San Diego reveals what it plans to charge homeowners for trash pickup — and how you could get a discount – San Diego Union-Tribune

San Diego Unveils New Trash Collection Fees Starting July 2025

San Diego homeowners will soon pay $53 monthly for trash collection, marking the end of a century-old era of free garbage pickup service. City officials announced the new fee structure, which will take effect in July 2025, making San Diego's rates among the highest in Southern California.

The monthly charge will further increase to $65 by July 2027 as the city expands its waste management services. However, residents can opt for lower rates by choosing smaller bins – $42 monthly for 35-gallon containers or $48 for 65-gallon bins, compared to the standard 95-gallon size.

The new fees stem from voters' approval of Measure B in 2022, which amended the 1919 People's Ordinance that had previously prohibited the city from charging many households for trash collection. The change will affect approximately 233,000 customers.

To offset the impact on low-income residents, the city is proposing a $3-million-per-year subsidy program that could provide full subsidies for 3,400 customers or partial assistance to a larger number of households.

"Now that people will be paying, their expectations will be higher," said Jeremy Bauer, assistant director of the city's Environmental Services Department. The increased fees will fund service improvements, including weekly recycling pickup, free bin replacement, twice-yearly bulky item collection, and free disposal of electronics and hazardous waste.

The city plans to double its current waste management budget from $82 million to $165 million annually, with further increases to $180 million by 2027. The additional funding will support the hiring of 130 new workers, replacement of aging equipment, and expansion of services.

While San Diego's rates will exceed those of neighboring cities like La Mesa ($27.53) and Chula Vista ($36.80), they remain significantly lower than Bay Area cities, where monthly charges reach up to $160 in Oakland and San Jose.

The City Council will review the proposed rates in March, with implementation scheduled for July 1, though residents won't see charges on their property tax bills until November.

San Diego reveals what it plans to charge homeowners for trash pickup — and how you could get a discount – San Diego Union-Tribune

 

San Diego Prepares to Implement Historic Change in Trash Collection

San Diego residents may soon see the end of an era of free trash collection, as city officials prepare to establish the first-ever municipal waste collection fee in over a century. The City Council's Environment Committee is scheduled to discuss potential fee structures at its upcoming meeting on February 13, marking a significant step in implementing the voter-approved Measure B from 2022.

The change comes after San Diegans narrowly voted to amend the People's Ordinance, a 1919 law that had prohibited the city from charging residents for trash collection. The historic ordinance, originally intended to ensure reasonable pricing for waste services, had ultimately led to San Diego becoming one of only three California cities with a population over 7,000 that doesn't charge residents for trash pickup.

"This is a pivotal moment for our city," said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, who championed Measure B. "We believed in the voters' ability to see this for what it is."

The city has engaged in extensive public outreach efforts, signing a $4.5 million agreement with HDR Engineering Inc. to help determine appropriate fee structures. According to city officials, more than 6,300 residents participated in the first round of community engagement last year, with another round of outreach planned for spring.

Before any fee can be implemented, eligible households will receive a mailer detailing the proposed charges at least 45 days in advance. Residents will have the opportunity to protest the fee, and if more than half of the households submit valid protests, the City Council will be unable to adopt the proposed fee structure.

If approved, the new fee could take effect as early as July. The change would free up approximately $50 million in the city's annual budget that currently goes toward trash collection services. The city must also account for new state mandates, including SB 1383, which requires food waste recycling and has added significant costs to waste management operations.

City officials emphasize that any new fee will be based on a detailed cost-of-service study to ensure fair pricing. The change represents a significant shift for San Diego, which has been the only city in the county providing free trash collection services to most single-family homes.

Residents can attend the Environment Committee meeting in person at the City Administration Building or participate virtually through the city's live webcast system to learn more about the proposed fee structure and voice their opinions on this historic change in San Diego's waste management practices.

 

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1. San Diego inches closer to deciding trash pickup fee; inewsource.org  Crystal Niebla, San Diego Documenters City of San Diego continues gathering public input for proposed trash collection fee;  Alex Lai cbs8.com; 

   San Diego Dumps Century-Old Law, Making Way for a Fee for Trash Collection; MacKenzie Elmer; voiceofsandiego.org

2. San Diego Trash Fees: What’s Next for Residents After Measure B Passed; Crystal Niebla • inewsource; timesofsandiego.com

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