Resource · San Diego County

Where to take it in San Diego County

What you can do with a couch, a mattress or a can of paint depends on which jurisdiction you live in. This guide quotes each city's and agency's own published rules, with the source linked on every line. Where a city's site could not be read, the page says so rather than guessing.

Bulky items: it depends where you live

The same sofa is handled differently across a city line. Each row below is that jurisdiction's own published rule.

Jurisdiction	Bulky-item collection
San Diego	The City does not currently offer bulky-item curbside pickup; the planned upgrade (with weekly recycling) is paused until further notice as part of the FY2028–FY2029 fee reduction. Source: City of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13
County of San Diego (unincorporated)	Franchised haulers give single-family customers two free bulky-item pickups per year, up to three items each; bulky items include furniture, mattresses, carpet, appliances/white goods, and e-waste; excludes car bodies, construction & demolition debris, and anything two people cannot handle. Source: County of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13
Chula Vista	Up to 10 bulky items collected weekly, or 60 in any 90-day period, free of charge; additional items for a small fee. Source: City of Chula Vista, accessed 2026-09-13 Items over 60 lbs not movable by hand truck incur an additional charge. Source: City of Chula Vista, accessed 2026-09-13
Del Mar	EDCO provides Del Mar residents three free bulky-item pickups a year (call 619-287-7555). Source: City of Del Mar, accessed 2026-09-13
La Mesa	Bulky item pickup is available from EDCO for a small fee (amount not stated on the city page). Source: City of La Mesa, accessed 2026-09-13 EDCO mails La Mesa residents coupons twice a year (January and July) for a free disposal day; not accepted on those days: hazardous waste, wet garbage, tires, explosives, business waste. Landfill information: (619) 562-0530. Source: City of La Mesa, accessed 2026-09-13
Poway	Poway offers no free curbside bulky pickup on the pages checked; instead EDCO residential customers are mailed a self-haul coupon twice a year for free disposal of one load of bulky items (max 2 tons) at the Ramona Transfer Station or Escondido Resource Recovery Transfer Station, Saturdays and Sundays 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Coupon 1 valid May 1–Aug 31; coupon 2 Sept 1–Nov 30; no hazardous waste; photo ID with current address required. Source: City of Poway, accessed 2026-09-13
El Cajon	Four bulky-item pickups per year, up to six items each, approximately three cubic yards per collection. Source: EDCO (El Cajon) (named by the City of El Cajon), accessed 2026-09-13 Construction material not collected. Source: EDCO (El Cajon) (named by the City of El Cajon), accessed 2026-09-13 EDCO holds two free bulky-item drop-off cleanup events yearly. Source: EDCO (El Cajon) (named by the City of El Cajon), accessed 2026-09-13
Oceanside	Single-family and multi-family residents may schedule a large-item landfill pickup of up to 5 items, 5 times each year, free. Scheduled through Waste Management, 24 hours in advance. Source: City of Oceanside, accessed 2026-09-13
Carlsbad	Three free bulky item pickups per year through Republic Services, five items per pickup. Source: City of Carlsbad, accessed 2026-09-13 Items must weigh less than 200 lbs. Source: City of Carlsbad, accessed 2026-09-13

Rules that are the same everywhere in California

These come from state agencies and statewide programs — California law and stewardship programs, not local policy.

What may not go in the trash

CalRecycle: it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, storm drains, or on the ground.

Source: CalRecycle, accessed 2026-09-13

Latex paint, oil-based paint, non-empty aerosol paint/solvent cans, solvents, antifreeze, motor oil and filters are listed as banned from the trash; tires are banned though not hazardous.

Source: CalRecycle, accessed 2026-09-13

Batteries, fluorescent lamps and electronics

CalRecycle's 'Wastes Banned From the Trash' page lists fluorescent lamps/tubes, all batteries (incl. car batteries), and electronic devices as banned from the trash, recycling, or organics bin.

Source: CalRecycle, accessed 2026-09-13

Mattresses

California has a statewide Mattress Stewardship Program overseen by CalRecycle and run by the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC).

Source: CalRecycle, accessed 2026-09-13

The Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act is PRC 42985–42994, established 2013.

Source: CalRecycle, accessed 2026-09-13

Mattress drop-off

Residents can drop off mattresses at no cost at participating locations; unit limits / appointments may apply.

