562.570.2869
LBRecycles@longbeach.gov
Customer Relations Officer
Department of Public Works
Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Public Works, in partnership with the Long Beach Reuses Coalition and nearly 20 local businesses, is encouraging residents to reduce the use of single-use disposables by participating in the third annual Bring Your Own (BYO) Month, a citywide initiative focused on promoting reusable alternatives, throughout the month of October.
“Bring Your Own Month is a great opportunity for our community to come together to make a real impact,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “By choosing reusable alternatives and supporting local businesses that are doing the same, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable Long Beach.”
As part of BYO Month, the City is encouraging residents to embrace simple, sustainable habits that make a big impact. Reusing is a smart, healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle choice that helps community members save money, reduce their dependence on single-use disposables and protect Long Beach and its beaches by eliminating waste.
BYO Month will kick off with a free screening of the documentary “The Story of Plastic” on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. at the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way.) At this event, attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about and meet the members of the LB Reuses Coalition, whose mission is to activate reuse initiatives and reduce single-use disposables and overall waste through engagement, advocacy and collaboration.
Throughout October, community members, whether they are new to reuse or seasoned advocates, are invited to bring reusable containers, bags, utensils and cups to participating businesses and attend special events, free of cost and focused on waste reduction. At participating businesses and these events, attendees may pick up a stamp card, or download and print one online, and earn stamps for a chance to win sustainability-themed prizes. Community members are also encouraged to follow @LBrecycles on Facebook, Instagram and X for updates, event announcements and business spotlights throughout BYO Month. Participants are also invited to engage with the program by using the hashtag #BYOMonth2025 across social platforms.
“We are excited to bring the community together this October with no-cost events that inspire action around waste reduction and reuse,” said Eric Lopez, Director of Public Works. “Local businesses play a vital role in BYO Month and we’re proud to spotlight those that make it easier for community members who choose sustainable options every day.”
The City encourages community members to reuse by:
- Bringing personal, reusable to-go containers when dining out.
- Grabbing a reusable cup, mug and water bottle.
- Switching to reusable straws.
- Keeping a set of utensils on-hand.
- Bringing a reusable bag when shopping.
To learn more and view a list of participating businesses and special events, visit lbcity.info/BYOmonth.
About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.
For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Department of Public Works visit longbeach.gov/pw and follow @lbpublicworks on Facebook, X and Instagram.