Black Bin (Trash)
All non-hazardous, non-recyclable solid waste goes in the black cart. Carts must be placed at the curb with wheels against the curb, spaced one foot apart, by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Diapers and bathroom waste
- ✓Palm fronds and yucca leaves
- ✓Cactus and succulents
- ✓Pet waste and kitty litter
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and styrofoam
Blue Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be empty, clean, and dry. Do not place items inside plastic bags; toss them loosely into the blue cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1, #2, and #5 (bottles, jugs, clean tubs)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Clean cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Junk mail and newspaper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags or film
- ✕Food-soiled paper (pizza boxes)
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Electronics and batteries
Yard Waste Bin
No plastic bags, bioplastics, or 'compostable' plastic utensils. Food scraps and yard trimmings must be placed directly into the green cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Tree branches (under 6 inches in diameter)
- ✓Food scraps (meat, bones, dairy, bread, veggies)
- ✓100% plant-fiber food-soiled paper
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Available upon request (part of the exclusive franchise enhanced services).
Placement
Place bulky items curbside next to your carts by 7:00 a.m. on your designated collection day. Do not block the sidewalk or street access.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas, chairs, and furniture
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Refrigerators, washers, and water heaters
- ✓ Electronic waste (TVs, monitors, microwaves)
- ✓ Bundled tree branches (max 4 feet long)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household hazardous waste (paint, motor oil, cleaners)
- ✕ Construction debris (concrete, dirt, asphalt)
- ✕ Car batteries and pool chemicals
- ✕ Tires
Bulky item pickups are free for South Whittier residential customers, provided they are scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling Athens Services.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on a weekday, collection services will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as standard trash.
If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there is no delay in your normal collection schedule.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Palm Fronds and Cacti Belong in the Trash
Unlike grass and leaves, palm fronds, yucca, and succulents do not break down properly in municipal composting facilities. Always throw these fibrous or water-retaining plants into your black landfill cart, never the green one.
Keep Plastic Bags Out of the Blue Bin
Never bag your recyclables. Thin plastic bags and shrink wrap easily tangle and jam the sorting gears at the Materials Recovery Facility. Leave your bottles and cans loose in the blue bin.
Avoid Bioplastics in the Compost
Even if a plastic cup or utensil is labeled 'compostable' or 'biodegradable,' do not put it in your green organics cart. The facility can only process 100% plant-fiber paper materials and natural food/yard waste.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - JanuaryAthens Services offers free curbside holiday tree recycling starting the day after Christmas. Remove all stands, ornaments, and tinsel. Flocked trees are accepted. Simply place the tree next to your bins on your regular pickup day.
Spring
March - MaySpring is prime time for yard work. If your 96-gallon green cart overflows with seasonal trimmings, South Whittier residents can utilize their new contract perks to request an excess green waste pickup with 24 hours' notice.
Summer
June - AugustTo prevent your organics cart from attracting pests during the hot Southern California summers, layer your food scraps between dry yard waste like leaves or grass clippings, and keep the cart stored in a shaded area.
About South Whittier Waste Management
New Franchise Trash Contract with Athens Services
In a major shift for waste management, the unincorporated area of South Whittier recently transitioned to a new 12-year exclusive residential franchise contract. As of September 1, 2025, Athens Services took over all standard refuse, recycling, and organic waste collection, replacing the previous haulers, Universal Waste Systems (UWS) and Ware Disposal. This county-led initiative standardizes neighborhood collection using a three-cart system while expanding special collection offerings.
Enhanced Bulky Item and Excess Waste Collection
Under the new Athens Services contract negotiated by Los Angeles County Public Works, South Whittier residents receive highly beneficial enhanced waste services. Beyond standard weekly pickups, households can request free bulky item collections, excess trash removal, and excess green waste pickups simply by contacting customer service at least 24 hours in advance of their regular service day, keeping local streets free of illegal dumping.
Compliance with SB 1383 for Organic Waste
To fight landfill methane emissions in alignment with California's SB 1383, South Whittier's waste program now heavily emphasizes organic recycling. Every residential household is provided with a 96-gallon green cart designated specifically for combined green waste and food scraps. Residents must place all food waste—including meat, bones, and food-soiled paper—directly into this cart, diverting vital organics away from standard landfills.
Smart Gardening and Local Sustainability
Los Angeles County actively promotes sustainability right in the heart of South Whittier. The South Whittier Library on Colima Road frequently hosts 'Smart Gardening' workshops free of charge. These expert-led county events teach residents practical environmental skills, including backyard composting, worm composting (vermicomposting), grasscycling, and water-wise gardening techniques specifically tailored to the Southern California climate.
Drop-off Facilities
Puente Hills Materials Recovery Facility (PHMRF)
13130 Crossroads Pkwy S, City of Industry, CA 91746
Materials Accepted
EDCO Environmental Collection Center (HHW Drop-off)
2755 California Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides trash service for South Whittier?
As of September 1, 2025, Athens Services is the exclusive residential waste hauler for the unincorporated community of South Whittier, operating under a contract negotiated by Los Angeles County Public Works.
How do I schedule a bulky item pickup in South Whittier?
Residential customers can schedule a free bulky item pickup for items like mattresses, couches, or large appliances by calling Athens Services at (800) 336-6100. You must call at least 24 hours before your normal collection day to secure a spot.
Where should I throw away palm fronds and cactus clippings?
Palm fronds, yucca leaves, cacti, and other succulents must be placed in your black landfill cart. They are too fibrous or retain too much water to be processed properly in the green organics cart.
Does my collection day change on holidays?
Yes, but only for six major holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If the holiday falls on a weekday, service is pushed back by one day for the rest of the week.