Under the 1932 Refuse Collection and Disposal Initiative Ordinance, the City and County of San Francisco approves and sets residential refuse (garbage) rates every five years.
In 2006, the City approved a residential refuse rate increase requested by Golden Gate Recycling and Disposal Company and Sunset Scavenger Company after reports, analysis and public input were considered at a series of meetings and hearings. Rates are automatically adjusted every year until a new rate is established through a public process. You will find detailed analysis and rate information on this page as well as updates on issues involving refuse rates.
Reallocation/Special Reserve Information
The city held a public hearing on August 2, 2010 to consider plans to reallocate 1.3 percent of the overall refuse rates that currently goes to a special reserve fund. Instead, it is proposed that these funds pay for collection and disposal of solid waste and recyclable materials on city streets and properties, as well as for programs to prevent littering and illegal dumping.The hearing officer has submitted her report and recommended order to the rate board. Objections must be filed with the Rate Board by August 31, 2010. Learn more.
Refuse (Garbage) Rates effective July 1, 2010
Residential Rates 2010 
Apartment Rates 2010
Commercial Rates 2010
For Billing Disputes or Liens related to garbage service contact:
Department of Public Health
Environmental Health Section (Hosted by DPH)
Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agency
By phone: DPH Environmental Health Section: (415) 252-3800
Related Links
Recology
SF Environment
More Information
Check out more detailed information about the history of the garbage rates in San Francisco at the Archived Garbage Rate Information page.
