San Diego, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum frequency
- At least once weekly
- Who collects
- City forces (not franchisee) for eligible homes
- Covers
- 1-4 residences per lot
- Excludes
- Commercial, hotel, and larger multi-family lots
Summary
City forces must collect residential solid waste from single-family and small multi-family homes at least once a week under San Diego's Solid Waste Management Services ordinance.
Services. At least once each week, City forces shall collect and transport residential solid waste for transfer, transport, and recycling or disposal and the City may charge a cost-recovery fee, as allowed by law, for all solid waste management services.
(2) Exclusions. The City shall not collect solid waste from ineligible property, except that:
(A) At least once each week, City forces may, at the City Manager's discretion, collect residential solid waste from residential property used for nonresidential purposes if such residential property generates solid waste in an amount no greater than (150) percent of the solid waste generated by an average City residential property. The City may transport, transfer, and recycle or dispose of such solid waste; and the City may charge a cost-recovery fee, as allowed by law, for solid waste management services provided to that residential property;
(B) The City may provide solid waste management services, through City forces or outside contractors, to City facilities,
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code section 66.0127 sets the City's collection duty: at least once each week, City forces must collect and transport residential solid waste for transfer, recycling, or disposal, and may charge a cost-recovery fee. The service covers single-family homes and multi-family lots with up to four residences that meet City requirements for City-forces collection; larger multi-family and commercial ("ineligible") properties generally use private franchised haulers instead.
Violations & Fines
Section 66.0127 obligates the City itself rather than residents, so there's no resident penalty here; failing to keep serviceable containers under section 66.0126 is what can get a specific address's pickup withheld.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City guarantee weekly pickup?
Does every home get City pickup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Collection Schedule in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle collection schedule.