Source: Mattress Recycling Council (Bye Bye Mattress), accessed 2026-09-13

Mattress take-back on delivery

On delivery of a new mattress, California retailers must offer to take back the old one at no additional cost, within 30 days, and may refuse for health/safety risk.

Source: Mattress Recycling Council (Bye Bye Mattress), accessed 2026-09-13

Electronics (Covered Electronic Waste program)

California's Covered Electronic Waste (CEW) Recycling Program provides recycling for unwanted electronics; CalRecycle pays approved collectors/recyclers; find a collector via the eRecycle directory.

Source: CalRecycle, accessed 2026-09-13

Since 2005 a recycling fee is charged on certain electronic devices sold in California; from 2026-01-01 SB 1215 adds covered battery-embedded products to the CEW program.

Source: CalRecycle, accessed 2026-09-13

Why electronics are handled separately

CalRecycle states that California law treats nonfunctioning CRTs and mercury bulbs from TVs, laptops, tablets and monitors as hazardous waste.

Source: CalRecycle, accessed 2026-09-13

Paint

PaintCare operates drop-off sites throughout California; no charge to drop off; funded by a fee on new paint; sites accept house paint (architectural coatings); large-volume (100+ gal) pickup is free.

Source: PaintCare, accessed 2026-09-13

Bottles and cans (CRV)

CRV refunds: 5¢ under 24 oz, 10¢ 24 oz or larger, 25¢ for wine/spirits boxes, bladders, pouches (from 2024-01-01); redeemed at a certified recycling center or retailer.

Source: CalRecycle, accessed 2026-09-13

Used motor oil

Used motor oil can be taken to a certified collection center; centers may cap at 5 gallons/day; locator via 1-800-CLEANUP or CalRecycle database.

Source: CalRecycle, accessed 2026-09-13

Yard waste and food scraps (SB 1383)

CalRecycle states that under SB 1383 (2016) 'all jurisdictions need to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses'; CalRecycle lists 2025 targets of 75% less organic waste landfilled and 20% of edible food recovered. (State-law statement as published by CalRecycle; not a claim about any San Diego County jurisdiction's actual service.)

Source: CalRecycle, accessed 2026-09-13

By jurisdiction

Filled cells quote the jurisdiction's own site. “Not published” means the site was read and does not state it. “Not verified” means the site could not be retrieved and no claim is made. Fees shown are as accessed on 2026-09-13; landfill fee schedules change, so confirm before you go.

