LA MIRADA RECYCLES
A NEW REFUSE & RECYCLING PROGRAM FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

La Mirada Recycles provides a new approach to waste disposal that combines automated trash collection with broader recycling and yard waste collection. A joint effort by the City and Consolidated Services, La Mirada Recycles will reduce the volume of waste dumped in local landfills and conserve natural resources. This new automated waste collection and recycling program has been successfully implemented in many surrounding communities with excellent results.

By adopting La Mirada Recycles, residents can significantly decrease the amount of trash buried in local landfills and help the City comply with the state’s strict recycling laws. According to Assembly Bill 939, each city must reduce it’s waste by 50 percent by the year 2000. This program will recycle more types and greater quantities of recyclable items and yard waste, instead of dumping it in the landfill. Recycling allows us to conserve our country’s natural resources by reusing aluminum, paper, glass and plastics and other recyclable items.

The La Mirada Recycles program is designed with you in mind and requires very little extra effort. You will receive three automated containers: a black 65 gallon container for trash, a blue 95 gallon container for recyclable items and a green 95 gallon container for yard waste (guidelines to follow). These specially designed containers, provided by Consolidated Services, are lightweight with built-in wheels for easy movement and come with a lifetime guarantee.

Automated collection trucks empty the containers. For your convenience, the black, blue, and green containers will be collected on the same day each week. Waste placed outside of the special containers cannot be collected with your new automated service.

To make La Mirada Recycles a success, please follow the guidelines outlined in this brochure. Your support of La Mirada Recycles is a big step towards solving our waste problems now and into the future. Recycling… it works because of you!

** Household Hazardous Waste includes Antifreeze, Aerosol Cans (all or part full), Household Cleaners, Motor Oil, Paint Thinner, and Paints (latex and oil based).

Yard waste is defined as only what grows in the yard and garden ("green" waste).

Twigs and small branches may be tied in bundles and placed next to your green waste can.

Do NOT use plastic trash bags for yard waste. Place a sheet of newspaper in the bottom of the green container to keep loose grass from sticking.

Each day the average American throws out 4-1/2 pounds of trash. In the past, most of this trash was buried in landfills. Today, our landfills are filling up quickly. Recycling is one of the easiest ways that we can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Also, recycling helps to stabilize our trash collection rates by controlling the volume of waste dumped in landfills.

To aid in the disposal of large, bulky items such as furniture, refrigerators, stoves, and water heaters, Consolidated Services provides a FREE bulky item pickup service on your regular service day. To schedule the free service, call Consolidated Services Customer Service at least 24 hours in advance of your regular collection day.

Also, you may arrange for collection of bulky items on a day other than your regular collection day. A fee for the special pickup will be determined by the number and size of the items to be collected.

Consolidated Services offers clean up solutions for the house, garage, or yard. Residents can rent bins in a variety of sizes on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis for a fee. Prompt delivery and pickup are available on a scheduled basis. For more information call Consolidated Services’ Customer Service Department at (562) 663-3400.

Do your part to protect the environment. Dispose of old paint, pesticides, used motor oil, and household chemicals properly at a designated facility. Los Angeles residents can take "household hazardous waste" to a FREE collection center provided by the county. To locate the FREE Collection Center closest to you or for information call 1-888-CLEAN LA.

What type of containers must be used?
All households receive three specially designed containers: one 65 gallon black container (trash), one 95 gallon blue container (recyclables), and one 95 gallon green container (yard waste). The automated containers have built-in wheels, handles and permanently attached lids. These containers are built for automated collection and will not rust or corrode. The automated collection system will only pickup waste, recyclables, and yard waste placed in the special containers. Therefore, waste placed in any containers other than the new automated containers will not be collected. All yard waste should be put into your new green yard waste container. This container will be collected by a separate truck on the same day as the others are collected. Bundles of twigs and branches up to 4 feet can be placed next to the green yard waste container.

Will the containers hold all of my trash and recyclable items?
With a 65 gallon trash container, a 95 gallon recycling container and a 95 gallon yard waste container you now have the equivalent of eight normal garbage cans. Residents can order extra containers if needed. Residents will be charged an additional monthly fee for extra black trash containers. A second green yard waste container will be provided at no additional charge. Residents can receive additional recycling containers free of charge.

What should I do on collection day?
Place your containers in the street at curbside, near the corner of your driveway. Place the container’s handles toward your home, and at least two feet away from any obstruction (fence, lamp, or mailbox). Allow a minimum distance of one foot between ALL automated containers. All containers must be at curbside by 5:30 AM or earlier on your collection day. Also, please check your containers before removing them from the curb, as each container will be emptied at a different time.

Where can I park my car on collection day?
Your car can be parked in the driveway or on the street, as long as it is no closer than three feet to the automated containers. If a vehicle blocks access to the containers, collection cannot be made. NOTE: Residents should adhere to parking regulations regarding street sweeping.

What if one of my containers is damaged?
If your container is damaged or you need extras, contact Consolidated Services’ Customer Service Department at (562) 663-3400. Damaged containers will be repaired or replaced at no charge, unless the damage is due to negligence or abuse.

Where do I call if I need assistance with the program?
Consolidated Services’ Customer Service Representatives are ready to assist you with any questions regarding the automated waste collection and recycling services. Please call them at (562) 663-3400.

What if I see people scavenging through my trash containers?
If you see people going through your containers or taking your recyclables, please call the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station at (562) 863-8711.

What else can I do to help?
You can do your part by developing new habits to reduce waste. At the store, buy items with less packaging and buy items made from recycled products. Whenever possible reuse items by donating them to local charities or selling them in a garage sale.

EXCHANGING CONTAINERS
Residents may choose to add, delete or change the size of their containers. However, after serving nearly one million residents with this type of service, Consolidated Services found that the containers are appropriate for 98 percent of all households. Please use the containers for a few weeks. Then, if you decide you need to make a change, call our Customer Service Department at (562) 663-3400.

For Customer Service Call Consolidated Services at (562) 663-3400
12949 Telegraph Rd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Customer Service hours are:
Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday (for phone calls only) 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon