How to Pay Your Garbage Bill in San Jose, California

Paying your garbage bill in San Jose is an easy process that can be done online, by mail, or in person. As a resident of San Jose, keeping up with your garbage bill ensures that you receive uninterrupted waste collection services. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to pay your garbage bill, including setting up an account, understanding your charges, and exploring payment options.

Setting Up Your Account

The first step in paying your San Jose garbage bill is setting up an account

• Visit the City of San Jose Environmental Services website and select “Pay My Utility Bill” This will take you to the payment portal

• If you don’t already have an account you’ll need to create one. Make sure you have your utility account number handy. This can be found on your garbage bill.

• Enter your utility account number, address, and phone number. Create a username and password.

• Accept the terms and conditions and click submit.

Once your account is created, you can log in anytime to view your balance and make payments.

Understanding Your Garbage Bill

When you receive your bill by mail or view it online, take a moment to understand the various charges and fees. A typical San Jose garbage bill includes:

• Service fee: This covers the costs of collecting and disposing of your garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings. Service frequency and container size determine this fee.

• Franchise fee: This fee goes to the city to cover costs of garbage collection services. It is a percentage of your service fee.

• State regulatory fee: This minimal fee covers state-mandated recycling programs.

• Late fee: A late fee is charged if payment is received after the due date. To avoid this, pay on time.

• New service fee: One-time fee charged when starting new garbage service.

• Container rental fee: Rental fee for garbage carts and bins provided by the city.

Reviewing the bill helps you understand what you’re paying for. Now let’s look at how to actually make a payment.

Paying Your Bill Online

The fastest and most convenient way to pay your San Jose garbage bill is through the online payment portal:

• Log into your account at the City of San Jose Pay My Utility Bill page.

• Select whether you want to make a one-time payment or set up recurring payments.

• Enter your payment information including credit/debit card or bank account details.

• Review payment details and click submit.

• Payment will be immediately processed and you will receive a confirmation email.

Paying online is secure, fast, and lets you avoid mailing in checks or visiting City Hall.

Paying by Mail

To pay your garbage bill by mail:

• Fill out the payment stub attached to your garbage bill.

• Write in the payment amount. Make checks or money orders payable to “City of San Jose”.

• Mail your payment to the address printed on the payment stub. This is:

  City of San Jose
  Utility Bill Payment
  P.O. Box 20130
  San Jose, CA 95160

• Allow 5-7 business days for your mailed payment to process.

• Payments must be received (not postmarked) by the due date to avoid late fees.

• Write your utility account number on your check or money order.

Paying by mail is convenient for those who prefer checks or money orders. Just mail it in using the payment stub.

Paying in Person

You can also pay your San Jose garbage bill in person at:

• The City of San Jose Utility Billing Office at City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113.

• At any official Payment Center located within San Jose. Bring your current bill.

When paying in person:

• You can pay using cash, check, credit/debit card or money order.

• There may be fees for using credit/debit cards. Bring ID.

• Payment centers have limited hours and accepted payment methods. Check beforehand.

• Payment is effective same-day when paying in person.

In-person payment is a fine option for those who prefer paying with cash or want same-day payment processing.

Setting Up Auto-Pay

For hassle-free garbage bill payment, set up auto-pay:

• Log into your account and click on Auto-Pay Program.

• Select whether you want payments automatically debited from your checking account or charged to a credit/debit card.

• Payments will be deducted on the due date each billing cycle.

• You can cancel or change auto-pay anytime through your account.

• You’ll receive email reminders before payments are processed.

With auto-pay, your bill gets paid on time without you having to remember. It provides convenience and peace of mind.

Getting Account Help

If you have questions or need help managing your account, contact San Jose Utility Billing:

• Call 408-535-3500 Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm.

• Email [email protected]

• Visit the Utility Billing Office at City Hall.

• Access the FAQ and information on the City of San Jose website.

The utility billing staff can help with account issues, payment questions, reviewing charges, and solving any bill-related problems.

Avoiding Late Fees and Disconnection

To avoid late fees on your San Jose garbage bill:

• Pay your bill in full by the due date each month. Due dates vary.

• Set up auto-pay so payments are always on time.

• If paying by mail, allow 5-7 days for delivery to avoid late fees.

• Contact San Jose Utility Billing if you anticipate difficulty paying on time. Payment plans or extensions may be available.

If your garbage bill is past due, your service may be disconnected. To restore service:

• Pay the past due balance in full.

• Pay a $50 service restoration fee.

• Service will resume on your next scheduled collection day after payment is received.

Avoid penalties by paying on time. Communicate with the city for assistance if needed.

Paying your garbage bill is essential for maintaining this vital service. Now that you understand the billing process and payment options, you can easily keep your San Jose garbage account current. Set up auto-pay or calendar reminders to pay on time each month. And contact utility billing with any questions. Keeping up with your garbage bill keeps service smoothly flowing to your San Jose home or business.