Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Monrovia
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.
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential waste and recycling services in Monrovia are contracted through Athens Services, while municipal utility bills manage city water, sewer, and storm drain services.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Discounts are available for seniors (62+), low-income households, and veterans through the City's Municipal Utility Services Discount program. Residents can also reduce costs by downsizing to 30- or 60-gallon carts.
Black or Gray Bin (Trash)
All trash should be contained within the barrel. Place barrels on the curb the night before collection or by 6:00 AM on your service day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable household waste
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Pet waste
- ✓Treated wood
- ✓Broken ceramics or glass
- ✓Cacti and succulents
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Keep recyclables loose, dry, and clean. Do not bag your recyclables, and ensure all containers are completely empty of liquids before tossing.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean and dry paper
- ✓Flattened cardboard and clean pizza boxes
- ✓Plastic beverage and detergent jugs (plastics 1-7, excluding 3 and 6)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (no lids)
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam (foam #6)
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Electronics and batteries
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires)
Yard Waste Bin
Food waste must be placed directly into the green organics barrel alongside yard trimmings to comply with state composting laws.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Tree branches and pruning waste
- ✓All food waste (meat, bones, dairy, bread, fruits, vegetables)
- ✓100% plant-fiber based food-soiled paper (no wax or plastic lining)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
2 free pickups per calendar year
Placement
Do not put items on the curb until you receive confirmation from a customer service representative. Once confirmed, place items next to your trash barrels the night before your scheduled collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and sofas
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Major household appliances
- ✓ Bundled tree branches (no longer than 4 feet)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Concrete or asphalt
- ✕ Vehicle parts and tires
If you exceed your two free annual pickups, or if you need commercial/multi-family large item removals, additional charges will apply when scheduling through Athens.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your normal collection day falls on or after one of the observed holidays, your service will be pushed back by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling follow the same holiday delay schedule as standard trash collection.
If an observed holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there is generally no disruption to the regular weekday residential collection schedule.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Late Spring / Early Summer
May - JuneAthens Services operates a specialized brush clearance hauling program for Monrovia properties located in high fire hazard zones to help mitigate local wildfire risks.
Year-Round Events
BiannualThe City of Monrovia Public Works department hosts two free compost and mulch giveaway events each year, distributing the processed organics back to the community.
Local Tips & Community Info
Waste Collection Along the Foothills
Nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains, Monrovia faces unique environmental considerations when it comes to refuse collection. The city contracts exclusively with Athens Services to handle all residential garbage, recycling, and organic matter. Because local wildlife, particularly black bears, frequently wander into residential neighborhoods looking for meals, residents in designated foothill zones can request specialized bear-resistant barrels. If you are a new resident looking to activate your Athens Services account or need to inquire about bear-proof cart options, you should contact their local customer care office directly at (888) 336-6100.
Strict Curbside Timings and Street Sweeping
Timing is everything on trash day. Athens requires all barrels to be wheeled to the curb by 6:00 AM. However, city ordinance prohibits leaving them out overnight too early; carts should not be placed on the street before 5:00 PM the evening prior. Furthermore, all empty bins must be returned to your property by 8:00 PM on collection day. It is vital to keep your carts from obstructing the gutter line, as Monrovia conducts weekly street sweeping. Placing bins onto the sidewalk or pushing them deep into the driveway ensures the sweepers can effectively clean the roads.
Sorting Your Household Waste Properly
Every household utilizes a standard three-color cart system. The black container is for regular landfill trash. The blue cart is strictly for recyclable materials like clean glass, aluminum cans, and unsoiled cardboard. To comply with California's SB 1383 mandates, the green barrel is designated for all organic waste. This includes lawn clippings, leaves, and all food scraps such as meat, dairy, and vegetable peelings. Keeping contamination out of the blue and green carts is essential, as Athens drivers actively monitor loads and will leave a non-collection tag if improper items are detected.
Discarding Oversized Household Goods
Do not illegally dump old couches or broken appliances in neighborhood alleyways. Athens Services provides Monrovians with a highly convenient bulky item pickup program. Residents can arrange for the removal of large items such as mattresses, refrigerators, and bundled yard waste that exceeds the green cart's capacity. These collections must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling the Athens customer service line or submitting an online request. Be advised that electronic waste requires special handling and should be explicitly mentioned when booking your appointment.
Holiday Schedule Adjustments
Athens Services recognizes six major holidays throughout the calendar year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. When any of these observed dates lands on a weekday, all subsequent collections for that week will slide back by exactly one day. For example, a Tuesday holiday means Tuesday routes are collected on Wednesday, Wednesday routes on Thursday, and so forth, culminating in Friday routes being picked up on Saturday. Regular routing resumes the following Monday.
Drop-off Facilities
Athens Services Irwindale Office Center
4777 Irwindale Ave, Irwindale, CA 91706
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request a bear-resistant trash barrel in Monrovia?
Because of active wildlife in the San Gabriel Mountain foothills, Monrovia residents can request special bear-resistant barrels. To get one, you must fill out the Athens Bear Resistant Trash Barrel Agreement, which is available via the city's Public Works website.
What items are allowed in my green organics bin under SB 1383?
In addition to standard yard waste like leaves and branches, you must place all food scraps (including meat, dairy, and bones) and 100% plant-fiber based food-soiled paper directly into your green barrel for composting.
Does Monrovia offer any special services for properties in high fire zones?
Yes. Between May 1 and June 30 each year, Athens Services provides a brush clearance hauling service specifically for homes located in Monrovia's high fire danger zones at no extra cost, helping residents maintain safe defensible space.
How do I schedule my free bulky item pickup?
Residents can schedule their two free annual pickups by calling Athens Services at (888) 336-6100 or submitting a request online. You must wait for confirmation before bringing any large items like furniture or appliances to the curb.