Pickup Rules & Schedules: Redmond vs Seattle
How do pickup rules & schedules rules compare between Redmond, WA and Seattle, WA?
Redmond has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Redmond, WA
King County
Recology collects garbage, recycling, and yard/food waste weekly in Redmond. Carts must be out by 7 AM on collection day and retrieved within 24 hours per RMC Title 9.
View full Redmond 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 | Redmond | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Recology/Cleanscapes | - |
| Set-Out Time | By 7 AM on collection day | - |
| Earliest Set-Out | 6 PM day before | - |
| Retrieval | Within 24 hours | - |
| Code | RMC Title 9 | - |
| 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.
Redmond FAQ
What time does trash pickup start in Redmond?
Containers must be at the curb by 7:00 AM on your scheduled collection day. Trucks may arrive as early as 7 AM throughout the collection zone.
Who provides trash service in Redmond?
Recology holds the exclusive franchise for residential solid waste, recycling, yard waste, and food waste collection in Redmond.
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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