Residents

Accepted Materials

Paper & Cardboard

• Newspaper, cardboard, mixed paper

• Catalogs and magazines (staples OK)

• Glossy paper, junk mail

• Computer paper

• Cardboard tubes

• Hard & soft cover books

• Corrugated cardboard and thin cardboard (cereal/cracker boxes)

• Shredded paper (must be in stapled/taped paper bags OR tied recyclable plastic bags)

Metal Items

• Aluminum, tin, and metal cans

• Cans from drinks, soup, pet food, vegetables

• Empty aerosol cans

• Wire hangers

• Dry, empty paint cans

Plastic Containers (#1, #2, #5 only)

Examples:

• Water/soda bottles

• Milk jugs

• Shampoo/soap bottles

• Food containers labeled #1, #2, or #5

Glass

• Glass bottles and jars (any color)

Prohibited Items (Do NOT place in Recycling Bin)

• Liquids

• Napkins, tissue paper, food-soiled paper

• Photographs, blueprint carbon, NCR paper

• Styrofoam peanuts or small pieces

• Any plastic item without a number

• Plastics labeled #3, #4, #6, #7

• Glass dishes, mirrors, ceramics, window glass

• Pots, pans, propane/helium tanks

• Scrap metal or construction material

Recycling Tips

• Rinse containers before recycling

• Empty all liquids and remove food residue

• Leave labels and lids on

• Flatten cardboard boxes

• Place items loose in the bin - do NOT bag recyclables

Accepted Materials

Food Waste

• Fruits & vegetables (including pits and shells)

• Coffee grounds and filters

• Dairy products (no liquids)

• Eggshells

• Leftovers and spoiled food

• Meat, poultry, and bones

• Seafood and shellfish

• Greasy pizza boxes

• Food-soiled napkins, paper towels, plates (no plastic coating)

• Paper take-out containers (no plastic coating)

Yard Trimmings

• Grass

• Leaves

• Garden trimmings

• Green plants and weeds

• Wood chips

• Sawdust (untreated wood only)

• Tree branches under 4" diameter and 4' length

Prohibited Items (Do NOT place in Organics Bin)

• Plastic bags (even compostable)

• Metal or nails

• Large ice plant clusters

• Palm fronds or palm branches

• Hot ashes or coals

• Hazardous materials

• Dirt, rocks, construction debris

• Animal waste

• Lumber or treated/painted wood

• Liquids

• Flocked Christmas trees

Accepted Materials

• General household trash

• Plastics #3, #4, #6, #7

• Plastic items mixed with metal, fabric, rubber

• Items labeled “biodegradable”

• Incandescent light bulbs

• Palm fronds

• Large ice plant clusters

• Plywood, pressboard

• Painted, stained, or treated wood

• Diapers and feminine hygiene products

• Multi-material items (composites)

• Juice/soup/soy milk boxes with foil or plastic liners

• Dirty Styrofoam or meat trays

Prohibited Items (Do NOT place in Trash Bin)

• Dirt, rock, sod, concrete

• Construction debris

• Hot ashes

• Liquids

• Electronics

• Hazardous waste (oil, gas, paint, batteries, solvents)

Special Disposal Notes

Liquids

For non-hazardous liquids such as cooking oil:

• Mix with absorbent (kitty litter, sawdust, newspaper, Plaster of Paris)

• Once solidified, place in the trash

• Never pour down drains - can damage plumbing

Extra Capacity

If you need additional trash capacity, call:
Customer Service: (855) 354-5623

The City of Torrance City Council adopted annual increases in refuse collection rates for the next five years beginning July 1, 2023, for all Single-Family Residential, and some Multi-family, customers receiving City refuse collection service.

Large Item Pick-Up (LIPU)

• Large Item Pick-Up must be scheduled in advance. 

• For item limits, preparation requirements, and scheduling instructions, visit the Large Item Pick-Up (LIPU) page.

Dumpsters & Roll-Off Containers

• Dumpster/roll-off rentals must be obtained through a licensed private hauler. 

• Containers placed on City property require a Public Property Encroachment Permit.

  • Email: Community_Development_Dept@TorranceCA.gov

  • Phone: (310) 618-5898 

Alley Container Rates

• Homes with alley service use a shared 300-gallon container.

• Rates are charged at the same rate as a 64-gallon refuse container.

Low-Income Senior / Disabled Discount

Eligibility requirements:

• Must use a 64-gallon refuse cart.

• Must be 62+ years old or permanently disabled.

• Must meet household income limits (see Finance Department).

Applications:

• Call Finance Department - Utility Billing at (310) 618-5830.

• See application and information for Low Income Senior/Disabled Discounts

Requesting Larger Containers

• Residents may request a 64-gallon or 96-gallon trash container.

• The refuse rate is based only on trash container size.

• Recycling and organics containers are free (no monthly charge).

Free Additional Recycling & Organics Containers

• Residents may request up to two additional recycling or organics carts at no cost.

• Delivery fee applies (see below).

Additional Containers (Trash)

• Residents must have a 96-gallon refuse container before requesting an additional refuse container.

• Additional refuse container charges are listed in the Rate Table above.

Delivery Fees

• Standard delivery or replacement fee: $13.48

• Applies to trash, recycling, and organics containers.  

Change Request Rules

• Residents must keep their container(s) for a minimum of 6 months before requesting a size change.

• After requesting a change, residents must leave the cart out in a visible location until exchanged.

Safe Placement Instructions

• Place carts at curb by 7:00 AM on collection day.

• Ensure 3 feet of space between carts.

• Keep carts 5 feet from obstacles (cars, mailboxes, poles).

• Place carts with lid opening facing the street.

• Lids must be fully closed; overfilled carts may not be collected.

• Keep total weight under 200 lbs.

City Ordinance Reminders

• Carts may be placed curbside no earlier than 12 hours before collection.

• Carts must be removed within 12 hours after collection.

• Contamination of recycling/organics may result in fees or rejected service.