How to Start Recycling in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a coastal city known for its vibrant culture, scenic waterfront, and growing commitment to environmental sustainability. As urban populations expand and waste generation increases, responsible waste management has become more critical than ever. Recycling is one of the most effective ways individuals and households can reduce landfill burden, conserve natural resources, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Starting recycling in Long Beach may seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and tools, it’s a straightforward, impactful process that anyone can adopt. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know to begin recycling effectively in Long Beach—from understanding local regulations to selecting the right bins and avoiding common mistakes.

Recycling isn’t just about tossing a plastic bottle into a blue bin. It’s about understanding what materials are accepted, how to prepare them properly, and how to make recycling a consistent, seamless part of your daily routine. In Long Beach, the Department of Public Works manages curbside recycling services for residents, and the city has made significant strides in promoting waste diversion through education, infrastructure, and community programs. Whether you live in a single-family home, an apartment complex, or a mixed-use building, this guide will help you navigate the system with confidence and contribute meaningfully to Long Beach’s sustainability goals.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand Long Beach’s Recycling Program

Before you begin recycling, it’s essential to understand how the city’s program operates. Long Beach offers curbside recycling collection for single-family homes and multi-family dwellings with up to four units. Collection occurs weekly, typically on the same day as your trash pickup. The city provides a 95-gallon blue recycling cart to each eligible household. This cart is used for all accepted recyclable materials. Multi-family properties with five or more units may have centralized recycling bins managed by property owners or managers, but residents still play a key role in proper sorting.

The program follows a single-stream recycling model, meaning you can place all accepted recyclables—paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass—into the same bin without sorting them into separate categories. However, this convenience comes with a caveat: contamination is the leading cause of recycling rejection. Items that are dirty, non-recyclable, or improperly prepared can contaminate entire loads, causing them to be diverted to landfills. Understanding what can and cannot be recycled is the first step toward success.

Step 2: Identify Accepted Recyclables

Long Beach accepts a wide range of materials, but not everything that looks recyclable actually is. Here’s a clear breakdown of what goes in your blue cart:

• Paper: Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, office paper, junk mail, and paperboard (like cereal boxes). Remove any plastic windows from envelopes.
• Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard boxes. Flatten them to save space. Remove tape and packing materials.
• Plastics: Bottles, jugs, tubs, and jars labeled with resin codes

  1 through #7. Rinse thoroughly. Remove lids if they are made of a different material (e.g., metal lids on glass jars). Do not include plastic bags, Styrofoam, or plastic utensils.

• Metal: Aluminum and steel cans, including food and beverage containers. Rinse clean. Flatten if possible to save space.
• Glass: Bottles and jars of any color. Rinse and remove lids. Do not include mirrors, ceramics, or light bulbs.

These items must be empty, clean, and dry. Food residue, grease, or liquids can contaminate paper and cardboard, rendering them unrecyclable. For example, a pizza box with grease stains should have the clean top portion recycled, while the greasy bottom goes in the trash.

Step 3: Prepare Your Materials Properly

Preparation is the difference between successful recycling and contamination. Follow these key steps:

1. Rinse containers: Give bottles, jars, and cans a quick rinse to remove food or liquid residue. A quick swish with dishwater is sufficient—no need for a full wash.
2. Flatten cardboard: Break down boxes to reduce volume and make collection more efficient. Remove any non-recyclable materials like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or plastic tape.
3. Remove non-recyclable parts: Plastic lids on glass jars should be discarded unless they are made of the same material. Metal lids on glass jars can be placed inside the jar before recycling. Remove plastic liners from cereal boxes.
4. Keep items loose: Do not bag recyclables in plastic bags. Plastic bags clog sorting machinery and are not accepted in curbside recycling. Place items directly into the blue cart.

When in doubt, leave it out. Contamination is the number one reason recycling streams fail. A single greasy pizza box or plastic bag can cause an entire truckload to be rejected. It’s better to err on the side of caution.

