This Thursday, April 30, is the deadline to apply for financial assistance for trash and recycling services from the City of San Diego. As the deadline is fast approaching, the City wants residents to know that funds are still available for qualifying homeowners.  

Since the Financial Assistance Program launched in January, the City’s Environmental Services Department (ESD) has received 3,459 applications. Funds are available to help nearly 4,000 more customers. Those who meet household income and other criteria can apply online for the Solid Waste Management Fee Financial Assistance Program or attend a clinic for in-person guidance on the application process.  

“We’re providing meaningful help to thousands of San Diegans, fulfilling a commitment shaped through our engagement with residents across San Diego over the past two years,” said Jeremy Bauer, Assistant Director of Environmental Services. “We encourage homeowners who believe they are eligible to complete an application. For those who need guidance with the application process, we are here to help, and we welcome calls to our Customer Services Center or to MAAC.”  

Customers can apply for assistance whether or not they have already paid part or all of this year’s fee. In order to qualify, they must own and live in the home as a primary residence, and the home must be eligible to receive trash and recycling collection from the City of San Diego. In general, households with limited income or those already enrolled in certain public assistance programs may qualify. Specifically, they must meet one of the following qualifications:  

• Household income is at or below 60% of California’s State Median Income. Amounts are based on the number of people in the household and listed on the program webpage; for example, approximately $77,000 per year for a family of four.  
• At least one person in the household is enrolled in one or more of the following programs: Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 

The Solid Waste Management Fee Financial Assistance Program is made possible through a partnership with the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County, Inc. (MAAC). The program is paid for by $3 million from the City’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget and more than $60,000 in donations pledged by City customers. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Under the Financial Assistance Program, those who meet the criteria and are approved may receive credit toward half of the trash and recycling fee, approximately $260 for this fiscal year. Additional assistance is available for property owners who meet the primary eligibility requirements and are currently enrolled in the County of San Diego’s property tax payment plan. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval, as eligibility must be verified based on program criteria. 

Applications for assistance for this fiscal year are being reviewed and approved on an ongoing basis through June as funding remains available. Afterward, the program will consider applications for assistance toward the FY2027 fee. The City will share information on assistance amounts available toward next year’s fee in the coming months. 

An in-person clinic to assist with the online application process is being held on Wednesday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the San Ysidro Library, 4235 Beyer Blvd., San Diego, 92173.  

In the fall of last year, the Environmental Services Department began rolling out new bins to customers eligible for City service. The City is replacing the older black trash bins and dark blue recycling bins with new gray trash bins and light blue recycling bins to help ensure service is provided only to eligible customers and at the correct service level. The delivery of new trash bins is nearly complete. With more than 225,000 households eligible for City service, the phased rollout of recycling bins has begun and will continue over several months, with some customers receiving their new bins in early fall. Customers can find their estimated delivery date by visiting sandiego.gov/trash and selecting “Container Delivery Look Up Tool.”  

The Solid Waste Management Fee, approved by the San Diego City Council in June and effective July 1, 2025, ensured the modernization and long-term sustainability of the City’s waste collection program.  

More information about Financial Assistance for the trash fee is available at MAACproject.org/SDSWAssistance or by calling 619-946-4419. Environmental Services can be reached at 858-694-7000.