Trash & Recycling in King County, WA (2026)

King County Code § 10.18.010

The minimum level of service for residential recycling programs in the unincorporated service area shall include the following: A. Single-family recyclable materials collection: 1. Recyclable materials collection services shall, at a minimum, be available to all single-family dwellings; 2. Participation in these programs shall be voluntary; 3. The following recyclable materials, at a minimum, s...

King County Code § 10.04.040

Solid waste containers shall be constructed in such a manner as to be strong, watertight, not easily corroded, rodent proof, insect proof, and shall have adequate handles and tight fitting lids. ... Each container shall be kept in a place accessible to the solid waste collection entity on scheduled collection days.

King County Code § 10.10.030

C. Drop box facilities shall accept municipal solid waste in loads not to exceed either three cubic yards or one ton from commercial and self-haulers; D. [Collection areas for]* yard waste, other organics, or both, located at some county transfer facilities shall accept source-separated yard waste from commercial and self-haulers. Loads at drop box facilities shall not exceed either three c...

King County Code § 10.18.010

The minimum level of service for residential recycling programs in the unincorporated service area shall include the following: Recyclable materials collection services shall, at a minimum, be available to all single-family dwellings; Participation in these programs shall be voluntary; ...shall be collected at least twice a month on the same day of the week as solid waste collection.

King County Code § 10.18.010(D)

D. Requirements for separation of yard debris from solid waste: 1. Containers set out at single-family dwellings and multifamily structures or complexes in unincorporated service areas for collection of solid waste by certificated haulers shall not contain yard waste. However, if the division director determines that collection of organics is feasible; organics may be commingled with yar...

King County Code § 10.18.010(E)(2)

Additional minimum level of service provisions. The following provisions apply to the collection services described in subsections A., B. and C. of this section: ... 2. The certificated hauler shall designate and inform the county and program participants of the holidays that it will observe and the schedule that will be used when a holiday falls on a regular collection day.

King County Code § 10.04.080

It is unlawful to place, throw, deposit or otherwise dispose of solid waste other than in a receptacle provided for that purpose, in any public place, public road, public park, on any private property or in the waters within King County, except as specifically authorized by this title or at the official solid waste facilities provided for that purpose by King County. B. It is unlawful for the...

King County Code § 10.18.010.D.1

Containers set out at single-family dwellings and multifamily structures or complexes in unincorporated service areas for collection of solid waste by certificated haulers shall not contain yard waste. However, if the division director determines that collection of organics is feasible; organics may be commingled with yard waste to be collected for composting.

King County Code § 10.18.010(A)(4)

The recyclable materials listed in subsection A.3. of this section shall be collected at least twice a month on the same day of the week as solid waste collection. a. The certificated hauler may request an exception to this requirement for all or part of its service area. b. The request must be submitted in writing to the division and include, at a minimum, the following information...