Trash & Recycling in King County, WA (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in King County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of King County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

In unincorporated King County, garbage collection is provided by private haulers (primarily Republic Services and Recology) regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. Residential collection is typically weekly, with recycling every other week. King County Solid Waste Division manages disposal at transfer stations.

King County Trash Pickup Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Bin Placement Rules

Garbage, recycling, and yard waste carts in unincorporated King County must be placed at the curb by the scheduled pickup time and removed within 24 hours after collection. Bins must be stored out of public view on non-collection days under KCC 21A.18 and hauler tariffs.

King County Garbage Bin Placement Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Bulk Item Disposal

King County residents can dispose of bulky items (furniture, mattresses, appliances) by scheduling a bulky item pickup with their hauler for an extra fee or by self-hauling to one of the eight King County transfer stations. Some items like refrigerators require freon removal before disposal.

King County Bulk Item Disposal Rules

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Recycling Requirements

Recycling is mandatory for single-family and multifamily residents in the urban-designated areas of unincorporated King County under KCC 10.04. All curbside customers receive weekly or every-other-week recycling pickup as part of standard hauler service, and commercial recycling is required in most urban zones.