Black Bin (Trash)
Place at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day with lids completely closed.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam egg cartons
- ✓Broken glass or ceramics
- ✓Soiled paper plates
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Pet waste
- ✓Liquid-free garbage
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Containers must be spaced at least 1 foot apart from each other and away from obstructions.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean and dry paper
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Empty plastic jugs and bottles
- ✓Aluminum cans
- ✓Tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (remove lids)
Do NOT Include
- ✕E-waste
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Bubble wrap
- ✕Black plastics
- ✕Batteries
- ✕Clothing
- ✕Hazardous materials
Yard Waste Bin
Do not use plastic bags. Ensure only biodegradable organic material is placed inside the green container.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small branches
- ✓Untreated wood
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Food-soiled paper (100% plant-fiber based only)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
6 free requests per calendar year (maximum 1 per bi-monthly billing cycle).
Placement
Place items on the curb the night before or no later than 5:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup date.
Accepted
- ✓ Refrigerators
- ✓ Stoves
- ✓ Dressers
- ✓ Sofas
- ✓ Washers and dryers
- ✓ Tables and chairs
- ✓ Bundled tree limbs
- ✓ Rolled carpet
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Paint and thinners
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Motor oil
- ✕ Pesticides and herbicides
- ✕ Hypodermic needles
The first 6 requests per year are free. Additional pickups requested within the same billing cycle incur a $25.00 charge per unit of service.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on a weekday (Monday-Friday), collection services for the remainder of the week will be delayed by one day. If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there is no delay.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and yard waste collections are delayed by the exact same one-day rule as regular trash and recycling.
Street sweeping is also delayed by one day if it falls on an observed Athens Services holiday.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Battery Disposal Danger
Never place household batteries in your trash or recycling bins. They can spark and cause dangerous fires in collection trucks. Always tape the battery ends and dispose of them at a designated household hazardous waste facility.
Keep Plastic Bags Out
Plastic bags, film, and bubble wrap tangle the sorting machinery at the recycling facility. Return clean plastic bags to local grocery store drop-off bins instead of tossing them in your blue curbside container.
Beware of 'Compostable' Plastics
Even if a plastic cup or utensil says 'compostable' or 'bio-plastic', it cannot go into your green organics bin in Pomona. Only 100% plant-fiber paper products and actual food or yard waste are accepted.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to JanuaryAthens Services collects holiday trees for three weeks from December 26th through January 16th on your regular pickup day. Remove all ornaments, lights, and stands. Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut in half.
Autumn
October to NovemberDuring the Santa Ana wind season, secure your bin lids tightly and avoid overfilling. High winds can scatter loose trash and recycling throughout Pomona's streets if containers are left open.
Summer
July to SeptemberTo combat foul odors in your green bin during hot Southern California summers, try freezing your food scraps in a reusable container before tossing them into the bin on collection morning.
About Pomona Waste Management
Comprehensive Solid Waste Services in Pomona
Since July 1, 2023, the City of Pomona has partnered with Athens Services as its exclusive franchise hauler for residential, commercial, and multi-family waste collection. This strategic transition brings modernized logistics and robust recycling initiatives to the San Gabriel Valley, helping Pomona comply with strict statewide environmental mandates. Residents benefit from comprehensive curbside pickup, organic waste diversion, and dedicated customer support to keep neighborhoods clean and safe.
Mastering SB 1383 Organics Recycling
California’s SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction law requires all Pomona households to separate organic waste from landfill trash. Under the Athens Services program, your green bin is no longer just for yard trimmings. Residents must now place food scraps, vegetable peelings, meat bones, and 100% plant-fiber food-soiled paper directly into the green organics container. Diverting these materials from landfills significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and produces nutrient-rich compost.
Navigating Pomona's Bulky Item Collection Program
Disposing of large furniture or appliances is incredibly convenient for Pomona residents. The city offers one of the most generous bulky item collection programs in Los Angeles County, providing up to six free pickups per calendar year per household. Whether you're tossing out an old refrigerator, a broken sofa, or bundled tree limbs, you can simply call Athens Services to schedule a curbside pickup on your regular trash day, completely free of charge for your first six requests.
Local Initiatives for a Zero-Waste Future
Beyond standard curbside collection, Pomona champions a 'Zero Waste' vision through various community-driven programs. The city coordinates neighborhood clean-up events, targeted tire recycling drives, and used oil collection initiatives to prevent illegal dumping. By utilizing these local resources, residents can safely dispose of challenging items and actively participate in protecting local waterways and preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding region.
Drop-off Facilities
Puente Hills Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)
13130 Crossroads Pkwy S, City of Industry, CA 91746
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How many free bulky item pickups can Pomona residents request?
Pomona residents are eligible for up to six free bulky item pickups per calendar year (limited to one request per bi-monthly billing cycle). Each pickup can include up to four large items and 10 bundles of wood or carpet. Call Athens Services at (888) 314-0061 to schedule.
What time do my trash containers need to be at the curb?
All containers must be placed curbside by 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Ensure the bins are set against the curb, at least 1 foot apart from each other, and with the lids completely closed.
Can I put food waste in my yard waste container?
Yes! To comply with California's SB 1383, you must place all food scraps, including meat, bones, vegetables, and 100% plant-fiber food-soiled paper, directly into your green organics container along with your regular yard trimmings.
What should I do with old electronic devices and e-waste?
Electronic waste is strictly prohibited in your standard curbside bins. Items like computers, TVs, cell phones, and microwaves contain hazardous components. You must dispose of e-waste through specialized collection events or by dropping them off at a designated Los Angeles County hazardous waste facility.