How to Reduce Waste in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal city known for its diverse communities, bustling port, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Yet, like many urban centers, it faces growing challenges in managing municipal waste. Each year, residents and businesses generate millions of tons of solid waste, much of which ends up in landfills or pollutes local waterways. Reducing waste in Long Beach isn’t just an environmental imperative—it’s a civic responsibility that protects public health, conserves natural resources, and supports a resilient local economy. This comprehensive guide provides actionable, community-tested strategies to help every resident, business owner, and organization in Long Beach significantly cut down on waste production and contribute to a cleaner, greener city.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand Your Waste Stream

Before you can reduce waste, you must understand what kind of waste you’re producing. Long Beach residents generate a mix of household, organic, recyclable, and hazardous materials. The city’s Department of Public Works provides detailed waste composition reports showing that over 60% of residential waste is composed of food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and plastics. Start by conducting a simple waste audit at home or in your business: collect all waste for one week, sort it into categories (recyclables, compostables, landfill, hazardous), and weigh or estimate each pile. This will reveal your biggest waste sources and help prioritize reduction efforts.

2. Switch to Reusable Alternatives

Single-use items account for a massive portion of Long Beach’s waste stream. Plastic bags, disposable coffee cups, takeout containers, and plastic utensils are common culprits. Replace them with durable, reusable options:

• Use cloth or canvas shopping bags instead of plastic bags—keep them in your car or by the door so you never forget them.
• Carry a reusable water bottle. Long Beach has over 50 public water refill stations, including at the Long Beach Convention Center, Pike Outlets, and multiple city libraries.
• Bring your own coffee mug to local cafes. Many, like Blue Bottle Coffee and The Daily Grind, offer discounts for customers who bring their own cups.
• Use glass or stainless steel food containers instead of disposable plastic ones for lunches and leftovers.
• Choose rechargeable batteries over single-use alkaline ones for remote controls, toys, and other electronics.

These small changes, when adopted consistently, eliminate hundreds of disposable items per person annually.

3. Compost Food Scraps and Yard Waste

Food waste makes up nearly 30% of the waste sent to landfills in Long Beach. When organic matter decomposes anaerobically in landfills, it releases methane—a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Long Beach offers a curbside organic waste collection program for all residents. To participate:

• Obtain a free green compost bin from the City of Long Beach Public Works Department via their website or by calling 562-570-2900.
• Place food scraps—including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and bread—into the bin.
• Add yard waste like leaves, grass clippings, and small branches.
• Put the bin out on your regular collection day (check your schedule on the city’s website).

For apartment dwellers without curbside service, the city partners with community compost hubs like the Long Beach Compost Collective, which accepts drop-offs at locations including the Long Beach Botanical Garden and the Eastside Community Center. Composting turns waste into nutrient-rich soil that can be used in home gardens, community plots, or donated to local parks.

4. Recycle Correctly

Recycling is essential, but contamination ruins entire batches. In Long Beach, the recycling program accepts clean paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles, and certain plastics (labeled

1 and #2). To recycle effectively:

• Rinse containers thoroughly—food residue is the top cause of recycling contamination.
• Flatten cardboard boxes to save space and improve processing efficiency.
• Never bag recyclables in plastic; loose items are required for sorting machines.
• Remove lids from bottles and jars; they’re often made of different materials and can jam equipment.
• Do not recycle pizza boxes with grease or food stains—tear off the clean top and recycle that portion.

The city’s “Recycle Right” campaign provides visual guides and mobile alerts to help residents avoid common mistakes. Download the Long Beach Waste Wizard app to scan items and instantly learn how to dispose of them correctly.

5. Donate, Repair, and Reuse Before You Discard

Many items thrown away in Long Beach are still functional. Before tossing something, ask: Can this be repaired? Donated? Repurposed?

