Los Angeles Moves Forward with recycLA 2.0, Projecting Lower Trash Collection Costs

The Los Angeles Board of Public Works has approved recycLA 2.0, a proposed update to the City’s commercial trash and recycling collection system that could significantly reduce costs for apartment buildings and businesses throughout Los Angeles.

The proposal, announced by Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, Chair of the City Council’s Energy and Environment Committee, aims to lower collection rates, eliminate additional fees, and establish more consistent service terms across the city.

Projected Savings for Businesses and Apartment Buildings

Under recycLA 2.0, approximately 95% of accounts, representing more than 61,000 apartment buildings and businesses, are projected to pay less than they would under an extension of the current contracts.

Key provisions include:

• Lower monthly costs: Customers are projected to save a median of $140 per month.
• Elimination of extra fees: Charges for access, distance, overweight bins, and overfilled bins would be eliminated.
• Consistent rates citywide: All collection zones would operate under the same contract terms and maximum rates.
• Significant local savings: Customers in Council District 2 alone are projected to save approximately $2 million per month.

These changes are intended to make commercial waste collection more affordable and predictable for property owners, businesses, and apartment building operators throughout Los Angeles.

What Happens Next?

The Board of Public Works’ approval is an initial step in the process. The recycLA 2.0 proposal must undergo additional review before it can take effect.

The next steps include review by the Mayor’s Office, the City Council’s Energy and Environment Committee, and the full City Council. The proposal would then return to the Board of Public Works before being submitted to the Mayor for final signature.

Until the approval process is complete, the proposed rates and fee changes are not yet in effect.

The changes could have a significant financial impact on businesses and multifamily residential properties throughout Los Angeles. Residents and property owners are encouraged to follow the proposal as it moves through the approval process.

Source: Office of Los Angeles City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, November 2026.