Long Beach Recycles

Business Recycling FAQs

• How can recycling save my business money?

  Recycling can reduce waste disposal costs by reducing the number of trash bins your business needs or the frequency the trash need to be collected. 

• What if I want a bigger/smaller recycling container?

  If you have city-serviced refuse collection, it’s easy to make new arrangements for recycling. The city provides free purple recycling carts. For assistance call (562) 570-2876 or fill out this online form. If a private hauler provides refuse collection, contact your hauler to make arrangements for setting up collection of recyclables or changing the size of your bins/carts.

• Do I have to recycle at my business?

  Yes, effective July 1, 2012, State Law AB 341 made recycling mandatory for commercial businesses generating at least four cubic yards of waste per week, as well as all multi-family residential properties.

• Do I have to recycle food waste at my business?

  Effective January 1, 2017, any business that generates four or more cubic yards of organic waste per week is required to add organics recycling service for food waste. For more information on how to comply with this State law, learn more here. 

• What if someone is scavenging my recyclables?

  If you see someone scavenging through recycling carts, call the Long Beach Police Department at (562) 435-6711.

• Does all of my trash and recyclables have to fit inside of the cart/bin?

  Yes, your trash and recycling must fit in the appropriate receptacle with the lid closed. If an additional cart or larger cart/bin is required for your business, contact your private waste hauling or, if you have City refuse service, make a request through the calling (562)-570-2876.

• How can I educate my staff about recycling?

  Use the resources provided here for signs and other information to distribute to your employees/tenants.

• There is graffiti on my trash/recycling carts or bins, what do I do?

  If you receive trash service from a private trash hauling company, report the graffiti to the private hauler, who will clean or replace your container.
  If you have City-serviced trash collection, report the graffiti online here, report the graffiti using the GOLongBeach App, or call (562)570-2876.

• Who are the permitted private haulers within the city?

  View the permitted private hauler list.