Solid waste

We manage solid waste, trash issues, and garbage collection permits to keep San Francisco safe and healthy.

Contact 311 to report a waste issue or health hazard.

Services

Responding to notices related to refuse collection

Respond to a notice to subscribe for mandatory refuse collection service

Building owners need to set up trash, recycling, and compost services for their occupied properties.

Respond to a notice of recorded refuse lien

If you have an unpaid garbage bill or if your payment is late, you might get a lien placed on your property.

Dealing with garbage

Report illegal dumping activity

Report in progress and past incidents of illegal dumping by an individual or business

Report garbage container issues

Report garbage containers that are overflowing, spilling out, or residential toters left out a day after collection.

Request street or sidewalk cleaning

Tell us where the problem is and what type of trash needs to be cleaned up.

Permits for refuse collection and solid waste facilities

Apply for a permit to operate a refuse collection truck

Get a Refuse Collection Truck Permit to operate a truck picking up trash, recycling, or compost.

Apply for a license to collect solid waste

Get a Refuse Collector License to collect, transport, or dispose of trash, recycling, and compost.

Apply for a refuse collection route

Get a Refuse Collection Route Permit to pick up trash, recycling, and compost on a specific route.

Apply for a refuse collection permit to operate a federal facility

Get a Refuse Collection Permit to collect refuse in federal facilities in San Francisco.

Apply to operate a solid waste facility, site, or operation

Get a permit from the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) to process solid waste at your facility.