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Changes to Manhattan Beach Waste Management Policies Begin July 1

Jul 01, 2020 04:22PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Heads up, Manhattan Beach! This might not be the sexiest news story ever, but there are important changes in your trash collection starting July 1. Here are some key changes to both the food waste program (green bin) and recycling program (blue bin):

Green Bin/Food Waste Changes


Starting July 1, all yard, food, AND soiled paper waste can go in your green waste cart. (This is big news!) Also, you don't need to bag your food waste separately anymore. (This is big news too! You do separate out your food waste, don't you? If not, now's the perfect time to start.) Specifically, your green waste refuse now includes:
  • Yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, branches smaller than 3" in diameter, garden trimmings);
  • Food waste (food scraps, including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, eggshells, coffee grounds, small bones, bread, pasta, rice, and tea bags);
  • Paper waste (food-soiled paper including napkins, paper towels, coffee filters, paper plates, greasy pizza boxes, and greasy paper bags).
Items NOT accepted include palm fronds, pet waste, cat littler, dirt, rocks, concrete, logs, or stumps. Waxed, coated paper containers will not be accepted. Liquid, glass, metal, or plastic will not be accepted.

Plastics Recycling Changes


Starting July 1, there will be changes to the city's plastics recycling. 

The city WILL accept these plastics:

#1 PETE: (beverage bottles, peanut butter jars, salad dressing bottles, etc.)
#2 HDPE: (clear milk jugs, detergent bottles, bleach bottles, shampoo and conditioner bottles, plastic crates, plastic carts, lawn chairs, laundry baskets.)
#5 PP: (Tupperware, yogurt containers, margarine tubs, refrigerated containers, bottle tops).

The city WILL NOT accept these plastics:

#3 V (food wrap, tile, PVC plumbing pipes, window frames);
#4 LDPE (grocery bags, shrink, cling wrap, garment bags, frozen food bags, sandwich bags);
#6 PS (throwaway utensils, meat packing, protective packing, Styrofoam insulation, packing peanuts);
#7 OTHER (plastic CDs/DVDs, baby bottles, eye glasses, exterior lighting fixtures).


Other Changes


Residents will now be billed directly by Waste Management.

Residents now have the option of a new 20-gallon gray trash cart, for those who do not need the full 35-gallon size.

Additionally, there will now be four free shredding events per year. Given that the contract starts on July 1, there will be two shredding events between now and December 31 (plus a third event to make up for the one that was canceled this spring). 

There is also an increase in the number of allowed free bulky items for pickup. Starting July 1, each household and multi-family unit will be allowed six visits per home/dwelling unit, at three items per visit, for a total of 18 items per calendar year per home/dwelling unit. (Previously, only a total of 9 were allowed per year.)

Last but not least, the new solid waste contract includes restriction times for residential and commercial customers along Highland Ave. Collections on Northbound Highland Ave. between 15th St to 45th St. will not take place between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Collections on Southbound Highland Ave. between 45th St. and 15th St. will not take place on Highland Ave. between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

To contact Waste Management for the 20-gallon cart, or for other questions, visit Waste Management or call 310-830-7100.

To see the full Manhattan Beach waste program and service enhancements, visit the Waste Management Contract page.


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