Essential Guide to Bulk Pick Up Services in Los Angeles for 2025
- Charlie Dacullo
- Jun 8
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 27
Most people don’t realize how complicated bulk item pickup in Los Angeles can be, until they’re overwhelmed by unwanted junk and stuck deciphering city regulations.
If you’ve ever stood in front of a pile of oversized items thinking, “What do I do now?”—you’re not alone. Homeowners, landlords, and even those helping friends or family often face the same confusion. That’s why understanding the Los Angeles bulky item pickup process is essential.
In this guide, we explain how it works, what to expect, and when it’s time to bring in experts like Golden Bear Hauling and Junk Removal.
What Counts as Bulk Pick Up in Los Angeles?
Let’s start with the basics. Bulk items are large household items that can’t fit in your regular black, blue, or green city bins.
These include:
Sofas, mattresses, and dressers
Refrigerators and other large appliances
Carpeting or flooring materials
Broken toilets, sinks, or other home fixtures
If it’s heavy, awkward, and you’ve hurt your back trying to move it, chances are, it qualifies.
LA Sanitation’s Free Bulky Item Pickup Service
LA Sanitation offers a free "Bulky Item" pick-up service for residential customers in the City of Los Angeles. For single-family homes and small multi-family properties (up to 4 units), the limit is 10 free scheduled collections of bulky items per year, with a limit of 10 items per collection.
Los Angeles City Services: What You Need to Know
To schedule a bulk pick up Los Angeles service, eligible city residents can contact 3-1-1 or submit a request via the MyLA311 platform. However, due to high demand, response times can vary.
The wait time often depends on your location, the type and priority of your service request, and the current workload being handled by the assigned city departments. In some cases, pickups may take several days or longer to be fulfilled. Source: Lacity.gov
And yes, they can reject items. LASAN follows strict protocols to protect sanitation workers and minimize dumping violations.
ECF Bulky Item Collection Details
Property type | Maximum number of requests for bulky item collection per year (at no cost) |
Multi-family properties with 150+ units | Schedule the collection of bulky items up to 50 times per year, and haul away up to 10 bulky items collected per request |
Multi-family properties with 101-149 units | Schedule the collection of bulky items up to 40 times per year, and haul away up to 10 bulky items collected per request |
Multi-family properties with 50-100 units | Schedule the collection of bulky items up to 30 times per year, and haul away up to 10 bulky items collected per request |
Multi-family properties with 25-49 units | Schedule the collection of bulky items up to 20 times per year, and haul away up to 10 bulky items collected per request |
Multi-family properties with 4-24 units | Schedule the collection of bulky items up to 10 times per year, and haul away up to 10 bulky items collected per request |
Single-family property with dumpster service | Schedule the collection of bulky items up to 10 times per year, and haul away up to 10 bulky items collected per request |
Businesses | Schedule the collection of bulky items up to 6 times per year, and haul away up to 10 bulky items collected per request |
Source: Public Works Los Angeles County
But here’s the catch: scheduling can take time. And if your item doesn’t meet specific criteria, or if you live in LA County but outside the city limits, you may need to explore la county bulky item pick up options , or go private.
How Golden Bear Hauling and Junk Removal Can Help with Bulk Pick Up
If you're facing delays, item restrictions, or simply don’t qualify for city services because you live outside the city limits, Golden Bear Hauling and Junk Removal offers a private, efficient solution tailored to your needs.
✅Fair Pricing and Green Practices
We offers transparent, upfront pricing and follows environmentally responsible disposal practices, recycling when possible and donating items in good condition.
When city services fall short or are unavailable, Golden Bear Hauling steps up with speed, flexibility, and customer-focused service.
✅Fast and Flexible Scheduling
Golden Bear provides same-day or next-day pickups, unlike city services that may take days or weeks. Their flexible scheduling means your bulk items are removed on your timeline.
✅Servicing All of LA County
City services don’t cover every area, especially outside Los Angeles city limits. Golden Bear Hauling covers all of LA County, making it an accessible option for anyone within the region.
✅Accepts More, Rejects Less
LASAN has strict item criteria, and many bulky or hazardous items may be refused. Golden Bear Hauling accepts a wider variety of materials, including furniture, mattresses, and yard debris, making the process more inclusive and less stressful.
