Spring is in full swing, and most people are spending their days getting rid of old clothes, throwing away things they no longer want or need at home, and tidying up their spaces. Since most things end up in the trash, sometimes, not knowing where to throw them away, they leave them in the streets. As part of an initiative to combat illegal dumping, such as the ones we're discussing, and in celebration of Earth Day, Active Recycling Co., located in the South Los Angeles neighborhood, is offering the community the opportunity to dispose of up to 500 pounds of trash for free. “We wanted to help combat illegal dumping, so we're offering a free first service,” said Errol H. Segal, senior recycling consultant at Active Recycling Co. “Illegal dumping costs the city millions of dollars a year in cleanup, so what better way to celebrate Earth Day than to bring in the trash you no longer need and legally dispose of it?”

Illegal dumping reports in Los Angeles skyrocketed in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to data compiled by Crosstown LA.

There were 22,046 reports of illegally dumped trash, furniture, and other waste in the city in January and February, a 36% increase, according to the data-driven news outlet. This is the highest number for that period since at least 2018, according to publicly available data from the MyLA311 service.

“While illegal dumping might conjure up the image of a few trash bags left on a street corner, it is often piles of construction debris, or even hazardous waste, dumped by individuals or companies seeking to avoid paying the appropriate fees for proper disposal,” Crosstown notes in its report. “Often, the materials are abandoned on sidewalks, in alleyways, or on vacant lots under cover of darkness.” South Los Angeles communities, such as Segal and the San Fernando Valley, are the most affected by this problem compared to other areas. In the first two months of 2025, Council District 8, which covers a large swath of South Los Angeles, recorded 3,329 illegal dumping complaints; the next highest count was Valley District 6, with 2,207 calls. That's why Segal wants people to use businesses like his that can help them get rid of their trash.Segal's business has been serving the South Los Angeles community for the past 52 years, and over the years, he has seen the amount of trash on the streets continue to increase around him. Risks and Consequences: Illegal dumping also poses a greater danger to public health and safety than people realize; In addition, it can reduce property values ????and deteriorate the quality of life for residents. Illegally dumped materials can also contaminate groundwater and local waterways, become breeding grounds for rodents and other harmful animals, and pose a hazard to residents walking in open areas due to the presence of sharp or toxic materials. “Seeing trash on the sidewalks not only gives our city a bad image, but it's also unsanitary,” Segal said. “The trash problem won't be solved unless we do all our part to keep our city clean.” Under California law, a statewide misdemeanor is punishable by a $1,000 fine or six months in jail, or both, and, unless otherwise specified, a $250 fine for a single violation. The recycling center offers a year-round promotion where the first 500 pounds are free for first-time customers. After the first free drop-off, the cost is $60 for every 500 pounds dumped. Their business is open 7 days a week and can haul items such as furniture, flooring, construction debris, and more.

“I do this 365 days a year. If you haven't taken advantage of this yet, you can bring your first load for free, so come on over,” Segal said. “The City and County of Los Angeles' cleanup campaign is still going on and won't stop as long as there's trash in the streets, alleys, and vacant lots.”

Active Recycling Co., Inc.

2000 W. Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90047. Tel no: (323) 295-7774