Jurisdiction	Bulky-item pickup	Self-haul facility	What the facility takes / refuses	Household hazardous waste drop-off	Published fees
County of San Diego (unincorporated)	Franchised haulers give single-family customers two free bulky-item pickups per year, up to three items each; bulky items include furniture, mattresses, carpet, appliances/white goods, and e-waste; excludes car bodies, construction & demolition debris, and anything two people cannot handle. Source: County of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the County's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the County's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Unincorporated residents have access to four permanent HHW facilities; proof of residency required. Ramona (324 Maple St, at Ramona Disposal Transfer Station): appointment required, 1st & 3rd Saturdays 9–1. Chula Vista (1800 Maxwell Rd): no appointment, Wed & Sat 9–1. Escondido (1044 W Washington Ave): appointment required, select Saturdays 12:30–2:45. El Cajon (925 O'Connor St). Source: County of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13 Legal transport limit for HHW is 15 gallons or 125 pounds per trip. Source: County of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13 Residents of incorporated cities must use their own city's program, not the County facilities. Source: County of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13	No fee schedule for HHW or bulky pickup published on the County pages checked; HHW and bulky pickup described as free/no-cost. Source: County of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13
Carlsbad	Three free bulky item pickups per year through Republic Services, five items per pickup. Source: City of Carlsbad, accessed 2026-09-13 Items must weigh less than 200 lbs. Source: City of Carlsbad, accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Household hazardous waste handled by a contracted third party — drop-off or scheduled pickup, not a city-run facility. Source: City of Carlsbad, accessed 2026-09-13	Bulky item pickups: free (three per year). Source: City of Carlsbad, accessed 2026-09-13
Chula Vista	Up to 10 bulky items collected weekly, or 60 in any 90-day period, free of charge; additional items for a small fee. Source: City of Chula Vista, accessed 2026-09-13 Items over 60 lbs not movable by hand truck incur an additional charge. Source: City of Chula Vista, accessed 2026-09-13	Otay Landfill, 1700 Maxwell Rd, Chula Vista 91911. Mon–Fri 7am–4pm, Sat 8am–3:30pm. Hardhats required for landfill access. Source: City of Chula Vista, accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Chula Vista HHW Facility, 1800 Maxwell Rd (City Public Works Center): Wednesdays & Saturdays 9–1, no appointment required (per County of San Diego's regional HHW page, which lists it for both unincorporated and City of Chula Vista residents). Source: County of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13 HHW Drop-off Facility, 1800 Maxwell Rd. Wed and Sat 9am–1pm, except holiday weekends. Walk-up. Source: City of Chula Vista, accessed 2026-09-13	Cart customers in good standing receive two landfill passes and two yard-waste passes per year to Otay Landfill; one ton maximum per pass; loads over one ton charged at current landfill rates. Source: City of Chula Vista, accessed 2026-09-13
Coronado	City runs free Bulky Waste Collection weeks (the October 2024 notice: week of Oct 14–18; items out by 6 a.m. on the regular collection day; furniture, mattresses, broken appliances; no HHW). Search snippet indicates twice yearly (spring/fall) but the 'twice a year' sentence was not on the pages retrieved. Source: City of Coronado, accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	HHW collection generally the 2nd and 4th Saturday monthly from 9 a.m. at the Public Services Facility, 101 B Ave; Coronado residents only; driver's license checked; no business/contractor waste; medical waste and prescription drugs not accepted (police station drop-off instead). Source: City of Coronado, accessed 2026-09-13	No HHW or bulky fee published; bulky collection week described as free. Source: City of Coronado, accessed 2026-09-13
Del Mar	EDCO provides Del Mar residents three free bulky-item pickups a year (call 619-287-7555). Source: City of Del Mar, accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Del Mar residents use permanent HHW facilities in Poway (12325 Crosthwaite Cir, Sat 9–3), Vista (1145 E Taylor St, Sat 9–3) or Escondido (1044 W Washington Ave, appointment only, two Saturdays/month); proof of Del Mar residency required; door-to-door HHW pickup for a $10 co-payment, waived for 65+/disabled. Source: City of Del Mar, accessed 2026-09-13	Door-to-door HHW pickup: $10 co-payment (waived 65+/disabled). Accessed 2026-09-13. Source: City of Del Mar, accessed 2026-09-13
El Cajon	Four bulky-item pickups per year, up to six items each, approximately three cubic yards per collection. Source: EDCO (El Cajon) (named by the City of El Cajon), accessed 2026-09-13 Construction material not collected. Source: EDCO (El Cajon) (named by the City of El Cajon), accessed 2026-09-13 EDCO holds two free bulky-item drop-off cleanup events yearly. Source: EDCO (El Cajon) (named by the City of El Cajon), accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	El Cajon HHW Facility, 925 O'Connor St (at Waste Management); City of El Cajon residents call (619) 287-5696 or book online (per County regional HHW page). County page indicates the facility was not currently open for unincorporated residents at time of access. Source: County of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13 Free HHW drop-off at 950 O'Connor St, El Cajon. Saturdays, appointment only. CRTs accepted. Source: EDCO (El Cajon) (named by the City of El Cajon), accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).
