Long Beach Recycles

Recycling Guidelines

Do you have questions about the recent recycling program updates and/or postcard you received in the mail? Check out our recycling guidelines and resources below.

Still have questions, we've got answers!
Email us at lbrecycles@longbeach.gov or call us at (562) 570-2850. 

Residents of single-family homes, small apartment/condominium buildings, or businesses that are serviced by the City, can recycle by using City-provided recycling carts/bins. Recyclables are collected each week on the same day as your trash. Carts must be out by 6:00 a.m. Use our online form to report any scavenging activities. Bring carts in within 12 hours after they have been emptied.

How Do I Prepare My Recyclables?

• Make sure all recyclables are EMPTY, CLEAN, and DRY. 
• Do not put plastic bags, food and yard waste, trash, or hazardous waste in your purple recycling cart. 
• Shut your lid to prevent litter and contamination.

What Can I Recycle In My Purple Cart? 

Download the Recycling/Refuse Guidelines List: English, Khmer, Spanish, Tagalog

What Items Go In the Gray Refuse (Trash) Cart? 

Items That Do Not Belong in Your Recycling or Refuse Carts​

The following items should NOT be placed in your recycling and refuse carts. These items require a special collection pickup request or should be disposed of at a hazardous waste collection center or collection event. 

• Bulky or oversized items​ and tires* 
• Used motor oil and filters*
• Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and E-waste 
  

*Please note that a special collection request service for bulky or oversized items and used motor oil and filters are for residents with City-serviced accounts only. If you have a private hauler, please contact them if you would like to utilize this service. 

Resources

To learn more about our curbside recycling program: 

• Attend a Recycle Right LB workshop
• Follow @LBRecycles on  Instagram to find out what can and cannot be recycled in the Purple Cart
• Follow @lbrecycles on Facebook and Twitter for general program updates 
• Email lbrecycles@longbeach.gov