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
!Contamination Tips
Keep Plastic Bags Out of the Blue Bin
Never bag your recyclables. Film plastics and grocery bags jam the sorting equipment at the Irwindale Material Recovery Facility. Keep your paper, plastic, and glass loose.
Verify Food-Soiled Paper
While you can put food-soiled paper into your green barrel, it must be 100% plant-fiber based. Paper with any petroleum-based plastic, bio-plastic coating, or wax lining belongs in the trash.
Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste
Never place cleaning products, automotive fluids, paint, batteries, or fluorescent bulbs in any of your curbside barrels. These materials require specialized drop-off at an LA County S.A.F.E. Center.
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.
About Monrovia Waste Management
Monrovia’s Closed Loop Organics Recycling Program
In compliance with California’s SB 1383 and AB 1826 mandates, the City of Monrovia partners with Athens Services to maintain a fully integrated organic waste recycling system. Instead of going to a landfill, the food scraps and yard trimmings you place in your green barrel are transported to the American Organics facility. There, the materials are transformed into nutrient-rich compost and mulch, which is then offered back to Monrovia residents during biannual free giveaway events.
Bear-Resistant Trash Barrels for Foothill Residents
Because Monrovia rests right up against the San Gabriel Mountains, local wildlife interactions are common. To prevent bears and other animals from rummaging through residential waste, the city offers specialized bear-resistant trash barrels. Residents living in prone neighborhoods can submit an Athens Bear Resistant Trash Barrel Agreement to upgrade their containers and help keep the community and local wildlife safe.
Wildfire Prevention: High Fire Zone Brush Clearance
Monrovia’s unique geography requires proactive wildfire management. To support this, Athens Services provides a dedicated brush clearance hauling program exclusively for residents in the city's designated high fire zones. Taking place annually between May 1 and June 30, this essential service allows homeowners to easily clear away highly flammable vegetation at no additional cost.
Exclusive Franchise with Athens Services
Athens Services serves as the exclusive franchised waste hauler for the City of Monrovia, providing comprehensive residential, multi-family, and commercial refuse collection. Whether you need an extra bulky item picked up or have questions about what goes in the blue bin, all billing, container requests, and customer service inquiries are routed directly through Athens' regional centers.
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.