Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Whittier
Trash Day
Residential trash collection runs Monday through Friday, depending on your neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Collected weekly on the same day as regular trash in the blue container.
Yard Waste
Collected weekly on the same day as regular trash in the green organics container.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day (no earlier than 6:00 PM the evening before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential solid waste services are billed quarterly in advance by Athens Services. Single-family residents are also entitled to 4 free bulky item pickups per year (up to 3 items per collection).
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail
Pro Tip / Discount
A 10% discount is available for eligible seniors (62+ receiving supplemental security income) and active military members. A $5/month discount is also available for low-income households qualifying for the Utility Users Tax Exemption.
Black Bin (Trash)
Use the black 64-gallon cart for general refuse that cannot be recycled or composted. Carts must be removed from the public right-of-way by 6:00 p.m. on the day of collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bathroom waste and diapers
- ✓Cat litter and animal waste
- ✓Rags, sponges, and old clothes
- ✓Soiled paper plates and cigarette butts
- ✓Small amounts of dirt or rocks
- ✓Palm fronds, yucca, and cactus
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Keep recyclables loose, clean, and dry. Residents can request an unlimited number of extra blue recycling containers free of charge by calling Athens Services.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓#1 - #7 plastic containers
- ✓Corrugated cardboard and cereal boxes
- ✓Clean newspapers, junk mail, and magazines
- ✓Empty aerosol cans (no lids)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags or plastic wrap
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Window or safety glass
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Electronic waste
- ✕Light bulbs
Yard Waste Bin
Residents are provided up to two green waste containers for free. Do not put palm fronds, cactus, or dirt in the green bin.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves (loose)
- ✓Food scraps
- ✓Food-soiled paper
- ✓Prunings, weeds, and brush
- ✓Twigs and small branches (under 4 inches in diameter and 2 feet in length)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Four (4) free pickups per year.
Placement
Do not set out items without calling to schedule. Place approved items at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the special collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Appliances
- ✓ Computer monitors and televisions
- ✓ Laptops and printers
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Liquid waste
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Automotive parts
The four annual pickups are entirely free for residential and multi-family premises. Additional collections or exceeding the item limit may result in fees.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Whenever an observed holiday falls on a weekday, all collection services will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics, recycling, and bulky item pickups observe the exact same one-day delay as standard trash collection.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, your standard weekday schedule will not be interrupted.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
MayThe City typically hosts an annual Community Cleanup & Compost Giveaway event at the Whittier Public Parking Lot in May. Residents can safely recycle e-waste, shred documents securely, and take home free compost.
Winter
December - MarchDuring Southern California's rainy season, the Savage Canyon Landfill may temporarily close to the public due to mud and safety hazards. Always call the gatehouse at (562) 698-1223 before planning a trip on a wet day.
Autumn
October - NovemberAs leaves begin to drop, ensure they are placed loosely in your green cart without bags. Do not overstuff the cart or pack the leaves too tightly, as the automated arm requires the debris to fall out freely.
Local Tips & Community Info
Complete Guide to Whittier Trash & Recycling Services
If you are a resident of Whittier, California, maintaining a clean and beautiful neighborhood is a breeze thanks to the local waste management program. Athens Services is the exclusive solid waste hauler for the city, handling everything from household garbage to yard debris. To guarantee a smooth pickup, you will need to roll your bins out the night before or by 6:00 a.m. on your designated collection day. Be sure to position your carts with the wheels facing the curb, leaving about one foot of space between each bin and at least three feet of clearance from parked cars, mailboxes, or other obstacles. The standard single-family residential service includes one black trash cart, up to two green carts for organics, and an unlimited number of blue carts for recycling. If you find yourself consistently needing more space for household refuse, you can request extra black or green containers for an additional monthly fee.
Navigating Your Whittier Recycling and Organics Bins
Whittier is committed to reducing landfill waste and follows California's SB 1383 guidelines for organic recycling. Your blue cart is reserved strictly for clean recyclables. This includes dry paper, flattened cardboard, glass jars, aluminum cans, and basic plastics like beverage bottles and detergent jugs. Keep liquids, food residue, and hazardous materials out of the blue bin. Your green cart is for all organic waste. You can toss in lawn clippings, leaves, weed trimmings, as well as food scraps and 100% plant-fiber-based food-soiled paper. By separating your organics from your regular trash, you help the city achieve its zero-waste goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Never put dirt, rocks, concrete, hot ashes, or medical waste into any of your standard curbside containers.
Bulky Waste Collection and E-Waste Disposal
Got an old mattress or a broken refrigerator taking up space in the garage? The City of Whittier offers a fantastic program for large household items that simply will not fit inside your black trash cart. Residential customers are entitled to four free bulky waste pickups every calendar year, with a maximum of three items allowed per pickup. Acceptable items include couches, rugs, washers, dryers, and electronic waste like old televisions. You must contact Athens Services directly to schedule your bulky item collection ahead of time; do not just leave these heavy items on the curb. In addition to these free scheduled pickups, keep an eye out for seasonal community clean-up events hosted by the city for convenient e-waste, clothing, and paper shredding drop-offs.
Holiday Trash Pickup Schedule and Delays
Trash and recycling collection in Whittier generally runs Monday through Friday, but certain national holidays can shift your regular schedule. Athens Services observes six major holidays throughout the year: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If one of these holidays falls on a weekday, all collections for the remainder of that week will be pushed back by one day. For example, if Thanksgiving is on a Thursday, Thursday's pickup will happen on Friday, and Friday's route will be serviced on Saturday. If the holiday happens to fall on a weekend, your trash collection schedule will not experience any delays.
Discounts and Utility Assistance for Trash Service
Whittier offers a few cost-saving programs for eligible residents to help reduce the financial burden of utility bills. Senior citizens who are at least 62 years old, act as the head of the household, and receive supplemental social security benefits can apply for a 10% discount on their standard trash service. Active military personnel stationed away from home can also receive a 10% discount, provided they still maintain the Whittier property as their primary residence. Additionally, low-income households may qualify for the Utility Users Tax Exemption, which can provide a $5 monthly discount on waste collection fees. Reach out to Athens Services or the Whittier City Clerk's Office to request an application for these money-saving community programs.
Drop-off Facilities
Savage Canyon Landfill
13919 Penn St, Whittier, CA 90602
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an extra recycling or yard waste cart in Whittier?
Whittier residents can request an unlimited number of extra blue recycling carts and up to two green yard waste carts entirely free of charge. Simply contact Athens Services at (888) 336-6100 to request them. Keep in mind that requesting additional black refuse carts will incur a monthly fee.
Can I bring my own trash to the dump?
Yes, Whittier residents with proof of residency can self-haul materials to the Savage Canyon Landfill. The landfill offers a Special Saturday Residential Discount for $20 per visit (up to a 3/4 ton truck) or you can purchase an annual discount permit at City Hall for $42, which grants six discounted entries.
Where should I dispose of e-waste like an old TV or laptop?
You do not need to take e-waste to the landfill. Athens Services provides curbside collection for electronics, including TVs, computers, and microwaves, for Whittier residents. You must call Athens in advance to arrange the pick-up.
What items are not allowed in the green organics cart?
Do not place palm fronds, yucca, cactus, large branches, stumps, dirt, or rocks into your green bin. Additionally, keep out all plastics, including plastic bags, and pet waste. These items belong in the black trash cart.