San Diego Residents Can Apply for Trash and Recycling Fee Assistance

Starting Thursday, Jan. 22, City of San Diego Environmental Services Department (ESD) customers can apply for financial assistance to help cover annual trash and recycling fees. Applications are available online, with in-person assistance offered for residents needing help completing the process.

To qualify, applicants must own and live in the home as their primary residence, receive City trash and recycling service, and either have a household income at or below 60% of California’s State Median Income or participate in programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, or LIHEAP. Customers may apply even if they have already paid part or all of the current year’s fee.

The Solid Waste Management Fee Financial Assistance Program is funded by $3 million from the City’s FY2026 budget and customer donations, in partnership with MAAC. About 7,000 customers are expected to receive assistance on a first-come, first-served basis.Approved applicants may receive a credit of about $260, covering half the annual fee, with full coverage available for some property owners enrolled in the County’s property tax payment plan. Applications are accepted through April as funding allows. For details, visit MAACproject.org/SDSWAssistance  or call 619-946-4419.