Trash & Recycling in Yakima, WA (2026)
3 verified trash & recycling rules for Yakima, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Yakima's residential refuse, recycling, and yard-waste collection are operated by the city's Refuse / Solid Waste Division under YMC Chapter 4.16 (Garbage Storage, Collection and Disposal). The chapter establishes two service classifications — 'residential' and 'business' — and reserves city carts for use by city solid waste staff or designee. All solid waste generated or collected within Yakima city limits must be disposed of at the Yakima County disposal system. Service is mandatory in the residential classification; rates are set by Council resolution and billed monthly through Utility Customer Service.
Trash Pickup Rules in Yakima
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Yakima's Refuse / Solid Waste Division (operating under YMC Chapter 4.16) requires city-owned carts to be at the curb or alley line by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day, with at least 4 feet of clearance from any obstruction (other carts, parked vehicles, fences, mailboxes, power poles), wheels facing the residence, and the lid opening toward the road. Carts must not be placed under low-hanging branches, wires, or building eaves. All garbage must fit inside the cart with the lid closed.
Refuse Cart Placement in Yakima
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Yakima's Refuse / Solid Waste Division offers a Special Garbage Pickup for items that don't fit in the regular cart — defined under YMC Chapter 4.16 as 'bulk refuse' (large items such as appliances, furniture, large auto parts, trees and branches, palm fronds, stumps, floatage, etc.). Tires, appliances, bulk yard debris, and household items can be scheduled through the city. Items not eligible for the curbside Special Garbage Pickup (hazardous waste, electronics, refrigerants, contractor construction debris) must go to the Yakima County Terrace Heights Landfill or the Lower Valley Transfer Station, where Yakima County Public Services operates the regional disposal system referenced in YMC 4.16.
Bulk and Special Waste Disposal in Yakima
Some RestrictionsLooking for Yakima County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Yakima city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Yakima County →