Bulk Item Disposal: Kent vs Seattle
How do bulk item disposal rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kent and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Kent, WA
King County
Kent residents can schedule bulky item pickup with Republic Services for an extra fee or haul items to the King County Bow Lake Transfer Station. Mattresses, appliances, and furniture are accepted with size limits.
View full Kent rules βSeattle, WA
King County
Seattle provides bulky item collection through Seattle Public Utilities and operates transfer stations for large items that do not fit in regular collection carts, with special rules for construction debris, appliances, and electronics.
View full Seattle rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Bulky Pickup | Republic Services, on-call, extra fee | - |
| Self Haul | Bow Lake Transfer Station, 38 dollars min | - |
| E-Waste | Free via E-Cycle WA | - |
| Illegal Dumping | Up to 1,000 dollars, KCC 8.01.100 | - |
| Special Pickup | - | Available through SPU for a fee by appointment |
| Transfer Stations | - | North and South stations accept household and construction waste |
| Banned from Garbage | - | Mattresses, appliances, tires, electronics, recyclables |
| Illegal Dumping Fine | - | Up to $5,000 per incident |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
How do I get rid of a mattress in Kent?
Either schedule a bulky item pickup with Republic Services for around 30 to 40 dollars or take it to the Bow Lake Transfer Station in Tukwila, which accepts mattresses for free through the King County recycling program.
Can I leave large items at the curb on my regular trash day?
No. Standard pickup does not include bulky items. You must either schedule on-call bulky pickup with Republic Services or self-haul to a transfer station. Leaving bulky items at the curb is illegal dumping.
Seattle FAQ
How do I dispose of a mattress or large furniture in Seattle?
You have several options: schedule a special pickup through Seattle Public Utilities for a fee, deliver items to the North or South Transfer Station, or donate usable items to organizations like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Mattresses cannot be placed in regular garbage carts and must be recycled or disposed of through these channels.
What about construction debris from a remodel?
Construction and demolition debris can be taken to transfer stations where it is accepted for a per-ton fee. Some materials like clean wood, metal, and concrete can be recycled at lower rates. For large projects, you may need to rent a dumpster from a licensed hauler. All haulers must be licensed to operate in Seattle.
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