Trash Fee Customer Billing Status
Last updated on Oct. 1, 2026, 12:30 p.m.
A technical error caused incorrect amounts to appear on some County property tax bills for the Solid Waste Management Fee for tax year 2026–2027.
The error affected approximately 87,000 customers. Approximately 44,000 showed an amount higher than the correct fee, while the remaining affected accounts showed an amount lower than the correct fee.
This does not affect your regular trash, recycling or organic waste collection.
Your statement showed more than you owe
Corrected
No action is needed. If you were affected, property owners will receive a corrected property tax statement from the County. The corrected amount is now reflected on the County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s website. Property owners are encouraged to use the online information when making a payment.
If you already paid the incorrect amount, the County will automatically issue a refund once the corrected amount is reflected in its system.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: The City provided corrected billing data to the County Treasurer-Tax Collector.
September 26, 2026: Corrected County property tax bills became available online for affected customers.
Do I need to pay the incorrect amount on my original tax bill?
No. You only need to pay the corrected amount. The County has updated its records with the correct amount. You will receive a corrected tax bill by mail with an insert from the City explaining the error.
Your statement showed less than you owe
In Process
If your bill shows an amount lower than your correct trash fee, pay the amount currently shown on your County property tax bill.
The City will contact affected customers about how to pay the remaining balance.
We understand this may be an inconvenience and appreciate your patience while we work through the process.
How can I confirm my correct trash fee?
You can view your trash fee and service information in the City's Residential Waste Collection Services Portal.
General Questions
How do I set up a Waste Portal account?
If you are a property owner who receives City trash service, you can create an account at the Residential Waste Collection Services Portal.
I need help setting up my account. Who can help me?
Environmental Services can help you set up your account or confirm your trash fee. Call 858-694-7000.
Should I submit a Fee Dispute Form?
Only if the information in the City's residential Waste Collection Services Portal is incorrect.
Will this issue be resolved before property taxes are due?
Yes. The County mails property tax bills in batches beginning October 1.The first installment is not due until November 1.
What if I already paid the incorrect amount?
If you overpaid, the County will automatically issue a refund after the corrected amount is reflected in its system. No action is needed to receive your refund.
What if my property taxes are paid through my mortgage escrow account?
The City will notify companies that obtain property tax billing information from the County so they can access the corrected information.
How many customers were affected?
The data transfer error affected 87,000 customer accounts.
Approximately 44,000 customer accounts initially had an amount over what they owe. For about 13,850 properties, the incorrect amount was less than $100 higher than the correct amount.
Approximately 640 customers were billed between $1,101 and $2,700 more than the correct amount.
Were certain neighborhoods affected more than others?
The error was not tied to a specific neighborhood, City Council district or level of trash and recycling service.
Affected accounts were distributed across all nine City Council districts.
| Council District | Affected Customers | Total Customers |
| District 1 | 6,700 | 27,000 |
| District 2 | 18,400 | 35,200 |
| District 3 | 10,000 | 15,600 |
| District 4 | 13,300 | 27,700 |
| District 5 | 1,300 | 32,000 |
| District 6 | 900 | 19,700 |
| District 7 | 13,900 | 27,300 |
| District 8 | 9,100 | 18,500 |
| District 9 | 13,900 | 22,100 |