Pickup Rules & Schedules: Kent vs Seattle
How do pickup rules & schedules rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kent has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Kent, WA
King County
Kent's solid waste and recycling collection is provided by Republic Services under a city contract. Weekly garbage, recycling, and yard waste pickup is mandatory for residences under KCC 7.03.
View full Kent rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle mandates weekly collection of garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste through Seattle Public Utilities, with mandatory composting and recycling requirements that make it one of the nation's strictest waste diversion programs.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Hauler | Republic Services, exclusive contract | - |
| Collection | Weekly, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. | - |
| Cart Sizes | 20, 32, 64, 96 gallon | - |
| Code | KCC 7.03 Solid Waste | - |
| Governing Code | - | SMC 21.36 – Solid Waste Code |
| Recycling | - | Mandatory for all residents and businesses |
| Composting | - | Mandatory food waste composting for all households and businesses |
| Collection Frequency | - | Weekly garbage (or EOW for small carts), EOW recycling, weekly food/yard waste |
| Recycling Cost | - | Included in garbage service rate at no additional charge |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
Can I opt out of Kent garbage service?
No, every residence in Kent is required to maintain garbage service under KCC 7.03. You can downsize to a 20-gallon mini-can to lower your bill if your waste volume is small.
What time do I put my cart out in Kent?
Carts must be at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day. You can put them out the night before. Return them to your property by the end of the collection day.
Seattle FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in Seattle?
Yes. Seattle's Solid Waste Code requires all residents and businesses to recycle. Recyclable materials may not be placed in the garbage. Recycling collection is provided every other week at no additional cost as part of your garbage service rate. Food waste composting is also mandatory.
What happens if I put the wrong items in my recycling cart?
Contaminated recycling carts may not be collected, and you will receive an educational tag explaining what was wrong. Repeated contamination can result in fines. Common contaminants include plastic bags, food-soiled items, and non-recyclable plastics. Seattle Public Utilities provides a What Goes Where tool to help residents sort correctly.
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