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For decades, San Diego’s single-family homeowners and small multi-unit properties received city trash collection without a direct bill for the service. The cost was covered by the City of San Diego’s General Fund, funded by all taxpayers, whether they used city trash services or not.
That system changed in July 2025, when the City of San Diego began billing households directly for waste collection. If you’ve spotted a new “City of SD Trash” line on your property tax bill, here’s what’s behind the change, how much it costs, and what it means for property owners.
📜 From Taxpayer-Funded to Direct Billing
For over 100 years, San Diego operated under the People’s Ordinance—a 1919 law prohibiting the city from charging certain households directly for trash collection. Instead, the service was paid for through the General Fund, meaning everyone chipped in through taxes.
In November 2022, voters passed Measure B, repealing the People’s Ordinance. This allowed the city to charge households directly for trash, recycling, and organics collection, rather than funding it with general tax revenues. After two years of preparation, the new billing model officially launched July 1, 2025.
💡 Why the Change Happened
City leaders said the switch was about:
🚓 Freeing Up the General Fund – Redirects tax dollars to police, fire, parks, and infrastructure.
⚖️ Fairer Cost Sharing – Ends the double-payment issue for residents who already paid private haulers.
♻️ Dedicated Waste Management Funding – All fees now go into the Solid Waste Management Fund for trash, recycling, and organics programs.
💵 How Much You’ll Pay in 2025
The standard 95-gallon bin package—trash, recycling, and organics—is $43.60/month (~$523/year).
Smaller bin options are available:
🟦 65-gallon bin: $38.94/month (~$467/year)
🟩 35-gallon bin: $32.82/month (~$394/year)
📲 You can change bin sizes using the city’s Get It Done portal or by calling the Environmental Services Department.
🏠 Who’s Affected
The trash fee applies to:
🏡 Single-family homes in San Diego city limits
🏘️ Multi-unit properties with up to 4 units on one parcel that receive city trash service
🚫 Not included: Larger apartment buildings, commercial properties, or homes outside city limits (these already pay private haulers).
📑 Where the Fee Appears
The trash fee is built into your property tax bill as a separate line item. Since property taxes are due twice a year, you’ll see half of the annual trash fee on each bill.
📈 Impact on Property Owners & Landlords
If you own property in San Diego, here’s what to keep in mind:
📊 Higher Operating Costs – Factor the fee into your budget.
📝 Lease Reviews – See if you can pass costs to tenants (check local laws first).
📍 Market Positioning – Compete carefully with nearby cities without this fee.
💡 Tips to Lower Your Bill
📉 Choose a Smaller Bin – The smaller the bin, the lower the cost.
♻️ Recycle & Compost More – Makes downsizing possible.
💳 Check Discounts – Seniors and low-income households may qualify.
🏢 Audit Your Properties – Multi-unit owners might find private hauling more cost-effective.
✅ Bottom Line for 2025
The San Diego trash fee isn’t a brand-new expense. It’s a shift in how the cost is collected. Instead of all taxpayers subsidizing the service through the General Fund, only those who use city trash collection now pay directly via their property tax bill.
For property owners, that means new budgeting considerations, possible bin size changes, and more direct accountability for waste service costs.
🏢 How Beyond Property Management Helps Property Owners Adjust
At Beyond Property Management, we keep our clients ahead of changes like this. From adjusting budgets to exploring cost pass-through options, we help San Diego property owners navigate new city policies without stress. Whether it’s this 2025 trash fee, rising utility costs, or evolving rental laws, we handle the details so you can focus on maximizing your investment.
💬 Want to learn how we can help protect your time, income, and property value? Contact Beyond Property Management today.