Around 53% of residents now have new gray trash bins. Once those have been distributed, the city will start rolling out new recycling bins.

SAN DIEGO — San Diego’s new trash can rollout, which began late last year, has left some residents frustrated with long customer service hold times and a significant delay in weekly recycling pickup, which was part of what voters agreed to in 2022.

The City of San Diego Environmental Services Department has delivered new gray trash bins to 118,572 homes, with another 106,000 expected to receive them in the coming months. However, some residents waiting for bins are questioning why they’re being charged on their property taxes before receiving their equipment.

Another complaint centers around long wait times when calling the department’s customer service line. A Scripps Ranch resident says she accidentally ordered two new bins instead of one. When she called to report the mistake, she said she was on hold for over an hour. CBS 8 called the line today, and our wait time exceeded 42 minutes before reaching a representative. 

“We are receiving a high volume of calls and emails related to bin requests and questions and we appreciate everyone’s patience as our Team strives to provide the best customer service possible,” Jeremy Bauer with the city’s Environmental Services Department told CBS 8 through a statement.

One of the main issues residents are raising involves the recycling service. When voters passed Measure B in 2022, they approved the measure with the understanding that recycling would be picked up weekly. Currently, however, recycling collection remains bi-weekly. According to the city, the weekly recycling service is expected to begin on July 1, 2027.

Regarding the fees residents are currently paying for service before receiving their bins, Bauer explained to CBS 8 back in October of 2025, “The fee that people are paying right now is for the service they’re receiving, so that includes weekly collection of trash, weekly collection of organics, and bi-weekly collection of recycling.”

The rollout timeline indicates that after all gray trash bins are distributed, the City will then begin replacing blue recycling bins. The department is encouraging residents to be patient as it works through the high volume of requests during the transition period.