Spring is already in full swing and most people spend their days getting rid of old clothes, throwing away objects they no longer want or need at home, and organizing their spaces. Like most things go to waste; Sometimes, not knowing where to throw them, they leave them in the streets.
As part of an initiative to combat illegal dumping, such as the ones we are mentioning, and in celebration of Earth Day, the company Lively 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 offered a free first service,” said Errol H. Segal, senior recycling consultant for Lively 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 dispose of it properly?”
Reports of illegal dumping in Los Angeles skyrocketed in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to data collected by Crosstown LA.
There were 22,046 reports of illegally abandoned garbage, furniture and other waste in the city in January and February, an increase of 36%, according to the data media outlet. This is the highest figure for that period since at least 2018, according to public domain data from the MyLA311 service.
“Although illegal dumping may conjure up the image of a few bags of garbage abandoned on a corner, they are often piles of construction debris, or even hazardous waste, dumped by people or companies seeking to avoid paying fees for proper disposal,” Crosstown notes in its report. “Materials are often abandoned on sidewalks, in alleys, or in empty lots under the cover of darkness.”
Communities south of Los Angeles, 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 wide swath of South Los Angeles, recorded 3,329 spill reports; The area with 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 street trash continue to increase around him.
Risks and consequences
Illegal dumping also poses a greater danger to public health and safety than people realize; Additionally, it can reduce property values and deteriorate residents’ quality of life. Illegally dumped materials can also contaminate groundwater and local waterways, become nesting sites for rodents and other vermin, and pose a danger to residents traveling through open areas due to the presence of illegally dumped sharp or toxic materials.
“Seeing trash on the sidewalks not only gives our city a bad image, but it is also unsanitary,” Segal said. “The trash problem will not be solved unless we all do our part to keep our city clean.”
Under California law, a state misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of $1,000 or six months in jail, or both, and, unless otherwise provided, by a fine of $250 for one violation.
The recycling center offers a promotion throughout the year in which the first 500 pounds are free of tag for customers who come for the first time. After the first free pour, the cost is $60 per 500 pounds poured. Their business is open 7 days a week and can transport things like furniture, floor materials, construction debris, and more.
“I do it 365 days a year, if you haven’t taken advantage of this yet, you can bring your first shipment free of tag, so come on over,” said Segal. “The City and County of Los Angeles’ cleanup campaign is ongoing and will not stop as long as there is trash in the streets, alleys and vacant lots.”
Lively Recycling Co., Inc.
2000 W. Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90047. Tel no: (323) 295-7774
