Garbage removal is an essential service for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Pasadena’s Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) system, designed to encourage recycling and minimize waste sent to landfills.
Understanding Pasadena’s Pay-As-You-Throw System
Pasadena’s PAYT program, implemented in 1999, applies to single-family homes and multi-family units with four or fewer residents. This system directly links your garbage bill to the amount of trash you discard, incentivizing recycling and waste reduction. The more you recycle, the less you’ll pay for Garbage Removal Service.
Why Pay-As-You-Throw?
This program offers significant environmental benefits and helps Pasadena comply with state-mandated waste reduction goals (AB939), aiming to divert 50% of waste from landfills. By reducing landfill reliance, the city avoids hefty fines and extends the lifespan of the Scholl Canyon Landfill. Your participation in this garbage removal service is crucial to achieving these objectives.
Managing Your Garbage Removal Service
Pasadena residents receive three separate containers for efficient waste sorting:
- Green Lid: Mixed waste (general trash)
- Blue Lid: Recyclable materials
- Black Lid: Yard waste
You can adjust your mixed waste container size or reduce the number of containers once per year without charge. Subsequent changes or size increases within a year incur a fee. Customer service representatives can assist you in selecting the optimal container size (32, 60, or 100 gallons) for your household’s garbage removal needs. Additional recycling and yard waste containers are available upon request.
Scheduling Extra Pickups and Bin Rentals
For occasional large disposals, consider a temporary bin rental for a one-time garbage removal service. This option costs $92.95 and requires at least one week’s advance booking. Alternatively, you might adjust your regular service level.
Collection Schedule and Recycling Importance
Your regular collection day remains unchanged under the PAYT system. Trash, recycling, and yard waste are collected on the same day, although not concurrently. Ensure containers are retrieved from the curb after collection. Recycling plays a vital role in meeting state-mandated diversion targets, reducing landfill strain, conserving resources, and minimizing your garbage removal service costs.
Recycling Guidelines: What Goes in the Blue Bin?
Acceptable recyclable materials include: emptied aerosol cans, beverage and food cans, flattened cardboard, glass containers, junk mail, cereal boxes, flattened newspapers, paper of any color, plastics labeled 1 or 2, telephone books, and magazines.
Motor Oil Recycling: A Special Case
While motor oil is recyclable, it requires separate handling. The city offers curbside collection for used oil, with specific requirements: pre-scheduled appointments, city-provided containers (maximum two 1-gallon containers per week).
Yard Waste Recycling Guidelines
Your yard waste container accepts grass clippings, leaves, weeds, branches (under 4 feet long and 3 inches in diameter), and bagged food waste (including fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy). Ensure the lid is closed. Prohibited items include palm fronds, bamboo, plastic, dirt, cactus, tree stumps, large branches, street sweepings, ashes, animal waste, lumber, logs, garden hoses, and broken flowerpots.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Hazardous materials (e.g., batteries, paint, aerosols, pesticides, vehicle fluids) are strictly prohibited from all garbage removal containers. Pasadena collaborates with Los Angeles County’s hazardous waste recovery program. Consult the county’s resources for disposal information and scheduled round-up events.
Christmas Tree Recycling
A dedicated program handles Christmas tree recycling. Residents receive notifications regarding scheduled pickup dates. Trees must be curbside by the designated time, free of decorations, metal stands, and placed on the curb, not in alleys.
Dumpster Rental Information
Pasadena offers 3 cubic yard dumpster rentals for city residents. These rentals last one week and cost $92.91 per load. Prohibited items include construction materials, electronic waste, and hazardous waste. Consult the city’s resources for appropriate disposal options for these materials. Note that the temporary bin program is suspended from December 20th, 2024, to February 3rd, 2025, so plan accordingly.
By understanding and actively participating in Pasadena’s garbage removal service program, you contribute to a cleaner, healthier city and a more sustainable future.
