Trash & Recycling Fee Assistance: Apply Now | [City Name]

San Diego Launches Financial Assistance Program for Trash and Recycling Fees

January 22, 2026 – Residents of San Diego can now apply for financial assistance to help cover the annual costs of trash and recycling services. The City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department (ESD) launched the new Solid Waste Management Fee Financial Assistance Program on Thursday, offering a lifeline to households struggling with the fees.

The program, funded by $3 million from the City’s fiscal year 2026 budget and over $60,000 in donations pledged by customers, aims to ease the financial burden on eligible residents. It comes after the city rolled out new trash bins last year, a change that prompted concerns about affordability for some.

“With today’s launch of the new Financial Assistance Program, we are excited to fulfill a commitment shaped through our engagement with residents across San Diego over the past two years,” said Jeremy Bauer, Assistant Director of Environmental Services, in a released statement. “Supported by City leaders, strengthened by customer donations, and administered by a nonprofit with deep local knowledge, the program is designed to provide meaningful assistance while reaching as many qualifying households as possible.”

Applications for the financial assistance program are being accepted online. For those who require assistance with the application process, in-person support will be available at various community locations throughout the city.

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must own and reside in the home as their primary residence, and the property must be eligible for trash and recycling collection services provided by the City of San Diego. Crucially, household income must be at or below 60% of California’s State Median Income.

The program is being administered in partnership with the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County Inc. (MAAC), a local nonprofit organization. This collaboration is intended to ensure the program effectively reaches and supports those who need it most.

The launch of this financial assistance program represents a significant step towards addressing affordability concerns related to essential city services. City officials hope the program will provide much-needed relief to San Diego residents while maintaining the quality and accessibility of trash and recycling services.

Residents seeking more information about the program and the application process are encouraged to visit the City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department website or contact MAAC directly for assistance.