Proper waste management is crucial for maintaining clean, healthy neighborhoods, and the City of San Diego provides comprehensive trash pick up services to approximately 265,000 residential customers. Understanding the collection schedules, guidelines, and service options helps residents contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable community.
References:
- City of San Diego Environmental Services – Collection Services
- City of San Diego Collection Schedules
Trash Pick Up Schedule in San Diego
The City of San Diego offers a structured waste collection system with specific guidelines for different types of waste:
Residential Trash Collection
- Frequency: Weekly collection
- Days: Monday through Friday
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Container: Black trash bins
- Important Tip: Bag or wrap loose refuse material to prevent neighborhood litter
Recycling Services
- Frequency: Every other week
- Days: Monday through Friday
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Container: Blue recycling bins
- Important Tip: Discard items dry and loose, without plastic bags
Organic Waste Collection
- Frequency: Weekly collection
- Days: Monday through Friday
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Container: Green organic waste bins
- Important Guidelines:
- Do not use plastic bags (even compostable ones)
- Layer food scraps with yard waste
- Use paper bags for food scraps
Holiday Trash Pick Up Changes
San Diego observes several holidays with modified collection schedules:
2025 Holidays without Waste Collection:
- January 1 (New Year’s Day)
- May 26 (Memorial Day)
- July 4 (Independence Day)
- September 1 (Labor Day)
- November 27 (Thanksgiving Day)
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
Holiday Collection Adjustment: Trash collection shifts one day later for the entire week following a holiday.
How to Find or Request Services
Locating Your Collection Schedule
- Depends on your specific neighborhood in San Diego
- Contact Customer Service for precise details
Contact Information
- Phone: 858-694-7000
- Email: [email protected]
Additional Services
Special Collection Requests
- ADA Assisted Collection available
- Dead animal removal
- Reporting missed pickups
- Addressing illegal dumping
San Diego’s Environmental Services Department provides robust waste management services designed to keep the city clean, sustainable, and environmentally responsible. By following guidelines and understanding collection schedules, residents can play a crucial role in maintaining community cleanliness.
Remember to:
- Place bins out by 6 a.m. on collection day
- Follow specific guidelines for each waste type
- Stay informed about holiday schedule changes
For the most up-to-date information, always check the official City of San Diego website or contact their Environmental Services Department directly.
FAQ
Why hasn’t my garbage been picked up today?A garbage truck might skip your trash pickup for several reasons. Common reasons include improper sorting of waste, overweight or oversized containers, blocked access to the garbage due to parked vehicles or construction, hazardous materials in the garbage, or severe weather conditions.
What holidays is waste Pro closed?
- Holidays Observed in 2021.
- New Year’s Day – January 1st. Memorial Day – May 31st.
- *Independence Day – July 4th (Sunday)
- Labor Day – September 6th. …
- On these days: If you receive twice a week garbage pick-up, your service will be skipped. …
- *Service will run as normally scheduled Monday – Saturday.
What are the rules for trash collection in San Diego?To ensure collection, all containers must be placed at the curb in front of your home or alleyway by 6 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Set the authorized container on the street or alley, wheels against the curb and with the handle facing your home. Remember to leave space.
How much will trash pick up cost in San Diego?
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Inside San Diegohttps://www.insidesandiego.orgCity of San Diego Adopts New Trash FeeJun 10, 2025 — The San Diego City Council on Monday, June 9, approved a cost-recovery trash fee, ensuring the modernization and sustainability of the City’s waste …
https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/collection/schedule
Trash (black bin) Trash is collected weekly, Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. · Organic waste (green bin) Organic waste is collected weekly, Monday-Friday, 6
https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/collection
The City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department (ESD) provides residential trash, recycling and organic waste recycling collection.