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City-Serviced Homes

The following information is for residents in single-family homes and multifamily homes (apartments or condos) serviced by the City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department (ESD).

ESD provides curbside trash, recycling and organic waste recycling collection within city limits. Your collection day depends on where you live in the City of San Diego.

Collection Frequency

Black trash bins: once a week

Green organic waste recycle bins: once a week

Blue recycle bins: every other week

Collection Schedule Lookup

City of San Diego What Goes Where Guides

Blue Recycling Bin

blue bin items
Accepted materials in the blue recycling bin include all plastic and glass bottles and jars, paper, newspaper, metal containers, cardboard, rigid plastics including clean food waste containers, jugs, tubs, trays, pots, buckets and toys.

 

Recycle Right

Ensure that recyclables are empty, dry and loose. These practices help keep the materials in the best condition to be recycled and reduces work hazards and machinery jams at the Material Recycling Facility.

empty peanut butter jar

Empty

Remove any remaining food or liquid from a recyclable item by lightly rinsing or wiping to remove any remaining residue.

empty plastic bottle

Dry

Gently shake out excess moisture before placing it in a recycling container.

no plastic bags

Loose

Do not put recyclables in a plastic bag as they get tangled in the sorting machinery. Reuse a household container, a paper grocery bag, a cardboard box or waste basket to empty your recyclables into your recycling cart.

 

Unacceptable items, DO NOT place these items in the blue recycle bin:

  • Plastic bags, plastic film, plastic wrap
  • Batteries
  • Compact fluorescent lightbulbs
  • Electronics
  • Hazardous waste
  • Chemicals
  • Clothes/textiles
  • Tanglers (hoses, hangers, wires, cords or rope)
  • Sharps/needles
  • Food or liquid
  • Pet Waste
  • Paper napkins and paper towels
  • Compostable and biodegradable plastics
  • Diapers

You may find local recycling options for hard to recycle items like appliances, bulky items, and electronics by visiting WasteFreeSD.org

Mattresses and box springs can be brought to the Mattress Collection Site to be recycled for FREE! Visit the Mattress Recycling webpage for more information.

Green Organic Waste Recycling Bin

green bin items

Accepted materials in the green organic waste recycling bin include food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste.


Unacceptable items, DO NOT place these items in the green organic waste recycling bin:

  • Compostable and biodegradable bags
  • Tea bags
  • Plastic containers
  • Plastic bags, plastic film, and plastic wrap
  • Disposable gloves
  • Disposable wipes
  • Glass
  • Pet waste
  • Plant pots
  • Dirt
  • Rocks
  • Bricks
  • Plant tags
  • Food labels and stickers
  • Twist ties 
  • Utensils or straws 

City of San Diego Curbside Organic Waste Recycling Guides

Organic Waste Recycling Steps

Food Waste Prevention

These downloadable and printable guides provide tips on preventing food waste at home.

Additional Resources

WasteFreeSD
WasteFreeSD is a regional directory to help residents find places that can repair broken items or accept donations of unwanted items. The directory also lists locations that accept bulky items and appliances for reuse, recycling or disposal. Visit WasteFreeSD.org for more information.

Education Handout

Have Questions?

Get more information and assistance by contacting the Environmental Services Department at sdrecyclingworks@sandiego.gov or 858-694-7000.

Recycling Programs