San Diego Overcharged Thousands for Trash Fees

Residents may see inflated Solid Waste Management Fees on their latest property tax bills.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Taxes

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a heavy waste container, symbolizing municipal financial errors. — San Diego officials are working to correct an administrative error that caused approximately 75,000 residents to face inflated solid waste management fees on recent property tax bills. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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City officials provided incorrect trash service data to the county, resulting in significantly higher charges for roughly 75,000 residents. The city is currently working to correct billing figures and process refunds for those affected.

Why it matters

The billing error stems from a decision to collect trash fees via property taxes to avoid the costs of a standalone department. Affected households face unexpected financial strain before the upcoming property tax deadline.

Some residents were incorrectly charged $1,590 for services costing $534, while others saw bills of $1,026 instead of $532. With property taxes due November 1, 2026, the city is reviewing accounts for 75,000 potentially overcharged customers.

The players

San Diego

The city government responsible for public utilities and the oversight of residential trash billing.

The details

The city transmitted erroneous data files to the county tax collector, causing inflated amounts to appear on the Solid Waste Management Fee line item. Because many lenders pay property taxes through impound accounts and divide the annual total into 12 monthly installments, the error can impact monthly mortgage payments. Officials are now collaborating with the county to reconcile the figures and issue corrections.

2022: Voters passed a ballot measure allowing trash fees.
2025: The city began charging residents for trash service.
September 22, 2026: The San Diego Union-Tribune reported the billing glitch.
November 1, 2026: Property tax payments are due.
December 10, 2026: Property tax payments become delinquent.

Money Landscape

The city's billing error marks a departure from the implementation expectations set by the 2022 voter-approved ballot measure. This error complicates the early years of the city's transition to a fee-based model for waste services.

Review the Solid Waste Management Fee line item on your property tax statement immediately to verify the charge. If you identify an error, consult a qualified tax professional before your property tax payment becomes due on November 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The city is currently working to rectify the data transmission error and will issue refunds to those impacted. In the meantime, verify your property tax statement for accuracy and keep all payment records in case you need to dispute the charge with your mortgage lender.