• Donate gently used clothing, books, furniture, and electronics to organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or the Long Beach Women’s Center.
• Visit the Long Beach ReUse Center at 3000 E. 20th Street, where salvaged building materials, appliances, and furniture are sold at low cost to the public.
• Join the Long Beach Freecycle Network on Facebook to give away or find free items in your neighborhood.
• Attend monthly Repair Cafés hosted by the Long Beach Sustainability Coalition, where volunteers help fix broken electronics, clothing, and household items for free.

Repairing extends the life of products and reduces demand for new manufacturing—saving energy, water, and raw materials.

6. Reduce Packaging Waste When Shopping

Over-packaging is a major contributor to waste. When shopping, choose wisely:

• Buy in bulk using your own containers at stores like Natural Grocers, Trader Joe’s, or the Long Beach Co-op.
• Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging—avoid individually wrapped snacks or plastic-wrapped produce.
• Support local farmers’ markets, where produce is often sold without packaging. The Saturday Long Beach Farmers Market at 3rd Street and Pine Avenue is a great example.
• Use apps like “Too Good To Go” to purchase surplus food from local restaurants and bakeries at discounted prices, reducing food waste at the source.

By shifting purchasing habits, you signal to businesses that consumers value sustainability—encouraging broader industry change.

7. Eliminate Single-Use Items in Your Business or Organization

Businesses in Long Beach are significant waste generators. Restaurants, offices, retail stores, and schools can make immediate reductions:

• Replace plastic straws and stirrers with paper, bamboo, or metal alternatives.
• Offer discounts for customers who bring reusable containers for takeout.
• Install dishwashers instead of using disposable plates and utensils in cafeterias.
• Switch to digital receipts and invoices to cut down on paper use.
• Set up clearly labeled recycling and compost bins in break rooms and common areas.
• Partner with the City of Long Beach’s Green Business Program to earn certification and public recognition for your sustainability efforts.

Many Long Beach businesses have seen cost savings from reduced supply purchases and lower waste hauling fees after implementing these changes.

8. Educate and Engage Your Community

Waste reduction is most effective when it becomes a collective effort. Start by:

• Hosting a neighborhood clean-up day through the Long Beach Clean & Green Initiative.
• Organizing a “Zero Waste Challenge” with friends, coworkers, or school groups to track waste reduction over 30 days.
• Presenting at local PTA meetings, neighborhood associations, or business chambers about waste reduction strategies.
• Creating a community bulletin board or social media group to share tips, swap items, and celebrate successes.

Education builds long-term behavioral change. The more people understand the impact of their choices, the more likely they are to adopt sustainable habits.

Best Practices

Adopt a “Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot” Hierarchy

Many people rely on recycling as the primary solution, but it’s actually the last resort in the waste hierarchy. Follow this proven order:

1. Refuse—Say no to unnecessary items: freebies, junk mail, plastic samples, single-use packaging.
2. Reduce—Buy less. Choose quality over quantity. Avoid impulse purchases.
3. Reuse—Extend the life of items through repair, repurposing, or sharing.
4. Recycle—Only after you’ve exhausted the above options.
5. Rot—Compost organic materials that can’t be reused.

This approach minimizes environmental impact at every stage and reduces reliance on end-of-life disposal systems.

Plan Meals and Shop Intentionally

Food waste is one of the easiest areas to improve. Plan weekly meals, make a shopping list, and stick to it. Store food properly to extend shelf life—use glass containers, keep herbs in water, and freeze leftovers. Apps like “Mealime” or “Fridge Pal” help track expiration dates and suggest recipes based on what’s already in your pantry. In Long Beach, where access to fresh produce is abundant, buying only what you need reduces both waste and grocery bills.

Choose Products with Circular Design

Support companies that design for durability, repairability, and recyclability. Look for certifications like Cradle to Cradle, Fair Trade, or B Corp. In Long Beach, local brands like EcoVessel (reusable bottles), Beeswax Wraps LA, and The Reuse Shop prioritize sustainable materials and closed-loop systems. Buying from these businesses reinforces market demand for responsible production.

