Source: David Garrick Union-Tribune
SAN DIEGO — The City of San Diego has launched a long-anticipated subsidy program to assist income-qualified homeowners with the city’s new trash collection fees. Applications are now open and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to approximately 7,000 eligible households.
The new trash fees, which began following voter approval of Measure B in 2022, range from $32.82 to $43.60 per month, depending on trash bin size. While billed monthly, the fees are collected twice a year on property tax bills in December and April.
Through this program, qualifying homeowners may receive either a 50% subsidy or, in limited cases, a 100% subsidy toward their annual trash fee.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
Own and occupy the property as their primary residence
Have a total household income below 60% of the State Area Median Income, or
Have at least one household member enrolled in CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
For 2026, monthly income limits include:
$3,331 (1 person)
$4,356 (2 people)
$5,382 (3 people)
$6,407 (4 people)
$7,432 (5 people)
Most approved applicants will receive a 50% subsidy. Homeowners who are on a county payment plan for property taxes delinquent for more than one year may qualify for a full (100%) subsidy if all other criteria are met.
Program Administration & Funding
The program is administered by the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County (MAAC). Funding includes $3 million allocated by the City of San Diego in its annual budget, along with $60,000 in private donations.
City officials emphasized that the goal of the program is to prevent financial hardship for homeowners as the new fee is implemented.
“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,” said Jeremy Bauer, Assistant Director of the City’s Environmental Services Department.
How to Apply
Applications are being accepted online at:
MAACproject.org/SDSWAssistance
Homeowners may apply whether or not they have already paid part or all of the current year’s trash fee. Applications will be accepted through April, as long as funding remains available. Any remaining applications may be considered for future trash fees appearing on fall 2026 property tax bills.
In-Person Application Assistance
The City will also offer in-person assistance at community locations, including:
Logan Heights Library — Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 567 S. 28th Street
San Ysidro Library — February 4, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 4235 Beyer Boulevard
For more information or assistance, residents may visit MAACproject.org/SDSWAssistance or call (619) 946-4419.
CONNECT:
Advertise with SDAR
