Starting the week of June 18, 2007, the City of Torrance began a pilot green waste collection program for 1,500 homes in two different areas.  To date, we have expanded the program to 9,000 homes.  The green waste from these homes will now be recycled instead of taken to a landfill.  The City Council is reviewing the program to determine if the program can be expanded City-wide as a fee increase would be required.

Here are maps showing the green waste areas.  Click on the .pdf map below for your regular pick up day to see if you are in the green waste areas. 

Monday Route

Tuesday Route

Wednesday Route

Thursday Route

In Torrance, approximately one-third of all residential waste is green waste - grass, leaves, weeds and trimmings from bushes and trees.  This large volume uses up valuable landfill space. Yard waste in landfills generates methane gas and acidic leachate, both of which can be hazardous to the environment.  The high moisture content of green waste retards burning, which reduces the efficiency of waste-to-energy plants. 

When separated from regular trash, green waste can be recycled into mulch or soil amendment.  By recycling green waste, we will save landfill space and provide a better use of this natural resource.  Plant waste recycles naturally, and the decomposed materials form a rich, dark soil called humus or compost. Humus returns nutrients to the soil, improves soil texture, and promotes new plant growth.

For those homes in the pilot ptrogram, please follow these directions to use this container properly:

. This container is only for green waste or yard trimming which include:

Grass/Leaves 
Wood Chips
Tree Branches 
Sawdust
Garden Trimmings 
Green Plants/Weeds

. Do not place green waste in plastic bags - put it directly in the container. Plastic bags cannot be recycled in the green waste program. 

. Remove any metal or nails.

. Branches cannot exceed 4" (inches) in diameter or 4' (feet in length).

. Large ice plant clusters and palm fronds/branches cannot be accepted in this container (they cannot be composted).  Place these items in the black refuse container. 

. Do not place hot ashes, coals, flammable materials (such as oil, gas or paint) or any other hazardous materials in this container. 

. Do not place food waste of any kind, animal waste, or any other refuse in this container.

. Lumber or construction material of any kind is NOT considered green waste and cannot be put in the green waste container. 

. Do not place liquids or construction materials in this container.

. Material should not protrude from the top of the containers more than two or three feet.  Weight of the container and its contents cannot exceed 200 pounds. 

. Place this container for collection with your refuse (black) and recycling (grey) containers in the street on your assigned day of the week with the lid opening facing the street.  Place containers at least 18" apart, and at least 5 feet away from obstructions such as a car or lamp post. 

. Please wash interior of container with water periodically. 

You can leave your grass clippings on the lawn - it's a good source of nitrogen and acts as a fertilizer.  You can also recycle your green waste and food waste at home to create your own compost.  Go to www.smartgardening.com to learn more.  

Click here for maps of the orignal Green Waste Pilot Program areas.

 

For questions and additional information, please contact the Torrance Public Works Department at 310-781-6900.