Implement a “Zero Waste at Home” Routine

Establish daily habits that prevent waste before it starts:

• Keep reusable bags, containers, and bottles in your car, purse, and work bag.
• Use washable cloths instead of paper towels.
• Make your own cleaning products using vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
• Turn off lights and unplug devices to reduce energy waste, which indirectly reduces emissions from power plants.
• Set a monthly “waste audit” day to review what you’ve thrown away and adjust habits accordingly.

Consistency turns these actions into automatic behaviors.

Advocate for Systemic Change

Individual actions matter, but policy changes have broader impact. Support Long Beach initiatives like:

• Plastic bag bans and straw restrictions already in place citywide.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws that hold manufacturers accountable for packaging waste.
• Investment in composting infrastructure and anaerobic digesters to process organic waste into renewable energy.
• Public funding for refill stations, repair centers, and community composting hubs.

Attend City Council meetings, sign petitions, and write to your local representatives. Long Beach has a history of progressive environmental policy—your voice can help strengthen it.

Tools and Resources

City of Long Beach Waste Management Services

The City of Long Beach offers a suite of free tools to help residents manage waste responsibly:

• Waste Collection Schedule – View your pickup days for trash, recycling, and organic waste at longbeach.gov/publicworks/waste.
• Long Beach Waste Wizard App – A mobile tool that answers “What do I do with…?” questions for over 500 items. Available on iOS and Android.
• Green Business Program – Free certification and resources for businesses reducing waste, energy, and water use. Visit longbeach.gov/greenbusiness.
• Compost Bin Distribution – Free green bins for all residents. Request one online or by phone.

Local Nonprofits and Community Organizations

• Long Beach Compost Collective – Offers drop-off locations, workshops, and educational outreach. Visit longbeachcompost.org.
• Surfrider Foundation – Long Beach Chapter – Hosts beach clean-ups and campaigns against single-use plastics. Join their monthly events.
• Long Beach Sustainability Coalition – Coordinates Repair Cafés, Zero Waste workshops, and community education programs.
• Long Beach Food Bank – Accepts non-perishable donations and partners with local grocers to rescue surplus food.

Online Tools and Apps

• Too Good To Go – Buy surplus food from local restaurants at a discount.
• Freecycle.org – Give or get free items in your neighborhood.
• RecycleNation – Find recycling centers for electronics, batteries, and hazardous materials.
• Earth911 – Search for recycling locations by item type and zip code.
• Goodwill Donation Tracker – Schedule free pickup for large items like furniture or appliances.

Educational Materials

Free downloadable resources include:

• “Zero Waste Starter Kit” from the City of Long Beach (PDF)
• “How to Compost in an Apartment” guide by the Long Beach Compost Collective
• “Recycling Do’s and Don’ts” posters for schools and offices

All materials are available at longbeach.gov/sustainability.

Real Examples

Case Study 1: The Pike Outlets – A Retail Hub Goes Zero Waste

In 2021, The Pike Outlets, a major shopping destination in Long Beach, launched a comprehensive waste reduction initiative. They replaced all single-use plastics with compostable alternatives, installed 20 new compost bins, and trained all 400+ staff members on waste sorting. They also partnered with local farms to donate food scraps and began composting used cooking oil into biodiesel. Within 18 months, they reduced landfill waste by 72% and saved over $120,000 in waste hauling fees. Today, they are a model for commercial districts nationwide.

Case Study 2: Long Beach Unified School District – Teaching Kids to Waste Less

LBUSD implemented a district-wide “Lunchbox Zero Waste” program in 2022. Students are encouraged to bring reusable lunch containers, utensils, and water bottles. Cafeterias eliminated plastic straws and disposable trays. Food waste is collected and composted on-site at 12 pilot schools. Teachers incorporate waste reduction into science and social studies curricula. Student-led “Green Teams” monitor waste bins and educate peers. The program has diverted over 120 tons of waste from landfills in two years and inspired similar efforts in neighboring districts.