Step 4: Set Up Your Recycling Station

Creating a dedicated recycling station at home makes the process easier and more consistent. Choose a convenient location—under the sink, in the garage, or next to your trash can. Use a small bin or basket to collect recyclables throughout the week. Label it clearly to avoid confusion. Consider using separate containers for paper and containers if space allows, even though single-stream is accepted. This helps reduce contamination and makes it easier to sort before pickup.

For households with limited space, such as apartments, use stackable bins or under-counter organizers. Many residents find that keeping a small countertop bin for quick disposal of bottles and cans during meal prep significantly increases participation rates.

Step 5: Schedule and Follow Collection Days

Recycling is collected weekly in Long Beach, but the exact day depends on your address. To find your collection schedule, visit the City of Long Beach Department of Public Works website and use their online tool by entering your street address. Alternatively, you can call the city’s recycling hotline for assistance.

Place your blue cart at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day. Ensure it’s at least three feet away from obstacles like mailboxes, trees, or parked cars. Do not overfill the cart—materials should not stick out above the rim. If your cart is full, you can request an additional cart or use a reusable bag labeled “RECYCLING” for extra items (but never in plastic bags).

During holidays, collection may be delayed by one day. The city publishes a holiday schedule annually, so check for updates around major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Step 6: Handle Special Materials

Some materials cannot go in your blue cart but still require responsible disposal:

• Electronics: TVs, computers, printers, and small appliances can be dropped off at the City of Long Beach Household Hazardous Waste Facility or during scheduled e-waste collection events.
• Batteries: Rechargeable and single-use batteries must be taken to designated drop-off locations, such as Home Depot, Best Buy, or the HHW facility. Never place batteries in curbside recycling.
• Paint and chemicals: Latex paint can be dried out and disposed of in the trash. Oil-based paint, solvents, and other hazardous materials require drop-off at the HHW facility.
• Textiles: Clean clothing, shoes, and linens can be donated to local thrift stores or dropped off at textile recycling bins located around the city.
• Plastic bags and film: These include grocery bags, bread bags, and shipping envelopes. They are not accepted curbside but can be returned to participating retailers like Target, Walmart, or Ralphs.

Always check the city’s website for updated drop-off locations and event calendars. Special collection events for items like mattresses, tires, and furniture are held periodically and are free for residents.

Step 7: Educate Your Household

Recycling is most effective when everyone in the home participates. Children, roommates, and visitors may not be familiar with local rules. Create a simple visual guide with pictures of accepted and non-accepted items and post it near your recycling station. Use color-coded bins or labels to make sorting intuitive. Make recycling a routine—just like taking out the trash. Set a weekly reminder on your phone to check the cart before collection day.

For families with young children, turn recycling into a game. Reward participation with stickers or small incentives. Schools in Long Beach often have recycling programs—encourage your kids to bring home what they learn and apply it at home.

Best Practices

Minimize Contamination at All Costs

Contamination is the biggest threat to the success of recycling programs. Even small amounts of food waste, liquids, or non-recyclable plastics can ruin an entire batch. Always rinse containers, remove lids when necessary, and never bag recyclables. When in doubt, throw it out—or better yet, avoid it in the first place by choosing products with minimal packaging.

Reduce Before You Recycle

Recycling is important, but reduction and reuse are even more effective. Before you recycle, ask: Can I avoid this item entirely? Can I refill, repair, or repurpose it? Use reusable shopping bags, water bottles, coffee cups, and food containers. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Choose products made with recycled content to support a circular economy.

Stay Updated on Rules

Recycling guidelines can change based on market demand, processing technology, and environmental regulations. The City of Long Beach updates its recycling rules periodically. Subscribe to the Department of Public Works newsletter or follow their social media channels for announcements. Changes may include new accepted items or discontinued materials.

Use the Right Bin for the Right Material

Never mix recycling with trash or yard waste. Each bin has a specific purpose. Yard trimmings go in the green organics cart. Trash goes in the black cart. Recycling goes in the blue cart. Mixing these streams creates confusion and increases processing costs. If you’re unsure, consult the city’s online waste guide.

