Waste Management Services in San Diego, CA
Find trusted dumpster rental, junk removal, septic pumping, and specialty services in San Diego. Compare verified providers and get free quotes.
Waste Management Services in San Diego, California
San Diego Environmental Services Department provides waste collection for 1.4 million residents through contracted private haulers. The city generates approximately 2.7 million tons of MSW annually with aggressive zero waste goals and SB 1383 organics compliance.
Residential Service
Varies by hauler and service level. Three-cart system: black (trash), blue (recycling), green (organics). SB 1383 compliance required.
Dumpster Rental
20-yard, 7-day rental
Providers
Licensed haulers serving San Diego
Waste Haulers Serving San Diego
Compare licensed waste management providers offering residential, commercial, and specialty services in San Diego:
EDCO Waste & Recycling Services
regional- Residential collection (some zones)
- Commercial service
- Recycling
- Organics
Republic Services
national- Residential collection (some zones)
- Commercial service
- Dumpster rental
Waste Management
national- Residential collection (some zones)
- Commercial service
- Roll-off containers
San Diego Waste Management Costs
Understand typical pricing for waste services in San Diego. Costs vary by provider, service level, and property type.
Residential Services
Varies by hauler and service level. Three-cart system: black (trash), blue (recycling), green (organics). SB 1383 compliance required.
Commercial Services
Franchised zones. Mandatory organics separation under SB 1383. Rates regulated by city.
Dumpster Rental
San Diego premium pricing. Competitive market but higher disposal costs than inland areas.
San Diego Waste Regulations & Requirements
Dumpster Permits
Encroachment permits required from San Diego Public Works for dumpsters on public property. Fees vary. Private property placement preferred.
Recycling Requirements
MANDATORY recycling per city ordinance. Blue cart collection weekly. SB 1383 requires organics recycling statewide.
Special Regulations
- Three-cart system mandatory: trash (black), recycling (blue), organics (green)
- SB 1383 compliance: all food scraps and yard waste must go in green cart
- Coastal areas have additional regulations for beach protection
- Zero Waste San Diego goals: 75% diversion by 2020, zero waste by 2040
- Container placement rules to maintain sidewalk access and ocean views
Recycling in San Diego
San Diego requires three-cart waste separation. Blue cart for recyclables (weekly), green cart for organics (weekly), black cart for trash (weekly). SB 1383 mandates food scrap composting.
Accepted Materials
- Recycling: Paper, cardboard, plastic #1-7, glass, metals, cartons
- Organics: Food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings, leaves, branches
Not Accepted
- Plastic bags
- Styrofoam
- Electronics
- Hazardous materials
- Textiles
Special Waste Programs in San Diego
Take advantage of these specialized collection and disposal programs available to San Diego residents:
Greenery Collection
Weekly green cart collection of food scraps and yard waste. Processed into compost. SB 1383 compliance program.
Included in residential service
Safe @ The Curb
HHW collection by appointment. Free for residents. Includes paint, chemicals, batteries, e-waste. Convenient alternative to drop-off centers.
Schedule at sandiego.gov/environmental-services
Free Mulch & Compost
Residents can collect free mulch and compost made from yard waste. Available at Miramar Greenery.
Miramar Greenery, 5180 Convoy St
What Makes San Diego Waste Management Unique
- Coastal location drives strict environmental regulations and beach protection
- SB 1383 aggressive organics diversion expanding compost infrastructure
- Zero Waste San Diego pioneering waste reduction strategies
- Military presence (Naval Base, Marine Corps bases) creates unique service areas
- Mediterranean climate allows year-round yard waste generation
- Tourism industry generates significant commercial waste from hotels and attractions
Contact San Diego Waste Services
Get help with waste collection, recycling questions, or service requests:
San Diego Environmental Services
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