San Diego County, CA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection model
- Private haulers under non-exclusive franchise agreements (NEFAs)
- Collector cap
- 29 collectors under prior SWMA system (Sec. 68.530)
- Densely-populated areas
- Three-stream service required (trash, recycling, organics)
- Sparsely-populated areas
- Reduced organics requirements (food-waste exemptions)
- Ordinance update
- Effective June 4, 2021 (Ord. No. 10729 N.S.)
- Find a hauler
- County list of franchised waste haulers
Summary
In unincorporated San Diego County, private companies operating under non-exclusive franchise agreements (NEFAs) provide curbside trash and recycling. Service is not provided directly by the County. Densely-populated areas must subscribe to three-stream (trash, recycling, organics) collection or self-haul. The Solid Waste Ordinance was updated effective June 4, 2021.
ts pursuant to other provisions of this division. SEC. 5. Section 39730.8 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: 39730.8. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) “Commission” means the Public Utilities Commission. (2) “Energy commission” means the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission. (3) “Strategy” means the strategy to reduce short-lived climate pollutants developed pursuant to Section 39730. (b) The energy commission, in consultation with the state board and the commission, shall develop recommendations for the development and use of renewable gas, including biomethane and biogas, as a part of its 2017 Integrated Energy Policy Report prepared pursuant to Section 25302 of the Public Resources Code.
Full Breakdown
Unlike a single municipal hauler, the unincorporated County uses a non-exclusive franchise system. County Code Sec. 530 makes it unlawful to collect discarded materials in the unincorporated area without a non-exclusive franchise agreement (NEFA) or Certified Recyclable Materials Collector certificate; the combined number of single-family and multi-family/commercial collectors is capped (29 collectors under the prior SWMA system through June 30, 2021). Residents and businesses choose from the County's list of franchised haulers. Under Sec. , Spring Valley, Lakeside, Ramona, Fallbrook) must subscribe to a three-stream collection service - solid waste, source-separated recyclables, and source-separated organics - and place each material in its designated container, or self-haul under Sec.
572. , Campo, Boulevard, Warner Springs, Ranchita) have reduced organics obligations. The County's Solid Waste Ordinance (Chapter 5) incorporates state recycling laws including AB 341, AB 1826, AB 827, and SB 1383. A violation of Sec. 571 is an infraction (potential misdemeanor for repeat offenders). Containers may not overflow and must be set out within the timing window in Sec. 571(h).
Violations & Fines
A violation of County Code Sec. 68.571 (subscription and container requirements) is an infraction; two or more violations in one year may be charged as a misdemeanor. Code Compliance may also issue administrative citations for waste-storage and recycling violations under the Solid Waste Ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Diego County collect my trash directly?
Am I required to subscribe to recycling and organics service?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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