Pickup Rules & Schedules: Kirkland vs Seattle
How do pickup rules & schedules rules compare between Kirkland, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kirkland has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland contracts with Waste Management for weekly curbside garbage, recycling, and yard waste pickup. Service is mandatory under KMC Chapter 16.04. Pickup typically 6 AM to 6 PM on collection day.
View full Kirkland 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 | Kirkland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Hauler | Waste Management | - |
| Frequency | Weekly | - |
| Pickup Window | 6 AM - 6 PM | - |
| Code | KMC Chapter 16.04 | - |
| Service | Mandatory | - |
| 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.
Kirkland FAQ
Who provides garbage pickup in Kirkland?
Waste Management is the exclusive franchise hauler for the City of Kirkland under KMC Chapter 16.04.
What time do I set out my trash cart?
Carts must be at the curb by 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection day. Pickup typically occurs between 6 AM and 6 PM.
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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