Keep materials loose in your blue recycling cart. Bagged recyclables end up in the landfill because recycling sorting facilities cannot process or open plastic bags safely.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - JanuaryDuring the post-holiday season, you can recycle unflocked Christmas trees by placing them in or next to your green organics cart. Remove all lights, ornaments, and stands.
Spring
March - MayLook out for La Mirada’s free paper shredding, e-waste collection, and mulch distribution events held periodically by EDCO to help with spring cleaning.
Year-Round
January - DecemberResidents can request a free kitchen caddy from EDCO to conveniently collect food waste indoors before transferring it to the green curbside cart.
About La Mirada Waste Management
Comprehensive Solid Waste Services in La Mirada
La Mirada residents benefit from an exclusive franchise agreement with EDCO, providing top-tier residential waste collection. Beyond standard weekly curbside service, the city's robust program emphasizes landfill diversion to meet California's stringent environmental standards. Homeowners receive specialized automated carts for trash, commingled recycling, and organics to simplify household waste management and keep neighborhoods beautiful.
Mandatory Organics Recycling and Food Scraps
In compliance with state mandates, La Mirada's green cart program collects both traditional yard trimmings and household food scraps. Residents are encouraged to use a kitchen caddy to collect food waste indoors, which can be wrapped in non-wax paper before being transferred to the green organics bin. Remember, no plastic bags of any kind—even those labeled 'compostable'—are permitted in the organics cart.
Unlimited Bulky Item Collection
One of the standout benefits for La Mirada households is the unlimited bulky item pickup service provided at no additional charge. Whether you are clearing out old furniture, large appliances, or mattresses, you simply need to contact EDCO at least 24 hours before your regular collection day. This highly convenient service helps keep La Mirada clean and effectively prevents illegal dumping.
Proper Disposal of E-Waste and Hazardous Materials
Electronic waste (e-waste) and universal waste (u-waste), such as batteries and fluorescent tubes, must never go into your standard curbside bins. Thankfully, La Mirada residents can schedule dedicated curbside pickups for these items directly through EDCO. For paints, solvents, and other household toxic chemicals, residents are instructed to utilize the EDCO Recycling & Transfer Station in Signal Hill or attend special collection events.
Community Shredding and Mulch Events
To support local sustainability, the City of La Mirada and EDCO periodically host free community events. These gatherings typically feature on-site paper shredding, e-waste collection, and free mulch giveaways. These events provide a secure way to dispose of sensitive documents while offering high-quality compost and mulch for resident landscaping projects, reinforcing the community's commitment to closing the recycling loop.
Drop-off Facilities
EDCO Recycling & Transfer Station
2755 California Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755
Materials Accepted
Permanent S.A.F.E. Collection Center
1400 North Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dispose of a broken television or computer in La Mirada?
La Mirada residents can schedule a free curbside E-Waste and U-Waste pickup by calling EDCO at (562) 597-0608 at least 24 hours before their regular weekly service day.
Is there a limit to how many bulky items I can throw away?
No, EDCO provides unlimited bulky item pickups at no extra charge for La Mirada residents, provided you call to schedule the collection at least 24 hours in advance.
Can I get another green or blue cart if one isn't enough?
Yes, single-family residential customers can request up to two additional green organics carts and additional blue recycling carts at no extra cost by contacting EDCO customer service.
Where can I safely drop off household hazardous waste like paint and pesticides?
Residents can utilize the EDCO Recycling & Transfer Station in Signal Hill on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, or visit the Permanent S.A.F.E. Collection Center in San Pedro on weekends.