Redmond's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Redmond, 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.

Recycling Requirements

Redmond offers free weekly curbside recycling and food/yard waste collection. Commingled recyclables include paper, cardboard, rigid plastics 1-7, cans, and glass. Food scraps must go in the green cart.

Key details: Recycling Cost: Free with garbage service. Plastics: Rigid #1-7 only. Glass: Bottles and jars. Food Scraps: Green cart required. Code: RMC Title 9.

Contaminated recycling may result in load rejection and additional fees. Failure to provide recycling at multifamily properties: civil penalty under King County Code.

Bulk Item Disposal

Redmond residents can schedule on-call bulky item pickup with Recology for per-item fees or haul large items to King County transfer stations. Illegal dumping is a misdemeanor under RMC 9.04.

Key details: Provider: Recology on-call service. Appliances: Freon removal required. Electronics: Free via E-Cycle WA. Transfer Station: Factoria or Houghton. Code: RMC 9.04.

Illegal dumping of bulky items on streets, vacant lots, or public property: gross misdemeanor up to 1,000 fine and 90 days jail under RMC 9.04 and RCW 70A.200.060.

Bin Placement Rules

Redmond carts must sit at the curb with wheels against the curb, lids facing the street, and 3 feet of clearance on all sides. Carts may not block sidewalks, hydrants, or traffic lanes per RMC 9.04.

Key details: Wheel Position: Against the curb. Lid Direction: Opening toward street. Clearance: 3 feet on all sides. Overhead Clearance: 14 feet minimum. Code: RMC 9.04.

Improper placement resulting in missed collection: customer responsibility. Blocking sidewalks, hydrants, or travel lanes: civil infraction up to $100 under RMC 10.04 traffic code.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Recology collects garbage, recycling, and yard/food waste weekly in Redmond. Carts must be out by 7 AM on collection day and retrieved within 24 hours per RMC Title 9.

Key details: Provider: Recology/Cleanscapes. Set-Out Time: By 7 AM on collection day. Earliest Set-Out: 6 PM day before. Retrieval: Within 24 hours. Code: RMC Title 9.

Late container placement or failure to retrieve containers within 24 hours: warning notice, then civil fine up to $100 per occurrence under RMC 9.04.

The Bottom Line

Redmond'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 Redmond is broadly strict or permissive.

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