CONNECT with the CityContainer Check Feedback
To keep collection safe and efficient, City of San Diego Environmental Services staff will provide direct, household-specific feedback through cart tags. These tags help identify issues so they can be corrected, protect employees and equipment, improve the quality of recycling and organics, and ensure compliance with state laws like Senate Bill 1383, which requires the City to conduct route reviews.
How it Works
- Code Compliance Officers check containers placed at the curb on collection day. If they see items that don’t belong (visible at the top of the cart), they may leave a tag with feedback.
- Sanitation Drivers may leave a tag if there’s an issue with container setout – such as a safety concern or something that affects collection operations.
- All tagged carts will still be collected, except in cases where household hazardous waste, dangerous obstruction, or overweight materials are found. In those situations, staff will leave a Non-Collection Violation Tag instead.
Was your bin tagged? Here's what to do.
On this page:
Collection Issue Tag
Collection Issue Tags
English version of the Collection Violation tag
Español version of the Collection Violation tag
If you received a Collection Issue Tag, here are important setout reminders.
"Oops" Contamination Tag
If you received an “Oops” Contamination Tag (the red, yellow, or green tag) on your recycling, trash or organic waste recycling bin - this is just a friendly reminder that something in your bin didn’t belong there. “Oops” Tags are meant to help everyone recycle correctly.
Step 1
Review the tag
The checked boxes show what was found in your bin that shouldn’t be there.
Step 2
Correct the issue
Remove the items if your bin hasn't been collected yet.
Place them in the right bin: Use your trash, recycling or organic waste recycling bins as appropriate
Step 3
Do Not Collect Tag
If you found a Non-Collection Violation Tag (the bright orange sticker) we ask that you act immediately. Here’s how you can fix it:
Step 1
Review the tag
The tag lists safety concerns or barriers that prevented the driver from picking up the bin.
Step 2
Correct the issue
Follow the instructions on the tag such as removing hazardous or heavy items from the container.
Step 3
Contact Us
Once the issue has been corrected, request collection by contacting us at 858-694-7000 or trash@sandiego.gov.
Adjusting Container Service
Is your container overflowing and causing materials to go in the wrong bin?
If you need a larger or additional containers, the property owner can visit wasteportal.sandiego.gov or call 858-694-7000.
Is your container damaged and causing litter or illegal dumping?
If you need to replace a broken container or missing lid, complete a Get It Done Repair or Replace Damaged Container Request or call 858-694-7000.
If your container was stolen or went missing, complete a Get It Done Replace Missing Container Request or call 858-694-7000.
Need support? We’re here to help!
- View our Container Checks flyer
Español version of Container Checks flyer
Tagalog version of Container Checks flyer
Tiếng Việt version of Container Checks flyer
For more information on waste disposal guidelines, or if you have any questions about the “Oops” tags or contamination, please visit our Collection Services webpage or contact us at 858-694-7000 or trash@sandiego.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
A container check is an assessment conducted by ESD’s Code Compliance team to check residential trash, recycling and organic waste recycling bins for contamination. Containers will be checked when they’re placed curbside on the household’s collection day beginning as early as 6:00 AM. During these checks, Code Compliance Officers will flip open the lid to each bin to inspect the contents at the top to determine if there are non-recyclables, hazardous, or other wrong materials in the bins. If contamination is observed, an “Oops” tag will be placed on the bin’s handle to inform the resident what was placed incorrectly and provide guidance on how to avoid the issue in the future. This effort helps improve recycling efficiency, reduce contamination and landfill waste and maintain a cleaner, more sustainable city.
Why are container checks important?
Container checks help ensure residents are sorting their waste correctly. Contamination, such as placing non-recyclable materials in recycling containers or incorrect items in organic waste recycling bins, can disrupt recycling processes and result in entire loads so contaminated they are sent to landfills instead of a recycling processing facility. Checks also help protect the safety of employees who collect and process the materials by preventing hazardous and dangerous items from entering the bins. By identifying and addressing contamination, we aim to increase the efficiency of our recycling programs, protect the environment and reduce waste.
When will contamination checks happen and for how long?
City staff are checking bins placed curbside on collection days as early as 6 AM. Checks will be an ongoing effort to meet SB 1383 requirements for monitoring and reducing waste contamination. This long-term initiative ensures compliance with recycling and organic waste separation requirements, supports sustainability goals, and helps the City achieve greater efficiency in waste management and diversion programs.
Where will container checks take place?
Container checks will be conducted throughout the entire City of San Diego. Any residential property serviced by ESD for trash, recycling or organic waste collection is subject to a container check. The reviews are part of a citywide effort to assess and improve waste disposal practices, making San Diego a cleaner and more environmentally responsible community.
What do “Oops” tags and postcards mean?
During container checks, if a Code Compliance Officer identifies significant contamination in any residential trash, recycling, or organic waste recycling containers, an “Oops” tag or postcard may be issued. These tags serve as a friendly reminder and provide feedback to inform residents about the contamination observed on their route. Receiving an “Oops” tag does not result in immediate penalties, but it indicates that there is a need for improvement in the way the bins are being used.
How do I address contamination?
If you have received an “Oops” tag or postcard, it means contamination was found in your bin(s) or that contamination levels on your neighborhood’s collection route were higher than allowed. To fix this, it is important to familiarize yourself with what goes in each bin:
By following these guidelines and being mindful of what you place in each container, you can help reduce contamination, contribute to the City's overall zero waste goals, as well as comply with SB 1383. ESD offers workshops and webinars to learn more about overall best recycling practices. View upcoming outreach events.