The short answer
Since November 1, 2025, Athens Services gives Whittier single-family and multifamily residents up to 4 bulky pickups a year, up to 3 items each, at no additional cost. Each item must be no larger than two people can safely handle. Book at least 2 business days ahead.
Source: Athens Services, checked Nov 2026
Sources disagree: older City of Whittier information describes city crews picking up bulky items; Athens Services' program replaced it on November 1, 2025. Confirm with Athens Services before you set anything out.
Whittier’s program at a glance
- Run by
- Athens Services
- What you get
- 4 free pickups a year, up to 3 items each
- How to book
- Book online with Athens or call Athens Customer Care at (888) 336-6100 at least 2 business days ahead. Items are collected on your scheduled pickup day.
- Booking line
- (888) 336-6100
- Booking page
- athensservices.com
- Fees
- Extra collections cost more; the amount isn't published.
What it takes and what it doesn’t
Listed as not accepted
- automobile parts
- construction and demolition debris (dirt, concrete, tile, drywall, rock)
- hazardous waste (antifreeze, automotive fluids, cleaners, gas cylinders, pesticides, paint, pharmaceuticals, pool chemicals, solvents)
- loose building material and lumber
Other rules worth knowing
Athens offers a 10% senior and military discount.
Source: athensservices.com, checked Nov 2026
Hauling it yourself: public drop-off sites nearest Whittier
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.
Landfill · Whittier · Open
Residents only
Source: cityofwhittier.org, checked Nov 2026
Transfer station · City of Industry · Open
Open to the public
Source: lacsd.org, checked Nov 2026
Downey Area Recycling and Transfer Station (DART)
Transfer station · Downey · Open
Open to the public
Source: athensservices.com, checked Nov 2026
More sites, fees and hours: dumps and transfer stations near Gateway Cities 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 Whittier or single-item pickup.
Sources (checked Nov 2026)
Rules change. Check the city or county page before you rely on a limit, fee or date.