Comparing Your Options: Golden Bear Hauling vs. City Services
Golden Bear Hauling (Private) | City Services (MyLA311) |
✅ Same-day or next-day pickup available | ❌ Wait times can be several days or weeks |
✅ Accepts a wide variety of items | ❌ Strict item restrictions (some items may be rejected) |
✅ Services all of LA County, including areas outside city limits | ❌ Only available to residents within Los Angeles city limits |
✅ Transparent, upfront pricing | ✅ Free service for eligible residents |
✅ Environmentally responsible (donates & recycles) | ✅ Publicly funded, supports low-income and senior residents |
✅ No red tape or complex scheduling | ❌ Must go through MyLA311 or call 3-1-1, which can be cumbersome |
✅ Personalized service & flexibility | ❌ Limited availability during peak demand |
And unlike one-size-fits-all public services, we tailor our approach to your timeline, your budget, and your values. Book now or Contact us.
LA County and Private Haulers
For residents living outside Los Angeles city limits, in unincorporated areas of LA County or nearby jurisdictions, la county bulky item pick up services can vary significantly depending on the local waste provider.
While some service contracts include bulky item collection at no additional cost, others may impose separate fees. Response times can also be delayed, especially during peak demand periods such as holidays or community clean-up events.
The Hidden Costs of Waiting Too Long
Last year, I worked with a local landlord who waited six weeks for the city to handle a Los Angeles bulky item pickup request. In the meantime, illegal dumping near his building surged, and so did tenant complaints.
It’s a tough lesson many learn the hard way: what starts as a delay in junk removal can quickly snowball into bigger issues. Pest control. Code violations. Fines for items left curbside.
Being proactive, whether by scheduling early with the city or booking a private crew like ours, saves time, money, and headaches.
Sustainable Solutions Matter
LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) continues to divert substantial amounts of bulky waste from landfills each year through its recycling and donation efforts, supporting the city's long-term Zero Waste goals.
Source: LASAN Bulky Item Collection
At Golden Bear Hauling, we do our part too. Every item we collect is sorted. Usable furniture is carefully set aside and donated to nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity, where it can be repurposed for those in need. Scrap metal goes to local recyclers. Only materials with no reuse or recycling value are sent to landfills.
It’s part of what makes our work meaningful, knowing we’re not just removing junk, we’re reducing environmental impact.
Final Thoughts: When to Call Golden Bear Hauling
Bulk pickups in Los Angeles can be manageable, if you know the rules, plan ahead, and have patience.
But when life moves faster than the city’s schedule, or you’re juggling multiple obligations, it’s okay to ask for help.
At Golden Bear Hauling and Junk Removal, we take pride in making bulk disposal easy, responsible, and stress-free. Whether you’re clearing out a garage, prepping a rental, or helping your parents downsize, we’re here to handle the heavy lifting, literally and figuratively.
We proudly serve the greater Los Angeles area, including Santa Monica, Venice, and Hollywood, delivering prompt, reliable, and eco-conscious junk removal solutions.
Here’s the catch, Golden Bear Hauling offers a comprehensive range of services to meet both residential and commercial needs, including:
Ultimately, it's not just about removing clutter, it's about restoring clarity, comfort, and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. How do I schedule a bulky item pickup in Los Angeles?
To schedule a los Angeles bulky item pickup, you can call 3-1-1, use the MyLA311 mobile app, or visit the official LA Sanitation website. Be prepared to provide details about the items you’re discarding, and follow all city guidelines—such as placing items at the curb no earlier than 6 PM the night before your scheduled pickup. Source: MyLA311
However, due to high demand, city services may not always be available when you need them. If your request is time-sensitive, exceeds the city's pickup limits, or involves items not accepted by LASAN, Golden Bear Hauling and Junk Removal offers a faster, hassle-free alternative. We provide same-day or next-day service, and ensure that all items are recycled or donated whenever possible, so you can clear your space without the wait. Contact US.
2. Is bulky item pickup free in LA?
Yes — la city bulky item pick up is free for most single-family homes and small residential buildings up to four units.
3. What items are accepted for bulk pick up in Los Angeles?
Accepted items include large furniture (sofas, dressers), mattresses, appliances (like fridges and washers), carpeting, and non-construction household waste. Items must be manageable by a two-person crew and meet safety guidelines.
4. What if I need a faster pickup or have more than the city allows?
If the city's schedule is too slow or you have more than the allowed number of items, you can contact a private hauler like Golden Bear Hauling and Junk Removal. We offer same-day or next-day service with responsible recycling and donation options. Contact US.
5. Can I schedule a bulky item pickup in LA County?
Yes, but la county bulky item pick up depends on your local waste provider and city contract. Some areas include it as part of your regular service, while others may charge extra or limit the number of free pickups per year.
If you find the process confusing or your hauler won’t accommodate your timeline, that’s where Golden Bear Hauling and Junk Removal comes in. We offer flexible scheduling, no hidden fees, and same-day service when city or county options just won’t cut it.
Comments