FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions


Trash FAQs
Why wasn't my garbage or recycling picked up?
The most common reason for this type of question is simply the customer has called in too early. Other reasons are, containers were not out when the crew went by, the trash can weighed more than fifty pounds or more trash was set out than subscribed for. Another possibility is that items were too large or not compactable household trash. In the case of recycling, items that are not recyclable may be in the bin. In the case of commercial bins, the bin may have been inaccessible, obstructed by a vehicle or there could have been hazardous waste spotted inside the container.

What is the biggest trash can I can use? Can I use large plastic bags?
The container limit is 32 gallons with lids and handles, the full can weight limit is fifty pounds. Some home improvement stores are selling larger cans. We will not service cans larger than 32 gallons. And yes, large plastic bags are acceptable containers. Periodically we stock high end 32 gallon plastic cans that we guarantee for 10 years. Call if interested.

I just moved and have a lot of cardboard boxes, but neither the regular crew nor the recycling crew will take them, what do I do?
Call our recycling Hot line (760) 327-SAVE (327-7283) available 24 hours per day or email us and give us your name, address and phone number and the date (Monday through Thursday) you would like us to pick up your cardboard. Place the flattened boxes (tied or taped together) on your driveway by 7 a.m. on that date. If you have packing paper, or Styrofoam material, place it out for trash pickup in a plastic bag. Depending on your subscription level, packing material may incur additional charges.

Can I have my trash picked up by my house or garage?
Yes, there is a selection of subscription services that offer volume and collection locations. Call our office (760) 327-1351 Ext. 313, to arrange this service that fits your needs.

How can I change my mailing address?
Please write your new mailing address on your payment stub, write a note or email us.

Will you bill my tenant?
Owners of single-family dwellings can request a "Tenant Form." Call our Residential Department at (760) 327-1351 Ext. 313, or email us.

Why do I have to pay if I am not here all the time?
The City Ordinance requires that all property owners maintain services year-round.

I have sold my home, I even notified you, why are you still billing me?
As soon as the county assessors records are received by PSDS, we will pro-rate your bill for the period of time you owned the property.

How can I get recycling containers?
If you live in a single family dwelling just give us a call or email us and we will have containers delivered on your next recycling day. If you live in a complex (multiple units) or have a business call at (760) 327-1351 Ext. 303 or email us and our Recycling Coordinator will contact you.

How does the Green Waste Program work?
On Wednesday's the green waste crews drive down every street in the city. They collect properly prepared green waste in trashcans or tied bundles (2' by 4') only.

Can I use plastic bags for the Wednesday Green Waste Day?
No, green waste must be in trash cans or in tied bundles 2' by 4'. The Wednesday truck picks up green waste and takes it directly to a composting facility. The load cannot be contaminated with plastic bags or trash.

I had cactus in a trash can for Green Waste Day, why didn't the crew empty the can?
Cactus is our Green Waste Day exception. Because of the small volumes of cactus and the hazards of flying debris and needles from these plants, we advise customers to put cactus in paper grocery bags or in double plastic bags and place it in with your regular trash on your regular collection day. Please do not place loose cactus inside the trashcan.

Where is the Transfer Station?
The County Landfill has closed down. A transfer station was constructed in 2004 at the same site. The Edom Hill Transfer Station, (EHTS), is owned and operated by Burrtec Waste. The hours of the facility is 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday and Saturday. They also opened on Sunday with limited hours.

How do I dispose of paint cans?
You can dispose of (A) Anti-freeze (B) Batteries (O) Oil and (P) Paint at the city sponsored ABOP Center. The center has recently been relocated to a new site at 1100 Vella Road (corner of Mesquite Ave.), next to the tennis courts. The facility is open Saturdays 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. October through May and 7:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. June through September, except rainy days or holidays. for further information, go to the HHW Collection Program.

How do I get large items such as furniture picked up and is there a charge?
We offer Special Hauls Monday through Friday. Call (760) 327-1351 to schedule a pick up. The Special Haul crew gives the estimate in the field. If you agree to the charge, you would pay the crew and they will haul the items away. If you reside in a single-family residence, PSDS provides 2 free bulky item pickups per year. This includes appliances.

I have an appliance, how do I get rid of it?
We offer two appliances picked up per year at no additional charge. This free service is for single family dwelling units.

How do I get to the Edom Hill Transfer Station?
Take the Date Palm or Palm Drive exit off the I-10. Head North to Varner Road. From Palm Drive turn East or from Date Palm Drive turn West onto Varner. Look for the sign marking the road to the Facility (Turn North).

If I have a party, can I expect to have all my excess waste collected the next collection day?
New subscription services require our collection crew to pick up only what your service fee covers. However, we can pick up excess waste for a minimal additional haul charge.

Electronic Billing and Online Payment FAQs:


1) Do I create my own UserId & Password or does PSDS create it for me?
Each customer must create a unique UserID & Password. PSDS does not create them for you.

2) Do I have to add the dashes and zero’s to my account when entering?
When entering an account number, it must be in this format: X-XXXXXXX-X

3) What must I do if I created my UserId & Password and I have not received the email yet?
If you created your UserID & Password but did not receive the email with the ‘confirmation #’, check your spam and junk mail folders.

4) Do I need to add your email address to my list?
If you use an ‘Acceptable Email’ list (i.e. As with Earthlink), be sure to add our email address prior to subscribing or you will not be able to complete the subscription process.

5) What dates are the Recurring Payments debited from my account?
Monthly Billing Cycles: Recurring payments (amount due on the statement) will automatically be processed for you on the 20th of each month.
Quarterly Billing Cycles: Recurring payments (amount due on the statement) will automatically be processed for you on January 20th, April 20th, July 20th, and October 20th.

6) Is the confirmation # that I get emailed to me my password?
Do not confuse the ‘confirmation #’ (you will receive via email to complete the process) with your password. You will only use the confirmation # one time.

7) If my UserId or Password is rejected what must I do?
When first creating your UserID & Password, if they are rejected because they have been taken, try different ones. Be creative!

8) Why is my account balance on the website saying I owe?
The website account balance DOES NOT reflect payments that were not made from the website.

9) If I make a one time payment and sign up for recurring payments will I be charged twice?
If you make a ‘One-Time Payment’ before the 'Recurring Payment' process date of the 20th and sign up for ‘Recurring Payments’ your credit card or checking account will be debited again on the 20th.

10) May my spouse/partner also sign up online and link to the same account?
The pay online feature does allow for more than one subscriber to be linked to the same account; however, it does not allow a single subscriber (unique UserID) to be linked to multiple accounts.

11) Can I sign up online at any time?
A customer must have received at least one statement since December 31, 2006, before they can subscribe to pay online service. The website is open and fully functioning 24/7.