Solid Waste/Recycling [top of page]
My business has a Dumpster and I can take my garbage to work. I am a retired person, living alone, I hardly produce any trash and my son takes my garbage away. Why do I have to pay for services I won't use?
Where do I take my Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?
How can I get rid of bulky items that cannot be placed at curbside?
What do I need to do to get a Dumpster at my residence/business?
How do I dispose of my Christmas tree?
Water Services [top of page]
Where does Encinitas’ water come from?
Street Maintenance [top of page]
If I have a question about traffic signs or signals, whom can I contact?
When is street sweeping done in my neighborhood?
The street light in front of my house is not working. How can I have it fixed?
Who is responsible for repairing potholes?
Wastewater Collection [top of page]
What are the City’s responsibilities for sewer line repairs?
Where is Encinitas’ wastewater treated?
Q. My business has a Dumpster and I can take my garbage to work. I am a retired person, living alone, I hardly produce any trash and my son takes my garbage away. Why do I have to pay for services I won't use? [top of page]
A. All residents and commercial enterprises are liable for payment of service. It is a public health concern. Our code defines that everyone benefits when trash is collected on a regular basis in our City. Therefore, everyone shares in the cost (residential customers will need to subscribe to at least the single can service).
Q. Where do I take my Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)? [top of page]
A. Door-to-door pickup services and two permanent collection facilities, located in Vista and Poway, are available for Encinitas residents to dispose of household hazardous waste. You can call the HHW Hotline at (800) 444-4244 for current information.
Q. How can I get rid of bulky items that cannot be placed at curbside? [top of page]
A. Each year, the City and EDCO offer a special self-haul program where, free of charge, Encinitas residents can bring their large bulky items to a designated area for disposal.
You can also contact EDCO and arrange for a special pickup for your old appliance or other large bulky item. A fee based on quantity and size of items is charged for this service. To arrange for special pickups, call EDCO at 760-436-4151.
Information on recycling of bulky items can be obtained from Solana Recyclers at 760-436-7986.
Q. What do I need to do to get a Dumpster at my residence/business? [top of page]
A. Dumpsters may only be ordered from EDCO Waste & Recycling Services by calling 760-436-4151.
If the dumpster will be placed in the City’s right-of-way, a Temporary Encroachment Permit is required and is available at the Engineering Department counter at City Hall. The permit for solid waste is $90. Upon approval of your permit application by the Engineering Department, the permit is good for 2 weeks. There is a 48-hour grace period once you leave City Hall to order the dumpster and have it delivered. This permit is not required if the dumpster will be on your property and not affecting the right-of-way.
Q. How do I dispose of my Christmas tree? [top of page]
A. Christmas trees may be included with yard waste on your normally scheduled trash pickup day. Trees must be cut into sections no longer than four feet.
Q. Where does Encinitas’ water come from? [top of page]
A. For drinking water, the San Dieguito Water District receives local runoff water from Lake Hodges and imported raw water from the San Diego County Water Authority. Both sources are treated at the R.E. Badger Filtration Plant, located in Rancho Santa Fe.
Recycled water became available within the San Dieguito Water District in August of 2000. The source of this recycled water is highly treated wastewater from the San Elijo Water Reclamation Facility. Recycled water is used for irrigating the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course and landscaped traffic medians. Future customers will include parks, schoolyards, and flower growers.
Q. If I have a question about traffic signs or signals, who can I contact? [top of page]
A. Repairs to damaged (bent, broken, missing) street signs are done by the Street Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department. Damaged signs and malfunctioning traffic signals (green, yellow, or red out; blacked out intersection; or on red flash) may be reported by calling (760) 633-2850 or click her to access our Request for Assistance application.
If you would like a new sign installed, please phone your request to the Traffic Engineering Department at (760) 633-2770.
Q. When is street sweeping done in my neighborhood? [top of page]
A. Please call 760-633-2850 for information on street sweeping schedules.
Q. The street light in front of my house is not working. How can I have it fixed? [top of page]
A. You can call 760-633-2850 to report malfunctioning streetlights or report on-line by clicking here to access or Request for Assistance application. When you call, please provide us with the exact location, nearest cross street, and the pole number, if available. The pole number can be found approximately six feet up from the ground, facing the street, painted in black. The number will have a letter followed by a sequence of three numbers (e.g., "E-035).
Q. Who is responsible for repairing potholes? [top of page]
A. The Street Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department repairs potholes in publicly maintained streets. Please call (760) 633-2850 or click here to access or Request for Assistance application to report potholes. If you are unsure whether a street is private or publicly maintained, please call for further information.
Q. What are the City’s responsibilities for sewer line repairs? [top of page]
A. In the Encinitas Sanitary Division and the Cardiff Sanitary Division, the City's Wastewater Collection Division provides repairs to the main sewer lines. Property owners are responsible for the lateral that runs from the main line to their home or business.
Q. Where is Encinitas’ wastewater treated? [top of page]
A. Wastewater treatment is provided for customers of the Cardiff Sanitary Division at the San Elijo Water Reclamation Facility, located at 2695 Manchester Avenue in Cardiff. For customers located in the Encinitas Sanitary Division and the Leucadia County Water District, wastewater flows to and is treated at the Encina Wastewater Authority treatment plant in Carlsbad.