San Diego Solid Waste Management Fee Update
What Property Owners Need to Know
Starting this year, the City of San Diego has introduced a Solid Waste Management Fee — a new citywide charge applied to residential properties that receive City trash collection services.
This change affects most single-family homes and small multifamily residences (1–4 units) within city limits. The fee is designed to help the City cover the costs of trash collection, recycling, and environmental programs previously funded by the general budget.
At Palm Tree Properties, our goal is to make sure property owners understand how this impacts your investment and how we’re adjusting your property management services to stay compliant.
What Is the Solid Waste Management Fee?
The Solid Waste Management Fee (SWMF) is a monthly city service fee that covers trash, recycling, and organic waste collection.
- Purpose: To fund waste collection and landfill operations as part of the City’s sustainability goals
Effective Date: July 2025 (billed quarterly by the City)
- Applies To: Residential properties that receive City trash services
Charged By: The City of San Diego
Property owners will begin receiving this fee directly from the City of San Diego via their water and trash utility bill.
What This Means for Property Owners
If Palm Tree Properties manages your home or rental property in the City of San Diego, here’s what to expect:
The City will bill you directly for the Solid Waste Management Fee — it will not appear on your Palm Tree Properties owner statements.
Tenants do not receive this bill directly from the City. However, owners may choose to include this fee in their rent pricing or adjust lease terms upon renewal.
We’re here to help you navigate any questions about how this change impacts your property’s expenses or rent strategy.
Our team will continue to monitor City updates and ensure any operational or billing adjustments are clearly communicated.
Why the Change?
This new fee is part of the City’s effort to align San Diego’s waste management system with California’s environmental and sustainability standards.
For decades, trash collection was covered through general tax funds — now, the City is shifting to a “pay-for-service” model similar to most other California municipalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the new Solid Waste Management Fee?
The City of San Diego estimates an average monthly charge of around $23–$29 per home, depending on the type of service and container size.
When will I start getting billed?
The City began phasing in the fee in mid-2025, with the first quarterly bills expected later this year.
Will Palm Tree Properties pay this fee for me?
No. The fee is billed directly to the property owner through the City’s utility billing system. Palm Tree Properties does not collect or remit this payment on your behalf.
Can I pass this cost on to my tenant?
Yes — owners may adjust rent pricing or add a utility reimbursement clause during lease renewals. Our management team can guide you on how to handle this in compliance with your lease terms and local regulations.
What if my tenant’s trash is collected by a private company instead of the City?
Private collection services are not subject to the City’s Solid Waste Management Fee. If your property uses a private hauler, your existing arrangement remains unchanged.
Who can I contact for more information?
Palm Tree Properties Management Team
City of San Diego Environmental Services Department