Encinitas	Not verified — the city's website could not be retrieved for this guide. No claim is made about Encinitas's programs.
Escondido	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Escondido HHW Facility, 1044 W Washington Ave (Escondido Disposal Transfer Station): appointments required; City of Escondido residents call (760) 745-3203 or book online (per County regional HHW page). Source: County of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13 City residents use the HHW site at 1044 W Washington Ave (Escondido Disposal): two Saturdays a month, 9:00–12:30 for City residents (12:45–2:45 for County residents); appointment by calling 760-745-3203; business waste not accepted. Source: City of Escondido, accessed 2026-09-13 Transport limit 15 gal / 125 lb (excluding e-waste), containers ≤5 gal and labeled; door-to-door HHW collection for residents 65+ or with a registered handicap placard, upon approval, via 800-714-1195. Source: City of Escondido, accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).
Imperial Beach	The city lists a 'Free Bulky Item Pickup Program' via EDCO (franchise hauler, 619-287-7555); the program terms are in an EDCO handout PDF that is image-only (no extractable text). Source: City of Imperial Beach, accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Imperial Beach residents use the regional HHW facility at 1800 Maxwell Rd, Chula Vista (619-691-5122), Wednesdays & Saturdays 9–1, through a South Bay regional arrangement operated by the City of Chula Vista. Sharps go to the IB Sheriff's Station. Source: City of Imperial Beach, accessed 2026-09-13	No fee published on imperialbeachca.gov pages checked; bulky pickup program titled 'Free'. Source: City of Imperial Beach, accessed 2026-09-13
La Mesa	Bulky item pickup is available from EDCO for a small fee (amount not stated on the city page). Source: City of La Mesa, accessed 2026-09-13 EDCO mails La Mesa residents coupons twice a year (January and July) for a free disposal day; not accepted on those days: hazardous waste, wet garbage, tires, explosives, business waste. Landfill information: (619) 562-0530. Source: City of La Mesa, accessed 2026-09-13	The city page gives a landfill information phone number ((619) 562-0530) tied to the twice-yearly free disposal-day coupons but does not name the facility. Source: City of La Mesa, accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	La Mesa has no permanent HHW facility; the City runs several free appointment-only HHW/e-waste collection events per year for incorporated La Mesa and Lemon Grove residents (2026 Saturdays: Jan 17, Feb 14, Mar 28, May 2, Jun 6, Jul 25, Sep 19, Oct 17, Dec …); limit 15 gal, 125 lb, or five monitors/TVs; book via EDCO (619) 287-5696 x4270. EDCO Station, 8184 Commercial St, accepts electronics, batteries, sharps, cooking oil and CRV without an appointment. Source: City of La Mesa, accessed 2026-09-13	Bulky pickup: 'a small fee' — amount not published on the city site. HHW events free. Source: City of La Mesa, accessed 2026-09-13
Lemon Grove	No standing curbside bulky pickup on the city page; the City and EDCO ran a one-day bulk-item drop-off event (Sept 30, 2023, Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main St): $20 per vehicle/trailer, max 2 trips; accepted furniture, appliances, home-improvement debris, green waste; refused HHW, tires, commercial/medical waste, oversized items (pianos, spas). Source: City of Lemon Grove, accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Free residential HHW drop-off by appointment only (EDCO 619-287-5696 x4270) at City/EDCO collection events (dates in a linked flyer); free drop-off of batteries, electronics and sharps at EDCO, 6700 Federal Blvd; free bi-monthly Home Pickup Program for HHW. Source: City of Lemon Grove, accessed 2026-09-13	All listed HHW/e-waste/battery/sharps drop-offs described as free; no bulky fee published. Source: City of Lemon Grove, accessed 2026-09-13
National City	Not verified — the city's website could not be retrieved for this guide. No claim is made about National City's programs.
Oceanside	Single-family and multi-family residents may schedule a large-item landfill pickup of up to 5 items, 5 times each year, free. Scheduled through Waste Management, 24 hours in advance. Source: City of Oceanside, accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).
