Long Beach Recycles

Yard Trimmings and Food Scraps Collection

The City of Long Beach is phasing in a new program to collect yard trimmings and food scraps in a new green cart. The service is not optional as this is part of Senate Bill 1383, a statewide mandate requiring compliance from all municipalities in an initiative to keep organic materials (yard trimmings and food scraps) out of landfills. 

City-provided green carts will be delivered the week of October 14th to the homes participating in the first phase of the program. Purple recycling carts will be swapped out for new blue recycle carts the same week. Please begin placing your yard trimmings and food scraps in your new green cart upon receipt. Collection of this cart will begin the week of October 21st on the same day that your trash and recycling are collected. The City will continue to roll out this program throughout 2025.

Find out if you are in the first phase!

Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below for more information about yard trimmings and food scraps collection, what items can go in the new green cart, and more. 

Reasons to get excited about the green carts!

• Diversion of organic material from landfills reduces greenhouse gas emissions that trap the sun’s heat, warm the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.
• Your organic material will now create energy and/or compost and will not be landfilled.
• You'll be joining other cities in the state in an effort to reduce the impacts of climate change.

How do I know if I am included in the first phase of the program?

Use the interactive map to determine if your address is within the first phase service area:

View Map

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Senate Bill (SB) 1383?

  SB 1383 is a state law that establishes statewide targets to achieve a 75% reduction of organic waste and recover at least 20% of edible food for human consumption from the landfill. Cities throughout California must meet the new waste reduction standards through organic waste reduction and recycling. Learn more: Laws & Ordinances

• Why is the City phasing in the program?

  The City is phasing in the program in order to ensure the ability to provide adequate education and outreach to each participant and ensure a successful rollout of the program.

• How can I see if my home is in the first phase of the program?

  We attempted to mail information to every residence, but if you did not receive information you can look up your address using the interactive map that can be found at lbcity.info/organicsmap24.

• I am not in the first phase, when can I expect to receive a green cart?

  The City will continue to roll out the program through the end of 2025. Residents in upcoming phases will receive notice of the program and educational materials prior to the service start date.

• I am in the first phase, where can I find more information?

  If you are in the first phase of the program you can find more information by visiting longbeach.gov/lborganics.

• I don't have a green cart yet, how could I reduce food waste from going to the landfill?

  Currently, the City offers free composting workshops and home composting bins at a reduced rate. We also offer free workshops on how to reduce waste at home, including ways to reduce food waste.

• What if my trash and recycling is serviced by a private company?

  Many commercial properties, which include businesses and multi-family dwellings, have already begun to participate in organics (yard trimmings and food scraps) recycling. Some of these properties are not serviced by the City, but by private hauling companies. Residents who live in apartments should receive information from the owners or property managers about organics service at their building. 

  View the list of private trxaash and recycling haulers.

• Why are recycling carts going from purple to blue?

  We are updating our recycling carts color to be compliant with State Law (Senate Bill 1383) which requires that all trash carts must be grey or black, recycling carts must be blue, and organics carts must be green. Purple recycling carts that are collected will be recycled.

• If I compost at home or at community site do I still need a green cart?

  Green carts for organics collection are required for all locations that have trash collection as part of State Law (SB 1383). SB 1383 requires the City to collect all organics, not just those that can be recycled in backyard composting. You can continue composting in your home or on your property. The City’s program will accept other yard trimmings and food scraps that are not recommended for backyard composting, including clean wood waste, larger branches, food soiled paper, and certain food that can attract vermin such as meat and dairy. While these are not recommended for backyard composting, they will be processed for composting by the City’s contractors. As such, these residents will also require organics collection services from the City.

• Will organics service increase my bill?

  There is not currently a charge for this service, however, the City is in the process of completing a cost-of-service study, updating the costs for refuse and recycling collection based on various factors and adding the new residential organics program.