San Diego Implements Trash Pickup Fee for Single-Family Homes

News Summary

San Diego will introduce its first trash pickup fee for single-family homes at $43.60 per month starting July 1. This new fee aims to assist in budget deficits and supports a new subsidy program for low-income residents. The city is preparing for a transition to a new trash service model, launching a website for residents to select container sizes. The changes come after the passage of Measure B, allowing the city to charge for services for the first time in a century. Current residents are advised to select container preferences by September.

San Diego is set to implement its first-ever trash pickup fee for single-family homes at a rate of $43.60 per month, beginning on July 1. This new fee structure has garnered attention due to public confusion surrounding the changes and the regulations governing trash service in the city.

City officials are currently working on the rollout of new trash containers as well as a subsidy program designed to assist low-income customers. Approximately 20,000 residents who have been classified as ineligible for city trash service will receive help transitioning to private haulers. In contrast, an estimated 800 customers will shift to city service under the new regulations.

A new city website will launch on July 15, allowing residents to choose from different sizes of trash and recycling containers: 35 gallons, 65 gallons, or 95 gallons. Residents opting for the smaller containers will enjoy discounted rates—$32.82 for the 35-gallon bin and $38.94 for the 65-gallon. However, all customers are required to pay the full fee of $43.60 upfront, with a rebate reflecting the discount to be issued in the fall.

This trash service fee will be integrated into property tax bills, which will be paid in two installments of $261.60, totaling $523.20 per year. For properties to qualify for city trash service, they must have street access and consist of either single-family homes or multi-family dwellings with four or fewer units. Buildings without street access, businesses, and multi-family lots exceeding four units will need to engage private haulers for waste disposal.

The move towards these new fees comes after city residents voted for Measure B in 2022, allowing the municipal government to charge for trash pickup for the first time in over a century. The initial $261.20 trash charge is expected to appear on property tax statements in late September or early October, due on November 1.

City officials emphasize that providing trash and recycling services is mandated by law, which prohibits making such services optional. Future fee increases are also planned, with rates for 95-gallon containers rising to $44.57 in July 2026 and $55.00 by July 2027. Fees for the smaller 35-gallon containers will increase to $33.66 and $41.16 in the corresponding years.

In preparation for the program, the City Council has allocated $3 million for a subsidy initiative, which could potentially provide full subsidies to around 4,500 customers or 50% subsidies for roughly 8,000 customers. Furthermore, the city’s new trash bins will feature computer chips to accurately track locations and usage as required by State Proposition 218.

Residents must select their preferred container sizes by September, with new trash containers slated for delivery starting in October and continuing into the following summer. Current green cans can still be used unless replacements are requested due to damage. Additional fees apply for extra bins, including $6.89 for a 35-gallon, $13.06 for a 65-gallon, and $17.78 for a 95-gallon trash bin. Extra recycling containers will also incur monthly charges.

There are designated deadlines for transitioning to private haulers, which are determined by current trash collection days, spanning from July 1 to September 1. A public forum regarding the shift to private haulers is scheduled for July 14 at 3020 Coronado Ave. Properties not participating in trash collection could face violation notices and code compliance penalties.

Residents transitioning to private haulers are advised to keep their city containers accessible for 48 hours after their last collection. Newly eligible customers are cautioned not to cancel their contracts with private haulers until they receive city-issued containers. Appeals on city eligibility decisions can be submitted, with a review period lasting four to six weeks.

For any inquiries or concerns, residents can reach out via email or telephone through the contact options provided by city officials. The planned implementation of the trash fee aims to help resolve budget deficits in the city, potentially generating $140 million annually. City officials will continue to conduct community meetings and distribute informational materials to ensure clarity as the changes take effect.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

San Diego City Council to Vote on Revised Trash Fee
San Diego Budget Proposal Addresses Community Library and Recreation Needs
Residents Sue San Diego to Block Proposed Trash Fee
San Diego Faces $4 Million Annual Loss from Outdated Trash Fees
San Diego Proposes New Trash Pickup Fee for Homeowners
San Diego Updates Trash Fees – What You Need to Know

Additional Resources

• NBC San Diego: San Diego Trash Collection Fee Vote
• Wikipedia: Waste Management
• Fox 5 San Diego: Trash Fee Approved
• Google Search: San Diego trash fee
• 10 News: Trash Fee Approved in San Diego
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Waste Disposal
• CBS 8: San Diego City Council Approves Trash Fees
• Google News: San Diego trash service