How to Obtain a Container

On January 1, 2008, the responsibility for refuse container replacement returned to the residents. Property owners who need to replace a damaged, lost or stolen refuse container must now:

• obtain refuse containers from the Environmental Services Department for a $70 user fee (additional delivery charge may apply), or
• purchase approved containers from another source such as a home improvement store.

While refuse containers withstand rugged use in the collection process, new City-issued containers are expected to have a lifespan of 10 years. If the container becomes defective before the 10-year warranty is up, a prorated fee will apply to the replacement.

	Container	One-time, Non-refundable User Fee
	Black refuse container (all sizes)	$70 (Or a prorated fee may apply. Call customer service for an exact amount.)
	Blue recycling container (all sizes)	Free (Up to three)
	Black and blue container delivery charge (all sizes)	$25 each

• Second and additional refuse containers will cost the full $70 user fee plus delivery charge if applicable.
• Lost or stolen refuse containers will cost the full $70 user fee for replacement plus delivery charge if applicable.
• Refuse containers damaged by misuse or by a third party will cost the full $70 user fee for replacement plus delivery charge if applicable.
• Refuse containers damaged in the regular collection process will be charged prorated replacement costs. Containers in use for more than 10 years will be replaced for $70 plus delivery, if applicable. Containers within the 10 year lifespan will cost a prorated fee based on $7 per year, plus delivery charge if applicable. Call customer service at 858-694-7000 for amount if damaged lost, or stolen container was used for less than 10 years.
• Newly constructed residential properties will receive the first refuse container free of charge. This does not include remodels, but applies only to new homes with new addresses.
• Containers obtained from the City of San Diego have a 10-year life expectancy.

• If picked up, one or two additional blue recycling containers are available at no cost. Otherwise, there is a $25 one-time non-refundable fee for delivery.
• Recycling bins are for residential use only. The City does not provide recycling service to its commercial customers. For assistance in finding a recycling service for your business call 858-694-7000.

Collection Services
8353 Miramar Place
San Diego, CA 92121
Check/money order payable to: City Treasurer

Deliveries may take between two and six weeks. Please include your name and container size (small, medium or large) with your check/money order. Also, include the address of where you would like the container to be delivered.

OR To pick up the container yourself (blue or black containers), bring Visa card, Master card, debit card or check/money order to the address above, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Call 858-694-7000 to confirm container supply. Please bring the damaged container with you, if applicable. You are responsible for securing containers to your vehicle for safe transport.

Please note: Visa, Master or debit cards are only accepted for payments made in person to the address above.

To Purchase an Approved Container from Another Source:

• Containers must have certain features to be compatible with the City's collection trucks.
• Refuse containers must be black.
• Containers must be one of the following brands and models:
  • Rehrig-Pacific - ROC-35, ROC-65, ROC-95-U
  • Shaefer Systems International - USD-35B, USD-65B, USD-95B
  • Toter, Inc. - EVR Universal Cart 32, 64 or 96 gallon
• Containers can be purchased from any home improvement store or outlet that sells these models.
• Containers purchased from vendors other than the City of San Diego are subject to standard vendor warranties.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions, contact ESD Customer Service at 858-694-7000.