The City is unable to pick up unwanted containers unless we are replacing them with new ones.
For proper disposal please bring the unwanted container to the Environmental Services Department’s Collections Services storefront at 8353 Miramar Place, San Diego, CA 92121. Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Feel free to leave containers at Collection Services at any time. Alternatively, containers may also be broken down and placed in your blue recycle bin.
To replace a damaged container,
fill out a request to Replace a Damaged Container online through Get It Done. After a warranty and eligibility review is completed, you’ll receive an email to purchase your container. When your new container is delivered, the old container will be removed.
Please keep in mind, workers are not allowed on private property, so please leave your container on the street/alley. The container must be empty when the new container is delivered. Container delivery drivers cannot transport refuse.
If your container is broken and/or full of trash please call Customer Service at 858-694-7000 for additional options.
For multi-unit residential customers, once a container is removed without a replacement, a multifamily home must apply for new containers. Please note the approval process can be lengthy. Retrieval of removed containers is not an available option.
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Alternatively, in the spirit of "reduce-reuse-recycle," there are many ways to utilize old trash cans. If you do not have curbside recycling, consider using your old trash cans for storing recyclables before taking the materials to any number of
recycling centers. For areas that have curbside greenery collection, the cans can be used for storing and setting out yard waste for collection.
Also consider using the cans to hold dog food, mulch or fertilizer. They can even be converted into compost "bins."