Waste Management Services in San Diego, CA

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24+
Services Available
1,386,932
Population
San Diego
County

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

$42-$56

Varies by hauler and service level. Three-cart system: black (trash), blue (recycling), green (organics). SB 1383 compliance required.

Dumpster Rental

$425-$575

20-yard, 7-day rental

Providers

3

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

Monthly trash & recycling pickup$42-$56

Varies by hauler and service level. Three-cart system: black (trash), blue (recycling), green (organics). SB 1383 compliance required.

Commercial Services

Monthly commercial collection$175-$890/month

Franchised zones. Mandatory organics separation under SB 1383. Rates regulated by city.

Dumpster Rental

20-yard dumpster (7 days)$425-$575
30-yard dumpster (7 days)$550-$750

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

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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