Outdoor Burning: Federal Way vs Kent
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kent, WA?
Federal Way and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Outdoor burning of yard debris and land-clearing waste is prohibited year-round in Federal Way under PSCAA Regulation I. Only small recreational fires under FWRC 13.31 are allowed, subject to burn bans.
View full Federal Way rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent prohibits residential yard-waste burning year round under Puget Sound Clean Air Agency rules. Only clean-firewood recreational fires are allowed when no burn ban is active.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Yard Debris Burn | Prohibited year-round | - |
| Authority | PSCAA Regulation I | - |
| Max Penalty | $10,000 per day | - |
| Alternative | Curbside yard waste | - |
| Code | FWRC 13.31 + WAC 173-425 | - |
| Yard debris burning | - | Banned year round in Kent |
| Recreational fires | - | Allowed with clean firewood only |
| Burn bans | - | PSCAA stage 1 and 2 halt all fires |
| Land clearing | - | DNR permit, RCW 76.04 |
| Alternatives | - | Curbside yard waste or transfer station |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Federal Way?
No. PSCAA Regulation I bans all outdoor burning of yard debris and land-clearing materials within the urban growth boundary, which includes all of Federal Way.
How do I legally dispose of yard waste?
Use curbside yard waste collection through Federal Way's contracted hauler (Waste Management), drop at a King County transfer station, or home compost.
Kent FAQ
Can I burn leaves in fall in Kent?
No. Residential yard-waste burning is prohibited citywide. Use the curbside organics cart or the Cedar Grove drop site.
How do I know if a burn ban is in effect?
Check pscleanair.gov or subscribe to PSCAA alerts. Bans are common in summer fire season and winter inversions.
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