
San Diego residents can expect trash collection services from the City of San Diego's Environmental Services Department.
The city provides regular trash collection services to residential and commercial properties.
Residents can find their collection schedule online by entering their address on the city's website or by calling the city's customer service hotline.
Trash collection services are provided on a weekly basis, with recyclables collected on a bi-weekly schedule.
Trash Collection Services
You can check the status of your trash collection online or by contacting the city directly. Collection status is easily accessible to stay on top of your schedule.
If you have questions about your trash container, you can find answers in the Container Frequently Asked Questions section.
If you have a dead animal that needs removal, you can report it to the city for assistance. Dead animals can be a health hazard and a nuisance, so it's best to report them as soon as possible.

To request assistance with trash collection due to a disability, you can submit a request for ADA Assisted Collection. This service is available to ensure that everyone has access to reliable trash collection.
If you see a trash container left out on the street, you can report it to the city to help keep our neighborhoods clean. Report a Container Left Out to help maintain our community's appearance.
If you notice a dumpster encroaching on the public right of way, you can report it to the city to prevent any potential hazards or eyesores.
Collection Schedules
Collection schedules can vary depending on your location and the type of waste you're disposing of.
In some areas, trash is collected every week, while in others it's collected every other week.
Most cities have a designated day for bulk waste collection, usually once a month.
During holidays like Christmas and New Year's, collection schedules may be adjusted to accommodate the extra waste generated.
Some communities offer special collection events for hazardous waste and electronic waste.
Payment Options
When you need to pay for trash collection services, you have several options to choose from.
You can pay by credit card, which is accepted by most trash collection service providers.
Some providers also accept online payments through their websites or mobile apps.
In some cases, payment plans can be set up to make it easier to pay your trash collection bills.
The frequency of payments can vary depending on the provider and the type of service you sign up for.
Typically, payments are due on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, but some providers may offer quarterly payments.
Yard Waste
You can recycle yard waste in San Diego, and it's actually a big deal. The city collects over 30,000 tons of it every year.
The city recommends using a standard 32- or 45-gallon size plastic trash container with no attached lids. This is the best way to keep it clean and safe for collection.
Don't even think about putting plastic bags in your yard waste container - they can hide hazards and injure drivers, and they contaminate the mulch and compost.

Only clean yard waste is accepted, so make sure to place only leaves, grass, shrub clippings, and small bundles in your container. This helps the city produce high-quality mulch and compost.
If you put anything else in your container, like dirt, rocks, tree stumps, or shingles, it won't be collected.
The city collects yard waste curbside, so just put your container out by 6 a.m. on your collection day and it'll be taken care of.
By recycling your yard waste, you're helping to reduce waste and extend the life of the Miramar Landfill. Plus, you'll get to enjoy the benefits of mulch and compost for your yard and garden.
Bulk Item Collection
Bulk item collection is a convenient service offered by many trash collection companies. They provide a designated day and time for residents to set out bulk items like furniture and appliances for pickup.
Bulk items include large and heavy items like refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines. These items are typically collected on a specific day of the week, usually once a month.

Residents are usually required to place bulk items at the curb by 7am on the designated collection day. This ensures that the items are collected efficiently and safely.
Some trash collection companies also offer bulk item collection for large quantities of yard waste, like branches and leaves. This service is often available for an additional fee.
Bulk item collection can be a significant benefit for people who have recently moved or renovated their homes, as it saves them time and effort.
Where to Guide
If you're looking for a reliable guide on where to dispose of certain items, the City of San Diego's "What Goes Where Guides" is a great resource. It's available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
You can visit WasteFreeSD to learn how to donate, recycle, or dispose of just about anything else.
To avoid contaminating the environment and harming refuse collectors, it's essential to keep certain materials out of the trash, recycling, and organic waste recycling containers. These materials include liquids of any type, hot coals, ashes, or lit cigarettes, and building and construction debris.

You can also visit WasteFreeSD to search for drop-off and pickup resources for items like household hazardous waste, universal waste, and medical waste.
Here are some specific materials that require special disposal:
- Liquids of any type
- Hot coals, ashes, or lit cigarettes
- Building and construction debris (dirt/rocks, tree trunks, carpets, or large scraps)
- Furniture, appliances, or auto parts (water heaters, major appliances, couches/chairs, car bumpers, fenders, engine blocks, batteries, items over 50 pounds)
- Unwrapped sharp objects (broken glass should be well-wrapped in newspaper before placing it in the trash)
- Household Hazardous Wastes (paint, cleaning fluids, motor oil, insecticides, solvents, acids, gasoline, pool chemicals, highly flammable liquids, radioactive materials, or toxic chemicals)
- Sharps including needles, syringes, lancets, and other self-injection devices
- Medical waste from home healthcare services
- Universal waste (all types of consumer batteries, electronics, fluorescent lightbulbs, and mercury-containing items such as thermometers and thermostats)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone number for trash collection in San Diego?
To report issues or ask questions about trash collection in San Diego, call 858-694-7000. You can also email [email protected] for assistance.
Can I throw an old toilet in the trash?
No, you can't throw an old toilet in the trash due to bulk waste restrictions. Check local guidelines for proper disposal options.
How do I get a new trash can from the city of San Diego?
To request a new trash can from the City of San Diego, email [email protected] or call 858-694-7000. Report any damage or issues with your current container to initiate the replacement process.
Why wasn't trash picked up yesterday?
Your trash may not have been picked up due to improper sorting, oversized containers, or blocked access. Check our guidelines for common issues that may have caused the delay
Sources
- https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/collection/general
- https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/collection/general/containerfaqs
- https://sandiegorecycling.org/san-diego-recycling-schedule/
- https://www.1800gotjunk.com/us_en/locations/junk-removal-sandiego/trash-pickup
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/city-san-diego-seeks-input-223552711.html
- https://www.sandiego.gov/blog/holiday-schedule-city-offices-and-services
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