Auburn's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Auburn, Washington, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Auburn requires mandatory solid waste service for all residential and commercial customers under ACC Chapter 8.08. Waste Management is the city contractor and provides weekly garbage and biweekly recycling pickup.

Key details: Code Reference: ACC Chapter 8.08 Solid Waste. Garbage Collection: Weekly, mandatory service. Recycling: Biweekly commingled cart. Service Provider: Waste Management, 800-592-9995.

Setting containers out late or leaving them at the curb too long after pickup can trigger code enforcement notices under ACC 8.08.100. Failure to subscribe to mandatory service can result in utility-bill enforcement and civil penalties under ACC 8.08.

Recycling Requirements

Auburn provides curbside recycling biweekly through WM under ACC 8.08. Accepted items include paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles, and plastics 1 and 2. Contamination can result in refused collection.

Key details: Code Reference: ACC 8.08 Solid Waste. Schedule: Biweekly curbside recycling. Plastics Accepted: Numbers 1 and 2 only. Not Accepted: Plastic bags, film, styrofoam.

Severe contamination can result in refused collection, contamination tags, and repeated-offense fees assessed by WM, plus potential civil penalties under ACC 8.08 for improper disposal of materials.

Bin Placement Rules

ACC 8.08.100 requires Auburn customers to set out solid waste containers by the scheduled start time on collection day and return them to an out-of-view storage location within a reasonable time after pickup.

Key details: Code Reference: ACC 8.08.100. Set-Out Time: By provider start, generally 7:00 AM. Clearance: 3 feet around cart. Storage: Out of view after pickup.

Carts left at the curb beyond the collection day can be tagged by Auburn Code Enforcement and subject to civil infraction citations under ACC 8.08.100 and ACC Title 1 general penalty provisions.

Bulk Item Disposal

Auburn residents dispose of bulky items through WM on-call bulky pickup (fee per item) or by self-hauling to the Algona Transfer Station. Illegal dumping is prohibited under ACC 8.16.030.

Key details: Code Reference: ACC 8.16.030 Unlawful Dumping. Bulky Pickup: WM on-call, per-item fee. Transfer Station: Algona Transfer Station, King County. Hazardous Waste: King County Haz Waste program.

Illegal dumping on city property, vacant lots, parks, or roadsides is a civil infraction under ACC 8.16.030 and can also trigger criminal littering charges under RCW 70A.200.060 with fines up to 5,000 dollars plus cleanup costs.

The Bottom Line

Auburn's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Auburn is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Auburn's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.