Case Study 3: The Long Beach ReUse Center – Turning Trash into Treasure

Founded in 2019, the ReUse Center collects discarded building materials from demolition sites and resells them at low cost. Items include doors, windows, cabinets, tiles, lumber, and lighting fixtures. Over 2,500 tons of materials have been diverted from landfills since opening. The center also offers free workshops on upcycling and DIY home repair. Local artists use its materials for sculptures, and low-income families find affordable home improvement supplies. It’s a thriving example of circular economy in action.

Case Study 4: A Family’s Journey to Zero Waste in North Long Beach

The Garcia family of North Long Beach reduced their household waste from 4 large trash bags per week to one small bag every two weeks. They achieved this by: composting all food scraps, buying in bulk at the co-op, making their own cleaning products, donating clothes monthly, and refusing plastic packaging. They track their progress on a whiteboard and celebrate milestones with community potlucks. Their story was featured in the Long Beach Press-Telegram and inspired their neighborhood to start a monthly swap event.

FAQs

What happens to my recycling in Long Beach?

Recyclables are collected and taken to the City’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in the Eastside neighborhood. There, machines and workers sort materials by type. Clean, uncontaminated items are baled and sold to manufacturers to be turned into new products. Contaminated loads may be sent to landfill, which is why proper sorting is critical.

Can I recycle pizza boxes?

Only the clean, ungreased top portion. Grease and food residue contaminate paper recycling. Tear off the clean part and recycle it; compost the greasy bottom if you have compost service.

Do I need to remove labels from jars and bottles?

No. Modern recycling facilities can handle labels. Just rinse the container thoroughly to remove food residue.

What can I do with old electronics?

Long Beach hosts quarterly e-waste collection events. You can also drop off electronics at the Long Beach Recycling Center at 3000 E. 20th Street. Never throw electronics in the trash—they contain toxic materials.

Is composting messy or smelly?

Not if done correctly. Keep your compost bin in a cool, shaded area, layer food scraps with dry leaves or paper, and empty it regularly. Odors occur only when meat, dairy, or oily foods are added—these should never go in compost.

What if I live in an apartment without curbside compost?

Drop off food scraps at one of the city’s community compost hubs. The Long Beach Compost Collective has locations at the Botanical Garden, Eastside Community Center, and the Long Beach Public Library Central Branch. You can also join a community garden that accepts compost donations.

How can I get involved in Long Beach’s waste reduction efforts?

Volunteer with Surfrider, attend a Repair Café, join a neighborhood clean-up, or apply to be a Waste Reduction Ambassador through the City’s Sustainability Office. All opportunities are listed on the city’s website.

Are there penalties for improper waste disposal?

Yes. The City of Long Beach can issue fines for placing non-acceptible items in recycling bins or for overflowing trash carts. More importantly, contamination increases processing costs for everyone. Proper disposal helps keep waste services affordable and effective.

Can businesses get help reducing waste?

Absolutely. The Green Business Program offers free consultations, waste audits, and marketing support to businesses that adopt sustainable practices. It’s a great way to attract eco-conscious customers.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to reduce waste?

Thinking recycling is enough. The most effective strategy is refusing unnecessary items in the first place. Buying less, choosing reusable, and reusing what you have has a far greater impact than recycling alone.

Conclusion

Reducing waste in Long Beach is not a one-time task—it’s an ongoing commitment to smarter living, stronger communities, and a healthier planet. Every plastic bag refused, every food scrap composted, every item repaired or donated adds up. The changes you make today, whether as a resident, business owner, student, or parent, ripple outward. They inspire neighbors, influence policy, and protect the coastline that defines our city.

Long Beach has the infrastructure, the resources, and the community spirit to become a national leader in waste reduction. But success depends on participation. Start with one step: download the Waste Wizard app, request a compost bin, or host a clothing swap. Then keep going. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Together, we can turn waste into wisdom, and consumption into care.

Visit longbeach.gov/sustainability to learn more, get involved, and join thousands of others making Long Beach a cleaner, greener place to live.