News Summary
The San Diego City Council has approved the introduction of a monthly solid-waste fee for single-family homeowners starting July 1, 2025. This significant change, which terminates over a century of free trash service, will require residents to pay $43.60 for the collection of three bins for trash, recycling, and organics. Although many homeowners are expected to opt for the standard package, alternative plans will be available. The council hopes to generate approximately $140 million annually to address the city’s financial deficit while providing support for low-income households affected by the fee.
San Diego – The San Diego City Council approved a significant change in residential trash collection on June 26, 2025, effectively terminating over a century of free trash service for single-family homeowners. Starting July 1, 2025, residents will be required to pay a monthly solid-waste fee of $43.60 for the collection of three 95-gallon bins designated for trash, recycling, and organics.
Approximately 85% of homeowners are expected to select the standard three-can package, although alternative plans will be available from July onward. As part of this transition, new bins will be distributed to all residents in October 2025. In an effort to mitigate costs for residents who initially overestimate their bin needs, a program will allow them to downsize and receive a credit on their bill for the following year.
The implementation of this fee comes after Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera noted that the cost of trash collection had historically been absorbed by taxpayers not utilizing the city’s waste services. The new solid-waste fee is seen as a necessary step to replace this outdated financial structure.
Previously, Measure B was proposed in 2022 to introduce fees for solid waste services, with initial cost estimates ranging from $23 to $29. However, an underestimation of the number of households serviced by the city—226,495 rather than the anticipated 285,000—led to the adjustment of the fee. As a result, the revised fee range became $31.98 to $43.60, causing delays in some services and contributing to public discontent regarding the proposed charges.
Public Response and Concerns
Impact on Services
Residents will continue to receive bi-weekly recycling collections until 2027, at which point a transition to weekly pickups will occur. The city anticipates that the solid-waste fee will generate approximately $140 million annually, an essential component in addressing the city’s fiscal deficit.
City officials decided to incorporate the fees into property tax bills rather than establishing a separate billing system, which could have introduced additional costs and inefficiencies. However, there are concerns that this may lead to confusion regarding billing procedures and container delivery timelines, prompting calls for clearer communication from the city.
Legal Implications
Legal challenges against the city have been suggested, highlighting possible violations of Proposition 218, which mandates voter approval for tax increases. Former city officials, along with community advocates, have voiced worries that the newly instituted fee structure might impose undue financial burdens on residents and landlords.
The transition from a long-standing tradition of free trash service to a fee-based model marks a significant shift in San Diego’s waste management policy. As the city adapts to this change, the focus remains on balancing fiscal responsibility and community needs amidst increasing financial pressure.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego Implements Trash Pickup Fee for Single-Family Homes
San Diego Implements New Trash Collection Fee for Homeowners
San Diego City Council to Vote on Revised Trash Fee
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
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Unfairness of City’s Previous Trash Fee Policy is Plain
- Google Search: San Diego trash fee
- NBC San Diego: San Diego Trash Collection Fee Vote
- Google Scholar: San Diego trash fee
- Fox 5 San Diego: San Diego Approved Its Controversial Trash Fee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Trash Collection
- 10 News: Trash Fee Approved in City of San Diego
- Google News: San Diego trash collection fee
- CBS 8: San Diego City Council Approves Adding Trash Fees
