Multiple black trash bins continue to line neighborhood streets after city's phase-out

The city of San Diego moved to phase out the old black trash bins in November of 2025, to be replaced with the new grey trash bins. Fast forward to January of 2026, and many neighbors across the city are still in possession of their old black trash bins.

The city told NBC 7 that “special city crews,” according to city spokesperson José Ysea, would be sent out on Saturday, January 10, to collect the old trash bins, following complaints from neighbors.

NBC 7 returned to 38th Street and Thorn Street on Sunday to see how many bins remained. The street was lined with more than a dozen black trash bins placed out on the street. Some of the bins were empty, others had trash placed inside. The city had asked people to keep the bins empty if they were to be collected.

One neighbor, who did not wish to speak on camera, told NBC 7 that they felt the process of how the bins would be collected was not properly communicated. They had both a black and a new grey trash bin. They kept their empty black trash can out on the street and had been waiting for it to be collected.

“The process of removing all the black containers has obviously been a big undertaking,” said Ysea.

Ysea added that weather and other factors can delay crews from being sent out to collect the old bins.

NBC 7 reached out to the city for comment on where exactly the special crews were sent on January 10, and whether there were any additional crews being sent out to collect old bins. NBC 7 did not hear back in time for this report.

In the meantime, the city said that if you do need your old trash bin to be collected, call the city directly by dialing 858-694-7000, use the city’s Get It Done app, or email trash@sandiego.gov, or click on this link to get the process started.