Bin Placement Rules: Kent vs Seattle
How do bin placement rules rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kent and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Kent, WA
King County
Kent requires garbage, recycling, and yard waste carts to be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day and returned to the property by end of day. Carts must not block sidewalks, bike lanes, or sight lines.
View full Kent rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle requires garbage, recycling, and compost containers to be placed at the curb or alley edge on collection day and stored on private property between collections, with specific placement rules to ensure safe collection access.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Set Out | By 7 a.m., no earlier than 6 p.m. prior | - |
| Return | Same day, stored out of view | - |
| Spacing | 3 ft between carts | 3 feet apart and 3 feet from obstructions |
| No Blocking | Sidewalks, hydrants, bike lanes | - |
| Placement Time | - | Containers out by 7 AM on collection day |
| Retrieval | - | Must be retrieved by end of collection day |
| Lid Position | - | Lids closed, handles facing the street |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
Can I leave my Kent trash cart at the curb all week?
No. Kent requires carts to be returned to a concealed location on your property by the end of collection day. Permanent curbside storage is a code violation under KCC 8.01.
Where should I place my cart if I have no curb?
Place the cart at the edge of your driveway near the road, wheels toward the house, so the automated arm can reach it. Keep it off sidewalks and bike lanes.
Seattle FAQ
Where exactly should I place my garbage and recycling carts?
Place carts at the curb or alley edge by 7 AM on collection day with lids closed and handles facing the street. Leave at least 3 feet between carts and 3 feet from cars, mailboxes, and other obstacles. Do not block sidewalks, driveways, or fire hydrants. Retrieve carts by the end of collection day.
Can I leave my carts out overnight before collection day?
Carts should be placed out the evening before or morning of collection day. Placing them out too early may prompt complaints from neighbors or code enforcement. They must be put back on private property by the end of the collection day. Extended curbside storage is not permitted.
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