How can La Mesa’s trash collection be so much cheaper than San Diego’s?

Proposed new city trash collection fees on 200,000-plus San Diego homes have drawn criticism on several fronts. (U-T)

PUBLISHED: May 12, 2025 at 10:10 AM PDT

I just received a notice in the mail that the city of La Mesa, which contracts with EDCO for trash and recycling pickup, is proposing a rate increase from $27.53 to $28.84 per month for residential service at my rental property. This begs the question: Why is the city of San Diego proposing a monthly fee of $47.59? Please pardon the pun, but something just doesn’t smell right.

— Michael Shores, Pacific Beach