Solid Waste Management

In order to reduce the illegal dumping of garbage, the Environmental Health Section maintains staff that make sure that all residences and businesses in San Francisco subscribe to licensed refuse collection service and that the solid waste is handled as required by law.

Refuse Liens Program under Waste Management ensures that all occupied residences in San Francisco are serviced by licensed garbage companies. The property of owners who fail to pay garbage collection service bills will have a lien against their property if bills are not paid within the time frames as required by the San Francisco Health Code, Article 6, Garbage and Refuse. If you are delinquent in your payment to the garbage company, you will owe money to us also.

The Waste Management Program also, regulates refuse collection vehicles for sanitation and noise compliance. ensures that solid waste transfer stations, Sanitary landfills, and refuse collection vehicles are operated in compliance with health and safety regulations

The Local Enforcement Agency is the local representative for the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) and is authorized to permit and inspect solid waste facilities. The Local Enforcement Agency responds to public complaints regarding solid waste facilities and abandoned landfill, works with federal contracting agencies to ensure that federal and non-federal contracts for refuse collection harmonizes with city laws and regulation, evaluates proposed recycling and waste diversion programs to ensure compliance with state and local solid waste laws and regulations.

Please note that as of July 1, 2010 the Refuse Lien Program will no longer accept cash payments. We will accept checks or money orders. Postal money orders can be obtained at the Post Office on the ground floor at the east end of 1390 Market Street.

Resources:

News:

Hearing Notice

Purpose of Hearing:  To accept public comments regarding regulations proposed by the Department of Public Health pertaining to residential and commercial refuse collection service.   The proposed regulations define the requirements for property owners, property managers, employees, contractors, tenants and their visitors and the Department of Public Health.   

Date:  Thursday, July 8, 2010

Time: 10:00 AM

Place:  San Francisco Health Department

101 Grove St, Room 300

San Francisco, CA  94102
           

Background:  Ongoing and adequate refuse collection service is necessary to protect public health and contribute toward the creation of a healthy community.  In San Francisco, the Health Code, Article 6, Section 291, states that the owner of any dwelling or commercial property is required to subscribe to and pay for adequate refuse collection service.  This service must be provided by a licensed refuse collection company using permitted vehicles.  These regulations define adequate refuse collection service and the responsibilities of property owners, property managers, employees, contractors, tenants and their visitors, and the Department of Public Health.