Waste Management Services in San Francisco, CA
Find trusted dumpster rental, junk removal, septic pumping, and specialty services in San Francisco. Compare verified providers and get free quotes.
Waste Management Services in San Francisco, California
San Francisco Environment Department oversees waste collection provided by Recology with mandatory composting ordinance since 2009. The city generates approximately 1.6 million tons of MSW annually with nation-leading 80% landfill diversion rate. Zero waste goal targets 100% diversion by 2030.
Residential Service
Rates effective Oct 2025. Single-family $19.75, duplex $39.50. Rate decreased 12.24% Oct 2025. Three-cart service mandatory.
Dumpster Rental
20-yard, 7-day rental
Providers
Licensed haulers serving San Francisco
Waste Haulers Serving San Francisco
Compare licensed waste management providers offering residential, commercial, and specialty services in San Francisco:
Recology San Francisco
regional- Residential collection
- Commercial collection
- Recycling
- Composting
San Francisco Waste Management Costs
Understand typical pricing for waste services in San Francisco. Costs vary by provider, service level, and property type.
Residential Services
Rates effective Oct 2025. Single-family $19.75, duplex $39.50. Rate decreased 12.24% Oct 2025. Three-cart service mandatory.
Commercial Services
Volume-based pricing incentivizes waste reduction. Mandatory three-bin separation. Costs include base charge plus volume charges for trash, recycling, compost.
Dumpster Rental
7-14 day rental. San Francisco premium - highest in US. Space constraints, permits, disposal costs. Strictly regulated.
Junk Removal
Bay Area premium pricing. Quarter truck ~$250-$400, half truck $400-$650, full truck $700-$1,000. Eco-sorting included.
San Francisco Waste Regulations & Requirements
Dumpster Permits
Street space permits required from SF Public Works for dumpsters. Extremely limited availability. High fees. Private property placement strongly preferred.
Recycling Requirements
MANDATORY three-bin separation per 2009 ordinance. Blue (recycling), green (compost), black (trash). All ratepayers must have simultaneous service. Fines for non-compliance.
Special Regulations
- Mandatory Recycling & Composting Ordinance (2009) - legally required separation
- All properties must provide recycling, composting, and trash bins
- Businesses and landlords must provide convenient bins for tenants/customers
- Zero waste rate structure - larger recycling/compost bins lower cost than trash
- Styrofoam ban - no expanded polystyrene food containers or packing
- Plastic bag ban - reusable bags required
- Dense urban environment - space constraints for bin placement
- Steep hills create unique collection challenges
Recycling in San Francisco
San Francisco pioneered mandatory composting with nation-leading 80% diversion rate. Three-bin system required for all properties. Blue (recycling), green (compost including food scraps), black (landfill trash). Rate structure incentivizes waste reduction through variable pricing.
Accepted Materials
- Recycling (Blue): Paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, metals, cartons
- Composting (Green): ALL food scraps including meat, dairy, bones
- Composting (Green): Food-soiled paper, napkins, paper towels, pizza boxes
- Composting (Green): Yard trimmings, leaves, branches, plants
Not Accepted
- Styrofoam (banned in San Francisco)
- Plastic bags (banned - use reusable bags)
- Electronics (separate e-waste collection)
- Batteries & hazardous materials (Recology events)
- Medical waste (sharps containers)
Special Waste Programs in San Francisco
Take advantage of these specialized collection and disposal programs available to San Francisco residents:
Mandatory Composting Ordinance
Nation-first mandatory composting law (2009). All residents and businesses must separate compostables. Enforcement through education and compliance monitoring.
sfenvironment.org | (415) 355-3700
Zero Waste Rate Structure
Variable pricing incentivizes waste reduction. Customers choosing larger recycling/compost bins and smaller trash bins pay lower rates.
Recology SF | (415) 330-1300
Recology Special Pickups
Bulky item, e-waste, and hazardous waste collection by appointment. Free for residential customers. Includes furniture, appliances, electronics.
Schedule at recology.com/sf | (415) 330-1300
SF Environment Education Programs
School programs, business consultations, community workshops on zero waste. Technical assistance for compliance with mandatory ordinances.
sfenvironment.org/recycling | (415) 355-3700
Proposition 218 Rate Public Process
Transparent annual rate-setting process with public input. Multi-year rate schedule approved with community engagement.
Rate information at sf.gov/refuse-rates
What Makes San Francisco Waste Management Unique
- Nation-leading 80% landfill diversion rate - highest among major US cities
- Mandatory composting ordinance (2009) - first major city to require food scrap separation
- Zero waste goal 100% diversion by 2030 - most ambitious target in US
- Recology exclusive franchise provides consistent citywide service
- Zero waste rate structure incentivizes reduction - pay less for less trash
- Dense urban environment with steep hills creates unique collection challenges
- Tech sector and sustainability culture drive innovation in waste reduction
- Highest waste service costs in US reflecting SF cost of living and land constraints
Contact San Francisco Waste Services
Get help with waste collection, recycling questions, or service requests:
Recology San Francisco
SF Environment Department
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