Participate in Community Initiatives

Long Beach hosts several community recycling events throughout the year, including free shredding days, electronics recycling drives, and clean-up campaigns. Participating not only helps the environment but also connects you with neighbors who share your values. Volunteer opportunities are available through local nonprofits like Heal the Bay and the Long Beach Green Business Program.

Advocate for Better Packaging

As a consumer, your voice matters. Support businesses that use minimal, recyclable, or compostable packaging. Write to manufacturers asking them to reduce plastic use or switch to sustainable materials. Consumer pressure has led many companies to reformulate packaging—your actions can help drive industry-wide change.

Tools and Resources

City of Long Beach Waste and Recycling Portal

The official website—longbeach.gov/waste—is your primary resource. It features:

• Interactive collection schedule lookup
• Alphabetical list of accepted and non-accepted items
• Drop-off location map for hazardous waste, electronics, and textiles
• Downloadable recycling guides in multiple languages
• Calendar of upcoming events and collection changes

The site is mobile-friendly and regularly updated, making it the most reliable source for accurate information.

Recycle Coach App

Long Beach partners with Recycle Coach, a free mobile app that sends personalized reminders for collection days, provides sorting guides, and answers common questions with a searchable database. Download the app from your smartphone’s app store and enter your address to activate local guidelines. It includes push notifications for holiday delays and special collection alerts.

Blue Cart and Additional Services

If you don’t have a blue recycling cart, contact the Department of Public Works to request one. Residents of multi-family properties should ask their property manager to request bins through the city’s multi-family recycling program. If you generate more recyclables than your cart can hold, you can request a second cart at no additional cost.

Local Drop-Off Centers

For items not accepted curbside, these locations are invaluable:

• Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 4100 E. Willow St., Long Beach. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Long Beach Recycling Center: 4100 E. Willow St. Accepts metals, cardboard, and clean plastics.
• Textile Recycling Bins: Located at libraries, community centers, and retail stores across the city.
• Electronics Recycling: Hosted monthly at the HHW facility and select retailers.

Community Organizations and Educational Programs

Several nonprofits and city departments offer educational workshops, school programs, and volunteer opportunities:

• Long Beach Green Business Program: Recognizes and supports businesses that adopt sustainable practices.
• Heal the Bay: Offers beach clean-up events and ocean conservation education.
• Long Beach Public Library: Hosts free recycling and sustainability workshops for all ages.
• Long Beach Unified School District: Implements recycling education in elementary and middle schools.

Online Tools and Printable Guides

Download and print the official “What Goes Where?” guide from the city’s website. Keep it taped to your fridge or recycling station. The guide includes visual examples of accepted items and common contaminants. Many residents find this visual aid significantly reduces sorting errors.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Martinez Family

The Martinez family lives in a single-family home in the Naples neighborhood. Before starting recycling, they tossed everything into one trash bin. After attending a free community workshop hosted by the city, they set up a small recycling station under their kitchen sink. They began rinsing containers, flattening boxes, and checking the collection calendar weekly. Within three months, their trash volume dropped by 40%. They now compost food scraps using a countertop bin and donate old clothes to a local thrift store. Their daughter, age 8, proudly checks the recycling guide before placing anything in the bin. The family has become advocates in their neighborhood, sharing tips with neighbors and organizing a monthly clean-up at the nearby park.

Example 2: The Pacific Towers Apartment Complex

Pacific Towers is a 12-unit apartment building in the Belmont Shore area. Initially, recycling bins were poorly labeled and rarely emptied. Residents were confused about what could be recycled. The property manager contacted the city’s multi-family recycling program and received free, clearly labeled recycling bins. They posted visual guides in the lobby and sent out monthly reminders via email. Within six months, recycling participation rose from 25% to 80%. The building was recognized by the Long Beach Green Business Program for its efforts. Residents now take pride in their environmental impact and even suggest improvements, like adding a compost bin.

