Spokane's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

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

Spokane Solid Waste Collection provides weekly garbage and every-other-week recycling pickup to residential customers. Carts must be placed curbside by 6 AM on collection day and removed within 24 hours under SMC 13.02.

Key details: Garbage: Weekly. Recycling: Every other week. Set-Out Time: By 6 AM collection day. Removal: Within 24 hours. Code: SMC 13.02.

Late removal of carts: warning first, $25 fine subsequent. Contaminated recycling: up to $50 contamination fee. Illegal dumping in city carts: $250.

Bulk Item Disposal

Spokane residents can dispose of bulky items through the Clean Green and annual Spring Clean-Up programs, or by self-hauling to the Waste-to-Energy Facility. Bulk items placed at the curb outside approved programs are illegal dumping.

Key details: Bulk Vouchers: Annual, free. Disposal Site: Waste-to-Energy Facility. Spring Clean-Up: Neighborhood council events. Electronics: E-Cycle WA program. Illegal Dumping: $500-$5,000 fine.

Illegal dumping: $500 to $5,000 plus cleanup costs and possible criminal charges under RCW 70A.200.060.

Bin Placement Rules

Spokane carts must be placed within 3 feet of the curb or alley, with at least 3 feet of clearance between carts and obstacles. Alley service is the default in older neighborhoods; curb service applies elsewhere per SMC 13.02.

Key details: Curb Distance: Within 3 feet. Cart Spacing: 3 ft clearance. Overhead: 15 ft clear. Alley Service: Default in older areas. Wheels: Toward house.

Improperly placed carts may be skipped with no credit. Repeated blockage: $25 re-collection fee.

Recycling Requirements

Spokane operates a single-stream recycling program with a blue cart collected every other week. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, metal cans, and plastics #1 and #2. Glass is collected separately at drop-off sites.

Key details: Program: Single-stream every other week. Plastics: #1 and #2 only. Glass: Drop-off only. Not Accepted: Bags, film, styrofoam. Organics: Clean Green yard cart.

Contaminated loads tagged and left; repeated contamination: $50 fee or cart conversion to garbage.

The Bottom Line

Spokane'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 Spokane is broadly strict or permissive.

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