Frequently Asked Questions

The maximum rate that can be charged by EDCO for trash and recycling services is approved at a public hearing by the Poway City Council. The published agenda report provides an overview of fees, including the franchise fee and AB 939 fee.

“E-waste” is the popular name for electronic products nearing the end of their useful life, and includes computers, televisions, VCRs, fax machines, and stereos. Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) found in most televisions and computer monitors contain approximately 5 to 7 pounds of lead, a hazardous material, which requires special handling. Therefore, computer monitors, televisions, and other electronic equipment should not be disposed in the trash. It is recommended that unwanted electronic items in good working condition be donated to your local thrift store or other charitable organization.

Free disposal of non-operational electronic waste is available for Poway Residents at the City of Poway’s Household Hazardous Waste every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (the facility is closed on weekdays and Saturdays preceding or following a major holiday.) The facility is located in the city’s Materials Handling Yard located at 12325 Crosthwaite Circle, off Stowe Drive, east of Community Road in the South Poway Business Park. Residents are encouraged to combine delivery of e-waste with their next trip to the household hazardous waste facility to dispose of unwanted paints, solvents, automotive fluids, auto batteries, and other unused household toxins.

A special AB 939 fee appears on the monthly EDCO residential trash bills, which is passed through to the city to fund its household hazardous waste and e-waste disposal programs. The Regional Solid Waste Association (RSWA) assumed the operation of the Poway permanent HHW collection facility in July 2000. The City of Poway has realized a significant savings in HHW disposal costs under the contract RSWA entered into with EDCO Waste and Recycling Services and its subcontractor, to provide HHW management services at a fixed cost.

EDCO provides Christmas tree collection services in the City of Poway. Follow these guidelines for curbside collection of Christmas trees: Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and tree stand;  Trees over four feet should be cut in half; Place trimmed tree inside your green waste cart with the lid closed; Flocked trees are NOT acceptable in your green waste must be placed in trash;  Artificial trees are not recyclable and must be placed in the trash. Look for more details about tree recycling in your EDCO billing statement, view the Organic Recycling page on their website, or call EDCO Disposal at 858-748-7769.

Poway residents may dispose of household hazardous waste at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility located at 12325 Crosthwaite Circle, off Stowe Drive, east of Community Road in the South Poway Business Park. The facility is open every Saturday (except holiday weekends) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The facility accepts leftover paint, auto fluids, drain opener, or any unused products containing toxic chemicals used to maintain your home or automobile. Products labeled caution, warning, danger, poison, toxic, flammable, or corrosive are considered hazardous.