LA's 2025 waste goals at risk as green bin usage lags behind

Los Angeles is struggling to meet its waste diversion targets. By 2025, the city aimed to divert 75% of waste from landfills, but it has fallen short. Officials now suggest shifting focus to improve green waste collection rather than expanding compost infrastructure. A recent review found that residents in single-family homes are not using green bins as often as they should. Many large apartment buildings are also exempt from using them. This lack of participation is slowing progress towards the city’s waste reduction goals.

The city has been told to prioritise collecting more green waste from additional sources. Apartments, businesses, and other buildings that generate waste should be included in a new collection programme. However, allowing more and larger apartment complexes may make these food-waste goals harder to achieve. The proposed changes aim to increase green waste collection across Los Angeles. Expanding the programme to more buildings could help the city meet its original targets. Without action, the 75% diversion goal may remain out of reach.