Beginning July 1, the City of San Diego will no longer collect trash from the older model black bins. To receive trash collection service from the City, customers must have a City-provided gray bin out on their scheduled collection day. Moving to the new gray bins helps the City ensure that only eligible households receive service at the level they select, so service levels are accurately reflected, and customers are billed based on their selected service package. Also, the new bins are more durable, easy to identify and include clear sorting reminders on the lid to help residents know what goes where. Because they are new, the gray bins are less likely to break, but if they do, the City will either repair them or replace and deliver a new bin at no additional charge.  

The City began the phased retraction of older black bins and delivery of new gray bins last fall. Most households have now transitioned to the new gray bins, and for them, no action is needed.  

“As we approach July 1, our focus is on making sure customers know what to expect and where to receive help,” said Environmental Services Assistant Director Jeremy Bauer. “Nearly all City customers have received their new gray bins, and for anyone who still needs a bin or needs help selecting the right service package, our team stands ready to assist.”  

Homeowners who still need to confirm or change their service can do so online at sandiego.gov/trash. If you already have a City-provided gray bin, you are all set, and no further action is needed. Those who need a City-provided gray bin, a different size or an additional bin can request those changes through the City’s Portal at WastePortal.sandiego.gov. Renters who need a gray bin should contact their landlord or property manager, and customers who still have a City-owned black bin are encouraged to notify the Environmental Services Department (ESD) to schedule a pickup. The City’s trash service website is at sandiego.gov/trash, and ESD can be reached at 858-694-7000.  

Blue recycling bins are also being replaced with new, lighter blue bins. The rollout is now more than halfway complete and is expected to wrap up in September. To check the delivery date of your new recycling bin, visit sandiego.gov/trash and select “New Container Deliveries.”   

Trash fees, which are currently the same rate as adopted by the City Council in June of 2025, will be reduced starting July 1, 2027. To view the full fee schedule, visit sandiego.gov/trash.  

If you’re wondering what becomes of old trash and recycling bins, many of which are more than 20 years old, they are taken to the City’s Operations Facility in Miramar. At the yard, crews clean and disassemble the bins: wheels and metal bars are removed and sent to regional facilities for recycling and the lids are detached. The plastic regrind process begins with the bins and lids being placed into the Universal Refiner grinding machine. Bins are chipped into small chunks, which drop from a chute into containers. The containers are sent to Rehrig plants, where they are cleaned, pelletized and made into new products. By chipping the bins on site, each truck can carry more material, reducing the number of trips required and lowering overall carbon footprint. For a closer look at this incredible process, check out this “Giving Old Bins New Life” video.