San Diego Ends Free Trash Pickup After a Century with New Monthly Fee for Homeowners

City Council Approves Monthly Waste Fee Amid Budget Challenges and Public Dissent

Historic Shift Ends Free Trash Pickup for Single-Family Homes

After over a century of offering no-cost trash collection to single-family homeowners, San Diego is entering a new era of waste management. In a landmark decision, the City Council has approved a controversial monthly fee of $42.76 for waste collection services. This marks the first time since 1919 that such households will pay directly for trash, recycling, and organic waste pickup.

The decision follows the narrow passage of Measure B in 2022, which allowed the city to impose fees for solid waste services. The measure also aimed to include short-term rentals, accessory units, and “mini-dorms” in the fee structure. Although touted initially as a modest charge, the finalized fee is notably higher than early projections—fueling public frustration and legal threats.

What the Fee Covers and When It Begins

Starting July 1, residents will be billed $42.76 per month for a three-bin system that includes:

One 95-gallon bin for trash

One for recyclables

One for organics like food scraps and yard trimmings

Although approximately 85% of residents already use this standard setup, households can opt for smaller or fewer bins beginning July 15 through an online portal. Adjustments will be reflected in billing, and credits will be provided where applicable. New containers are expected to be delivered starting October 1.

Council Members Defend Tough Choice

Facing a $110 million budget deficit and potential $80 million in cuts to essential services, city leaders argued that the new waste collection fee was necessary for fiscal sustainability.

“This is not a new cost—it’s just one that’s now more equitably distributed,” said Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera. His sentiment was echoed by current Council President Joe LaCava, who emphasized the importance of financial planning amid tightening budgets.

The city originally based its early cost projections on serving 285,000 households. However, a post-election audit revealed the actual number to be around 226,495, causing a sharp rise in the calculated per-household fee.

Public Outcry and Legal Pushback

The decision has drawn strong opposition from the public, particularly from seniors and residents on fixed incomes. More than 100 people voiced their concerns at the council meeting, with many arguing the fee was deceptive and should be re-voted upon. Some have threatened or filed lawsuits against the city, accusing it of misleading voters.

Councilman Raul Campillo, who voted against the fee, cited trust issues, saying, “I believe the final product is not what the majority of the city voted for.” He proposed that future ballot measures require a completed cost-of-service study before appearing on the ballot to avoid discrepancies.

Disparities in Service Spark Broader Debate

Critics have long challenged the fairness of San Diego’s trash ordinance, pointing out that while all residents pay into the city’s general fund through taxes, only single-family homeowners received free waste pickup. A 2009 county grand jury report even declared that the “People’s Ordinance” had outlived its usefulness.

To address financial burdens, the city has proposed a $3 million financial assistance fund, which could fully cover fees for about 2% of customers and offer partial subsidies to others based on income levels.

Future of San Diego's Waste Management

With only 32% of waste currently diverted from landfills, city leaders view this shift as part of a broader environmental responsibility. They aim to increase that number significantly to reach diversion goals of 80%, especially with the Miramar Landfill expected to reach capacity by 2031.

Weekly recycling pickup and educational programs are under consideration to help achieve these targets.

What’s Next for Residents

The City Council will reconvene on June 24 to finalize the billing structure via property tax rolls. Residents will then be able to access the Environmental Services Department (ESD) portal on July 15 to customize their bin setup. The rollout of new containers will begin in October, completing the transition to a new waste management system that balances fiscal pressure, environmental goals, and evolving urban needs.

This pivotal change marks a major policy shift for San Diego, signaling an end to outdated practices and an effort to modernize city services—though not without resistance. As the July 1 implementation date approaches, homeowners and city leaders alike will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds.