Business, commercial, and multi-family homes* in Torrance must receive trash services from a licensed private hauler. In addition, State law mandates recycling programs for most businesses and all multi-family homes. Find out more about Mandatory Commercial Recycling and Commercial Organics Recycling.

If you need to establish recycling services at your home or place of business, here are a few suggestions:

• Contact your current trash hauler: Most can provide recycling services at an additional cost.
• “Shop around” for service options and/or prices with another licensed hauler: If your current trash hauler cannot provide the services you need, Torrance is an “open” city for collection services — they just need to have a business license. See our list of private haulers.
• If you have specialized materials for recycling: To exchange materials for reuse, contact one of these free, online material exchanges:
  • California Materials Exchange (CALMAX) — a statewide listing
  • Los Angeles County Material Exchange (LACoMAX)
  • Freecycle — a worldwide materials exchange with a Torrance chapter

• Potential Industries Recycling Center: 922 East “E” Street, Wilmington, 90744, 310-549-5901. This recycling center has a drop-off area for recycling available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and will accept all the materials that the City of Torrance takes in the City’s recycling program. Please note they will take “donations” only as they will not pay for drop-off recycling items. They will take materials from both residents and businesses.
• Drop-Off Centers: For those willing to transport their own materials, there may be nearby facilities that will take a variety of recyclable materials. Try searching our website for drop-off suggestions!
• Transfer Stations: Please call ahead for prices, accepted materials, recycling options or other requirements.

References to specific businesses are not an endorsement by the City. All information is subject to change.

Note: The city tracks recycling program compliance through the private refuse haulers for business and multifamily. If you do not use your refuse hauler for recycling, please contact your refuse hauler and provide them with your recycling information.

*The City is allowed by code to provide trash and recycling services to 3 and 4 units multifamily homes if they are in an areas already serviced by the City. If you’re interested in receiving city service, call Public Works to see if you qualify at (310) 781-6900.

---

Recycling for Multi-Family / Apartments

If you own or manage a multi-family dwelling or apartment building, the prospect of adding recycling collection service can be a daunting one.

Before you get started, take a few minutes to get educated. Learn about what you need to do to be clear and effective from those who have done it already:

• For simple steps, check out the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s handout: Setting up a Multi-Family or Apartment Building Recycling Program: A Seven Step Guide.
• For a more in-depth walkthrough of how to set up a recycling system, complete with a sample letter for residents and signs for recycling containers, check out the Toolkit for Apartment Managers and Owners by the city of Lincoln, Nebraska.
• Learn about successful multi-family recycling programs in this report from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
• Go to StopWaste.org to read their best practices for multi-family apartment recycling.