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Bulky items and bags set out on a patio for pickup

Bulky item pickup in Altadena

Who runs it, what you get, how to book

The short answer

Altadena is unincorporated LA County, so Pasadena's program doesn't apply. Universal Waste Systems, the County's franchise hauler since October 1, 2022, includes bulky-item collection in Altadena service. The County page doesn't list how many pickups you get, what they cost or what's excluded, so ask when you call.

Source: LA County Public Works, checked Nov 2026

Altadena’s program at a glance

Run by
Universal Waste Systems
What you get
Not listed on the County page
How to book
Call Universal Waste Systems at the number on LA County Public Works' Altadena page and choose option 6. Lines are open Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm, and Sat, 8am to 12pm, except holidays.

Not published on the pages we checked: how many free pickups you get a year, how many items each pickup takes, what extra pickups cost, how far ahead to book and what the program won't take. Call Universal Waste Systems to confirm.

Hauling it yourself: public drop-off sites nearest Altadena

If you have a truck and would rather take it in, these sites take loads from the public. Check hours, fees and ID rules on their pages first.

  • Scholl Canyon Landfill

    Landfill · Glendale · Open

    Residents only

    Source: lacsd.org, checked Nov 2026

  • Athens Irwindale MRF

    Transfer station · Irwindale · Open

    Open to the public

    Source: athensservices.com, checked Nov 2026

  • California Waste Services (Downtown LA)

    Transfer station · Los Angeles · Open

    Open to the public

    Source: californiawasteservices.com, checked Nov 2026

More sites, fees and hours: dumps and transfer stations near San Gabriel Valley and the full LA and Orange County dump directory.

When the city pickup doesn’t fit

The program works when the items are at the curb and can wait for the pickup day. If they're still inside, upstairs or in the backyard, you're over the limit, or you need them gone sooner, we carry them out and haul them away. Pricing starts at $190; see junk removal in Altadena or single-item pickup.

Sources (checked Nov 2026)

  1. LA County Public Works
  2. LA County Public Works: Altadena FAQ

Rules change. Check the city or county page before you rely on a limit, fee or date.

Why Altadena isn't on Pasadena's system

Altadena sits right next to Pasadena, and the addresses can blur together. But Altadena isn't part of the City of Pasadena. It's unincorporated LA County, so trash service is set up by LA County Public Works through a residential franchise contract.

That means Pasadena's programs, including its two free bulky item pickups a year for single-family residents, are for Pasadena residents. If you live in Altadena, you use the county's hauler.

Who picks up trash in Altadena

Universal Waste Systems (UWS) holds the contract for trash, recycling and organic waste collection in Altadena and Kinneloa Mesa. Service under the contract began October 1, 2022. It replaced Athens Services, whose contract expired September 30, 2022.

The county's FAQ says the contract is exclusive, so you can't pick your own residential hauler. You do have the option to self-haul. LA County Public Works handles contract oversight if you have a service problem.

What Altadena's basic service includes

The county's Altadena FAQ spells out the basics. Basic service includes three 96-gallon carts: one for trash, one for recyclables and one for organic waste. Extra carts beyond those three cost more.

Smaller 32-gallon and 64-gallon carts are available on request, at no extra charge if you keep the same total capacity. Food waste goes in the green organics cart.

  • Bear-resistant carts are available to customers who want them, at no additional cost
  • Roll-out service is free for elderly or disabled customers with no able-bodied person in the household
  • A 25% senior discount is available to residents who meet the county's criteria

Sources

  1. LA County Public Works: Altadena and Kinneloa Mesa trash collection
  2. LA County Public Works: Altadena/Kinneloa Mesa Residential Trash Collection FAQ (PDF)
  3. Valley Vista Services: Hacienda Heights Subscription Order, July 1, 2026 (PDF)
  4. City of Pasadena: Residential Recycling and Refuse Services
  5. Cal Fire: Eaton Fire incident page

Rules change. Check the city or county page before you rely on a limit, fee or date.

Altadena bulky pickup: questions

Does Altadena have free bulky item pickup?

Altadena is unincorporated LA County, so Pasadena's program doesn't apply. Universal Waste Systems, the County's franchise hauler since October 1, 2022, includes bulky-item collection in Altadena service. The County page doesn't list how many pickups you get, what they cost or what's excluded, so ask when you call.

How do I schedule a bulky item pickup in Altadena?

Call Universal Waste Systems at the number on LA County Public Works' Altadena page and choose option 6. Lines are open Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm, and Sat, 8am to 12pm, except holidays.

What if my items are inside, or I can't wait for the pickup day?

City and hauler crews collect from the curb on their schedule. We carry items out from inside, upstairs or the backyard, often the same or next day, starting at $190.

Is Altadena part of Pasadena for trash pickup?

No. Altadena is unincorporated LA County. Its residential trash hauler is Universal Waste Systems, under a county franchise contract, not the City of Pasadena.

Can Altadena residents use Pasadena's free bulky pickup?

No. Pasadena's two free bulky pickups a year are for Pasadena single-family residents. Altadena residents request bulky pickup from Universal Waste Systems.

Who is Altadena's trash company?

Universal Waste Systems, since October 1, 2022. It replaced Athens Services. The county contract is exclusive, so residents can't choose another residential hauler, but they can self-haul.

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