Poway	Poway offers no free curbside bulky pickup on the pages checked; instead EDCO residential customers are mailed a self-haul coupon twice a year for free disposal of one load of bulky items (max 2 tons) at the Ramona Transfer Station or Escondido Resource Recovery Transfer Station, Saturdays and Sundays 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Coupon 1 valid May 1–Aug 31; coupon 2 Sept 1–Nov 30; no hazardous waste; photo ID with current address required. Source: City of Poway, accessed 2026-09-13	Self-haul destinations named by the City: Ramona Disposal Service Transfer Station, 324 Maple St, Ramona (760-789-0516) or Escondido Resource Recovery Transfer Station, 1044 W Washington Ave, Escondido (760-745-3203); manual trailers must use Escondido. Source: City of Poway, accessed 2026-09-13	Coupon loads: household trash, yard waste, bulky items, other refuse; NO hazardous waste or e-waste (paints, pesticides, used oil, monitors, TVs, printers). Business/commercial loads charged. Source: City of Poway, accessed 2026-09-13	Poway HHW Collection Facility, 12325 Crosthwaite Circle: free disposal of HHW and e-waste for residents, every Saturday 9–3 (closed listed holiday Saturdays), no appointment, proof of residency required; transport limit 15 gal / 125 lb in containers ≤5 gal. Accepts electronics (TV, monitor, CPU, etc.), fluorescent lamps, batteries, auto fluids, paint and more. Source: City of Poway, accessed 2026-09-13	Coupon self-haul: free up to 2 tons; regular disposal fees apply over 2 tons (amount not stated on city page). HHW: free. Source: City of Poway, accessed 2026-09-13
San Diego	The City does not currently offer bulky-item curbside pickup; the planned upgrade (with weekly recycling) is paused until further notice as part of the FY2028–FY2029 fee reduction. Source: City of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13	City residents self-haul to the Miramar Landfill & Recycling Center, 5180 Convoy St; open Mon–Sat from 7 a.m., closed Sundays; self-dumping vehicles accepted until 4:30 p.m. Source: City of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13	Miramar refuses CRTs, TVs, appliances, universal waste, e-waste and household hazardous materials in landfill loads; all loads must be covered ($50 uncovered-load fee); no hand unloads after 4 p.m. Source: City of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13	HHW Transfer Facility (Miramar): City of San Diego residents only, appointment only, free; Wednesdays & Saturdays 9 a.m.; proof of City residency required; max 15 gal / 125 lb per trip. Source: City of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13 HHW facility does NOT accept: electronics/e-waste, swollen or reacting batteries, business waste (contractors, landscapers, HOAs), treated wood, appliances, asbestos, containers over 5 gallons, compressed gas cylinders (other than propane/fire extinguishers), explosives (ammunition, fireworks, marine flares), lead paint waste, PCB capacitors/transformers, radioactive material. Source: City of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13	Miramar Landfill flat rates effective July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, Tier 1 (cars, pickups, vans, trailers up to 5'×9'×4'): City Waste general refuse $75, special handling $108, C&D $108, food material $75, green material $50, clean wood $25; Non-City Waste general refuse $86, special handling $122, C&D $122. Weighed City Waste general refuse $102/ton (non-City $108/ton). Cash not accepted. Source: City of San Diego, accessed 2026-09-13
San Marcos	Not verified — the city's website could not be retrieved for this guide. No claim is made about San Marcos's programs.
Santee	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Santee homeowners get two free passes per year for bulky items, concrete, or up to one ton of other solid waste at the Sycamore Landfill, 8514 Mast Blvd; passes issued at the landfill office Mon–Fri 8–3 with driver's license and a residential water/electric bill; valid one year; not replaceable. Source: City of Santee, accessed 2026-09-13	Landfill passes cover bulky items, concrete, or up to one ton of other solid waste; Sycamore's own accept/refuse list is not on the city page. Source: City of Santee, accessed 2026-09-13	Santee residents use the permanent HHW facility operated by Waste Management in El Cajon (925 O'Conner St): 2nd and 4th Saturdays, appointment only via WM 619-596-5100; loads ≤125 lb / 15 gal; no explosives, medical waste, or business waste. WM's El Cajon recycling center also takes sharps, household batteries, fluorescent tubes, mattresses/box springs, thermostats and e-waste (limit 1–2 similar items per visit). Source: City of Santee, accessed 2026-09-13	Landfill passes: free (2/yr). HHW: no fee stated. A 2026 residential rate sheet is linked but was not retrieved. Source: City of Santee, accessed 2026-09-13
Solana Beach	City/EDCO Bulky-Item Cleanup Day (Oct 7, 2023 event page): free on-site drop-off at La Colonia Community Center plus a free registered curbside option for trash, green waste and up to four bulky items (appliances, water heaters, furniture, wrapped mattresses); no HHW, no tires, no contractor/landscaper/commercial debris. Year-round bulky pickup is scheduled through EDCO (858-350-8544); terms/fee not on the city site. Source: City of Solana Beach, accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on city pages checked (event-day exclusions only: HHW, tires, commercial debris). Source: City of Solana Beach, accessed 2026-09-13	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).	Not published on the city's site (checked 2026-09-13).
Vista	Not verified — the city's website could not be retrieved for this guide. No claim is made about Vista's programs.

Not verified for this guide: Encinitas, National City, San Marcos, Vista. Their programs may exist; they are simply not quoted here.

This page is a resource, not a service listing. If you would rather not haul it yourself, JunkMD+ junk removal services are listed separately.