How San Diego residents can check for trash fee overcharges

Claire Trageser

Blue recycling bin on a concrete sidewalk beside a yellow tactile paving strip; grass and curb behind it. The lid shows a sticker and reads "NO BATTERIES OR ELECTRONICS". — Are you being overcharged? Photo: Claire Trageser/Axios

Potentially thousands 0f San Diego residents were overcharged for trash pickup on their most recent property tax bill, according to the city.

The big picture: The city is still figuring out the scope of the problem and says everyone overcharged will get refunds.

In the meantime, you can check yourself.

Here are the steps:

🗑️ Check the city portal: Log into San Diego's Waste Portal and find "Amount Billed to Tax Bill" under "Fiscal Year 2027." If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one.

🏠 Check your property tax bill: Look up your 2026-27 property tax bill on the county Treasurer-Tax Collector website and find the "SD Solid Waste Mgmt Fee" line.

🔎 Compare the two: The city says the amount in its Waste Portal is correct. If the numbers don't match, you may have been overcharged.

📬 If your fee appears higher: You don't need to file a dispute. The city says it will contact affected customers and correct the error or arrange a refund.

But if you believe the amount in the City Portal is also incorrect, you should submit a Fee Dispute Form.

This happened because of a data glitch that city officials own as their fault, according to a statement from Mayor Todd Gloria.

The statement said city staff will send the correct information to the county on Wednesday.

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How San Diego residents can check for trash fee overcharges

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