Homeowners who live within City of San Diego limits may be surprised by a new charge on their 2025-2026 tax bill.
Beginning this tax year, which runs from July 2025 through June 2026, City residents will be charged for trash pickup. This charge will be a line item on their property tax bills.
Breaking a 100+ year tradition
For over 100 years, the City of San Diego has offered free trash pickup service to residents and small businesses. This was established by the People’s Ordinance of 1919, Municipal Code Section 66.0127. Residents and small businesses were eligible for trash services from the City at no fee.
In 1986, voters amended the Ordinance. As a result, some residents on private streets and multi-family homes started paying a private trash company, while others continued to receive trash services at no extra cost.
Measure B
In 2022, voters passed Measure B, allowing the City of San Diego to charge for trash and recycling pickup, beginning on July 1, 2025. Owners of residential properties of 1-4 units will see the charge for the first time on their 2025-2026 property tax bill.
How Much Is it?
The monthly cost for trash and recycling pickup in the City of San Diego is $43.60 per month for standard 95-gallon bins. There is also an option to choose a smaller 65-gallon trash bin for $38.94, or a 35-gallon trash bin for $32.82. If you choose a smaller trash bin, you still receive the larger 95-gallon recycling and organics bins. There is also the option to pay for additional bins. See full pricing here.
Your Property Tax Bill
If you are a City of San Diego homeowner, your property tax bill will contain one line item for the year. If you have the $43.60/month package, you will see one single annual charge of $523.20. This charge, along with the rest of your property tax bill, is divided into two equal installments.
More Property Tax Questions?
You can check out my article about property tax calculation, or contact me with any questions.
