SERVICE
Draft - Apply for a permit to operate a refuse collection truck
Get a Refuse Collection Truck Permit to operate a truck picking up trash, recycling, or compost.
Environmental HealthWhat to know
Do you need to apply for a permit to operate a refuse collection truck?
Apply if you have:
A Refuse Collector License and Refuse Collection Route Permit issued by SFDPH
OR
A Federal Facilities Refuse Collection Permit from SFDPH for one of the following federal facilities
- Yerba Buena Coast Guard
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Treasure Island Job Corps
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
OR
A contract with the Office Contract Administration to pick up solid waste at City facilities
See the Environmental Health Branch Fee Schedule
See the EHB Fee Schedule for application, license, and other fees that may apply.
What to know
Do you need to apply for a permit to operate a refuse collection truck?
Apply if you have:
A Refuse Collector License and Refuse Collection Route Permit issued by SFDPH
OR
A Federal Facilities Refuse Collection Permit from SFDPH for one of the following federal facilities
- Yerba Buena Coast Guard
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Treasure Island Job Corps
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
OR
A contract with the Office Contract Administration to pick up solid waste at City facilities
See the Environmental Health Branch Fee Schedule
See the EHB Fee Schedule for application, license, and other fees that may apply.
What to do
1. Have your business information and documents ready
Before you apply for the Refuse Collection Truck Permit, have the following information and documents ready to attach to the application.
- Business Registration Certificate (Find your BAN or LIN numbers.)
- Declaration of Healthy & Safe Working Conditions
- Worker’s Compensation Declaration for Regulated Businesses
- SF Planning Project Application for Environmental Review or verification of CEQA compliance
- A map with area(s) of Refuse Collection Services
- Refuse Collection Truck inventory
2. Complete online application
3. Pay the application fee
Check the fee schedule for the application fee. Pay the fee on the second floor of the San Francisco Permit Center. Pay the application fee with a credit card or check made out to "San Francisco Department of Public Health". Include your project name and address on the check.
49 South Van Ness
2nd floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Special cases
Truck inspections
We inspect trucks that collect trash, recycling, and compost to make sure they are safe and sanitary. We inspect trucks every year to make sure they:
- Do not leak liquid or waste
- Are clean and safe
- Have working lights and signals
- Have safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher, flares, broom, shovel, and first aid kit
- Have the operator identification clearly marked
- Have tires that are in good condition
- Have hydraulics that are under 75 decibels (dBA)
Learn more about the truck inspection criteria in the code: