Federal Way vs Kirkland
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Federal Way and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way provides curbside recycling to all single-family residences at no extra charge through Waste Management. Accepted items include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastic bottles and tubs.
View full Federal Way rules →Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland provides weekly curbside recycling through Waste Management as part of mandatory service under KMC 16.04. Accepted: paper, cardboard, plastic bottles/tubs, metal cans, glass. No plastic bags.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free with garbage subscription | - |
| Accepted | Paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic 1-5 | Paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, glass |
| Not Accepted | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, electronics | Plastic bags, styrofoam |
| Yard Waste | Separate cart, weekly in season | - |
| Frequency | - | Weekly |
| Code | - | KMC Chapter 16.04 |
| State Law | - | RCW 70A.530 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Can I recycle plastic bags in my Federal Way cart?
No. Plastic bags jam sorting equipment and are not accepted in curbside carts. Return clean plastic bags and film to grocery store drop-off bins such as Safeway or Fred Meyer.
Do I need to separate glass in Federal Way?
No. Federal Way uses single-stream recycling, so glass bottles and jars go in the same cart as paper, metal, and plastic. Rinse them first to avoid contamination.
Kirkland FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in Kirkland?
Yes. Recycling is included as part of the mandatory Waste Management service for all residential properties under KMC Chapter 16.04.
Can I put plastic bags in Kirkland recycling?
No. Plastic bags, wrap, and film must be taken to grocery store drop-off locations rather than placed in the curbside recycling cart.
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