Example 3: The College Student’s Apartment

A student living in a small studio near CSULB had limited space and little knowledge of recycling. She started using the Recycle Coach app, which sent her weekly reminders. She kept a small bin next to her desk for cans and bottles and rinsed them with leftover dishwater. She returned plastic bags to Target and dropped off old electronics at the HHW facility during a weekend event. She discovered that her favorite coffee shop offered discounts for bringing a reusable cup. Within a year, she reduced her personal waste by 60% and inspired three roommates to follow suit. She now volunteers with the campus sustainability club.

Example 4: The Local Restaurant

A family-owned taco shop in Downtown Long Beach switched from disposable plastic containers to compostable ones and began separating recyclables. They partnered with a local waste hauler that provides specialized bins for food service establishments. They trained staff to rinse containers and separate materials. They now divert over 80% of their waste from landfills. Customers notice and appreciate the effort—many leave positive reviews mentioning the restaurant’s eco-friendly practices. The business has seen increased foot traffic from environmentally conscious diners.

FAQs

Can I recycle pizza boxes in Long Beach?

You can recycle the clean, non-greasy top portion of a pizza box. If the bottom is heavily stained with grease or cheese, tear it off and put it in the trash. Grease contaminates paper fibers and prevents recycling.

What happens if I put the wrong item in my recycling cart?

Contaminated loads may be rejected and sent to the landfill. If your cart is found to have excessive contamination, you may receive a notice on your cart explaining the issue. Repeated contamination can lead to collection suspension until the problem is corrected.

Do I need to remove labels from jars and bottles?

No. Labels and adhesives are removed during the recycling process. Just rinse the container and place it in the bin.

Can I recycle plastic bags in my blue cart?

No. Plastic bags and film cause serious problems at recycling facilities. They tangle in machinery and shut down operations. Return them to designated bins at grocery stores instead.

What about Styrofoam?

Styrofoam (polystyrene foam) is not accepted in Long Beach’s curbside program. It’s difficult to recycle and often ends up as litter. Avoid purchasing products packaged in Styrofoam. Some local drop-off centers accept it for specialized recycling—check the city website for updates.

Are wine corks recyclable?

Natural corks can be composted or dropped off at select locations like Whole Foods. Synthetic corks are not recyclable and should go in the trash.

Can I recycle broken glass or mirrors?

No. Broken glass and mirrors are hazardous and not accepted. Wrap them securely in paper and place them in the trash. Never put them in the recycling cart.

Do I need to rinse yogurt containers?

Yes. Rinse out any remaining yogurt. Food residue can attract pests and contaminate paper products in the recycling stream.

What if I miss my collection day?

Missed collections are not automatically picked up the next day. Contact the Department of Public Works to schedule a special pickup. To avoid this, always set a reminder and place your cart out the night before.

Is recycling free in Long Beach?

Yes. Recycling collection is included in your city services and does not require an additional fee. Additional carts are also provided at no cost.

Conclusion

Starting recycling in Long Beach is not just a responsibility—it’s an opportunity. Every bottle, can, and cardboard box you recycle helps conserve energy, reduce pollution, and protect marine life along our coastline. The city has built a robust, accessible system designed for residents like you. Success doesn’t require perfection; it requires consistency. By following the steps outlined in this guide, adopting best practices, using available tools, and learning from real examples, you can transform recycling from a chore into a meaningful habit.

Recycling is one of the simplest ways to make a measurable impact on the environment. It’s not about being flawless—it’s about showing up, every week. Whether you live in a single-family home, a high-rise apartment, or a small studio, your actions matter. When thousands of households in Long Beach recycle correctly, the collective effect is profound: fewer landfills, cleaner streets, healthier oceans, and a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Start today. Check your collection day. Rinse that bottle. Flatten that box. Share what you’ve learned. Together, we can make Long Beach a national model for urban recycling and environmental stewardship.