It’s better to own Miramar Landfill





The government code requires local governments to provide for trash disposal. The city can operate the landfills as a public agency (current practice), have it provided through a private for-profit business (the county) or send the trash some place else by means public and/or private (New York City). But unlike the county, the city’s situation is different. San Diego’s charter requires the city to provide trash collection as a public service to city homeowners.

When the county handed over trash collection to Herzog Contracting Corp. in 1983, the increased cost was paid by the customers. Unlike the city, the county is not obligated to provide trash service. When the county gave up the landfills in the 1990s, the customers paid the added cost. But without a change to the city charter, San Diego will be obligated to pay these added costs.


"The law compels San Diego to retain the liability for the consequences of the Miramar Landfill for, well, forever. Selling the property will not relieve the city of its liability."

Why will costs go up?

What part of “for profit” don’t you understand? Contracting out adds layers of overhead – customers pay for the administration of the company, for the company’s taxes and debt, and for the contract compliance staff the city must employ. Add to that the city’s need to monitor environmental impact. But now through a private company motivated by profit the city will be once removed, creating inefficiencies to protect our environmental interests. Think British Petroleum.

For the city of San Diego, with its charter obligation, selling Miramar Landfill will create a monopoly over which it has little control. It also increases the likelihood of illegal dumping.

Private dump operators provide a lucrative opportunity to cheaply dispose of toxic wastes. Along the Eastern Seaboard, organized crime has been involved in illegal waste dumping for years. It’s very profitable, and the source of a number of superfund toxic sites.

The smart move for the city of San Diego is to stay in the landfill business as long as the charter obliges the city to provide trash service to homeowners.

Christensen is a resident of San Diego.


