Trash, Recycling and Compost
Waste Management & Recycling
The City of Sierra Madre partners with Athens Services to provide comprehensive waste collection, recycling, and organic waste services. Together, we are committed to a zero-waste future through innovative diversion and composting programs.
Service Essentials
Collection Time: Place barrels out the night before or by 6:00 A.M. on your service day.
Service Schedule: Trash is collected Monday through Friday. Holidays create a one-day delay.
View Trash Collection Map →Observed Holidays
New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Sorting Guidelines
Proper sorting is the key to local sustainability. Use the bins below to correctly divert your waste.
Blue Bin: Recycling
Clean and dry items only.
- Plastic: Bottles, jugs, and clamshells (#1, #2, #5)
- Metal: Aluminum cans, foil, and tin cans
- Paper/Cardboard: Junk mail, office paper, and broken-down boxes
- Glass: Bottles and jars (remove lids)
Green Bin: Organics
Food scraps and yard waste.
- Food Scraps: Fruits, meat, dairy, bones, and shells
- Yard Waste: Grass, branches, leaves, and weeds
- Food-Soiled Paper: 100% fiber-based napkins and pizza boxes
Black Bin: Landfill
Non-recyclable waste.
- Plastics: Bubble wrap, black plastics, and film/bags
- Paper: Bathroom tissues, padded envelopes, and receipts
- Misc: Diapers, pet waste, and cacti/succulents
Hazardous & Bulky Waste
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
It is strictly prohibited to place batteries, electronics, paint, or chemicals in your standard bins.
Bulky Item Pickup
Athens provides bulky item removal (furniture, appliances) upon request only. Residents receive up to four free pickups per year.
Schedule Bulky PickupSolid Waste Franchise Agreement
The City of Sierra Madre maintains an exclusive franchise agreement with Athens Services for the collection, transportation, recycling, and disposal of solid waste, green waste, and recyclable materials[cite: 156, 201]. Originally established in 2010, this agreement governs the rates, service levels, and sustainability programs provided to both residential and commercial customers[cite: 156, 406].
The most recent update, Amendment No. 4, took effect on November 1, 2024[cite: 89]. This amendment introduces several service enhancements, including expanded free bulky item collection for certain multifamily units [cite: 8], a transition to three-container collection services for commercial accounts [cite: 13, 31], and the establishment of a Low Income Discount program[cite: 11]. It also designates specific "Hard-to-Handle" areas to streamline collection in challenging neighborhoods[cite: 12].
Sustainability & Street Services
Contact Us
232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
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