Special Collections and Oversized Items

Consider donating unwanted oversized items to a re-sale organization or thrift shop. Most of these organizations will pick up free of charge.

If your only option is to throw it out, the City of Long Beach provides each residential account two free Special Collections per year. (Note: a regulatory fee may be charged for items requiring special handling.)

To request a special collection, call 570-2876 or use the form at right to schedule your pickup of special or oversized items. (See "preparing items" for collection restrictions.)

Special collection items include...

Preparing items for special collection

1. Size: Please bundle smaller items together. Items and bundles can be at most 40 pounds (25 pounds if in bags) and a maximum of 72" x 48". Bundles should be no longer than 4 feet. To ensure safe handling of items by City Crews, please do not place sharp objects such as branches, sticks, broken glass, etc. in plastic bags. All bags and bundles must be securely tied. All branches must be bundled and all yard waste must be contained (bagged).

2. Oversized items: If you want an oversized item collected (such as a sofa or any item that exceeds the maximum size), please let us know when you schedule the pickup.

3. Special handling: Appliances, televisions, computer monitors, and tires will be picked up by a special truck and should be kept separate from other items. If you have any of these for collection, let us know when you schedule the pickup. A fee might be charged for items requiring special handling.

4. A maximum of five large items will be allowed for each scheduled pickup. A fee will be charged for additional items.

5. On your scheduled special collection day, place all items at your normal weekly refuse collection location no later than 6:00 a.m.

Please be aware that the refuse employees who are scheduled to pick up your bulky items cannot go onto private property because of insurance liabilities.