Items Not Accepted
Do Not Place In Containers
State law prohibits the disposal of hazardous material into your containers. For proper disposal options, click here. Athens Services also ask that you do not place bulky items, construction debris, electronic waste, or automotive parts in your containers.
The following is a list of items you should not place in your containers:
Automotive Parts | Electronic Waste | Pharmaceuticals/Over the Counter Medicines |
Batteries | LED Lights | Pool Chemicals |
Cleaning Products | Medical Waste | Radiological Waste |
Construction & Demolition Waste | Paints, Solvents, & Thinners | Syringes or Sharps |
Fluorescent Lightbulbs & Tubes | Pesticides or Herbicides | Thermometers/Thermostats |
Used Motor Oil |
Electronic Waste Examples:
Electronics can include those devices that utilize electrical wiring, plug into an electric outlet, or take a battery or light bulb. Examples include (but are not limited to): computers and accessories, circuit boards, extension cords, flashlights, microwaves, phones, stereos, and televisions.
Construction and Demolition:
Waste material generated during the construction, renovation, or demolition of a location cannot be placed in a standard cart or bin. Examples of C&D materials include, but are not limited to, asphalt, bricks, carpet, concrete, dirt, doors, drywall, earth, glass, construction, and cabinet lumber, masonry materials, pallets, pipes, plastics, plumbing fixtures, rocks, salvaged building components, scrap metal, roof shingles, tile, and windows.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
HHW is any product labeled toxic, poisonous, corrosive, flammable, combustible, or an irritant. Examples include, but are not limited to, antifreeze, automotive fluids, cleaning products, compressed gas cylinders (full or empty), fertilizers, herbicides, paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, solvents, and more.
Universal Waste (U-Waste)
U-Waste primarily comes from consumer products containing mercury, lead, cadmium, and other substances that are hazardous to human health and the environment. Examples include, but are not limited to, batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), fluorescent light tubes, thermometers, thermostats, various electronic devices, and more. U-waste can be considered part of hazardous waste.
Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
E-Waste includes those devices that utilize electrical wiring, plug into an electric outlet, or require a battery or light bulb. Examples include, but are not limited to, computers and accessories, circuit boards, extension cords, flash lights, microwaves, phones, stereos, televisions, and more.
Large/Bulky Items
Athens Services encourages the reuse and donation of bulky items whenever possible. If this is not an option, Athens will, upon request only, remove bulky items, including major appliances and furniture. Please do not place bulky items or electronics in your trash containers. Doing so may cause an interruption in your service.
For bulky items options and to learn how to schedule a pickup, view here
Proper Disposal Options
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) & Universal Waste (U-Waste)
HHW and U-Waste should be disposed of at a Los Angeles County Department of Public Works sponsored collection events or at a permanent disposal facility. For additional information, call 1(888)CLEAN LA or visit LACSD.org.
Recycling Services at the City of South El Monte Public Works Yard
South El Monte residents may recycle the following items at the City's Public Works with an appointment. Proof of residency is required.
- E-Waste
- Used Oil: Oil filters must be drained for 12 hours prior to recycling. Store your used oil and filter in a leak-proof container. Do not mix oil with gasoline, automotive fluids, other liquids or debris as contamination makes them hazardous and unrecyclable.
To schedule your appointment to drop off items for recycling or for additional information, please call the City's Customer Care line at (626) 242-1666.
Paint Recycling
California residents and businesses can now recycle leftover paint for free at local retail stores. For locations and program details, visit PaintCare.org or call 855-724-6809.
Construction & Demolition Debris
Construction and demolition debris including, but not limited to: dirt, concrete, tile, drywall and rock, etc., contact Athens Services or visit athensservices.com/rent-a-container/