Trash & Recycling in Spokane County, WA (2026)
7 rules for unincorporated Spokane County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Spokane County runs a mandatory regional solid-waste system. Solid waste generated in unincorporated areas must go to a system disposal site, and it is unlawful to fail to deliver, or ensure lawful delivery of, that waste (SCC 8.56.160).
Garbage collection and disposal requirements
Some RestrictionsSCC 8.56.160(c)
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it is unlawful for every owner, tenant, occupant, or other person responsible for the condition of private property to fail to deliver, or fail to ensure lawful delivery of, solid waste originating in the county to a system disposal site.
Bin Placement Rules
Certificated haulers provide the containers, and materials are collected 'on the improved public road nearest to the residence' when properly set out on the designated collection day (SCC 8.58.040). Haulers must keep loads contained to prevent littering.
Where to set out carts and recycling containers
Some RestrictionsSCC 8.58.040(e)
Materials shall be collected on the improved public road nearest to the residence, or other location mutually agreed upon by the certified hauler and customer, when properly set out on the designated collection day. The certified hauler is not required to collect materials at any particular hour.
Bulk Item Disposal
Bulky and 'problem' wastes go to county transfer stations under set rules. SCC 8.56.220 limits loose tires to five per load, bars unaccepted materials, and the county charges by weight, with extra fees for uncovered loads.
Bulky items and transfer-station disposal rules
Some RestrictionsSCC 8.56.220(d)(1)
No more than five whole or split tires will be accepted per load unless prior arrangements have been made with the authorized designee.
Recycling Requirements
In urban unincorporated Spokane County, certified haulers must collect co-mingled recyclables from every eligible single-family residence at least every other week, on the same day as garbage, and provide the recycling containers (SCC 8.58.040).
Curbside recycling requirements in urban areas
Some RestrictionsSCC 8.58.040(a)
Certified haulers shall collect source separated, co-mingled recyclables from all eligible single-family residences... All eligible single-family residences shall be provided with recycling collection no less than every other week, and collection shall be provided on the same day of the week as garbage collection if the eligible residence also receives garbage collection.
Illegal Dumping
Dumping litter or solid waste on any public or private land in unincorporated Spokane County is prohibited by SCC 8.26.020 and Washington's litter law RCW 70A.200.060. Penalties scale from a civil infraction up to a gross misdemeanor by volume.
Illegal dumping and littering penalties
Some RestrictionsSCC 8.26.020
No person shall throw, drop, deposit, discard or otherwise dispose of litter upon any public place or private property within the unincorporated boundaries of Spokane County, or in any waters within the unincorporated boundaries of Spokane County, whether from a vehicle or otherwise.
Dumpster Rules
In unincorporated Spokane County's Commercial zones, every outdoor trash, garbage and refuse storage area, including dumpsters and roll-off boxes, must be screened from public view. SCC 14.612.300(4) requires enclosure on at least three sides with a 5.5-foot concrete block, masonry wall or sight-obscuring fence, plus a sight-obscuring gate for collection access.
Spokane County Commercial Dumpster Screening
Some RestrictionsSCC 14.612.300(4)
4.Refuse storage: All outdoor trash, garbage and refuse storage areas shall be screened on all sides from public view and at a minimum be enclosed on three sides with a five and one-half-foot-high concrete block, masonry wall or sight-obscuring fence with a sight-obscuring gate for access.
Recycling Rules
Certified haulers serving unincorporated Spokane County's urban areas must collect a defined list of recyclables under SCC 8.58.040, must display their business name and phone number on collection vehicles, and must contain materials so nothing leaks, spills or litters during pickup. County code fixes mandatory items like cardboard, cans and #1-#2 plastic jugs, with additional materials collected only voluntarily.
Spokane County Recycling Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsSCC 8.58.040(c),(j),(k) & Exhibit B
(k)The business name and telephone number of the certified hauler shall be clearly visible on each side of each vehicle used to provide residential recycling service. The certified hauler shall contain, tie, or enclose all collected materials to prevent leaking, spilling or littering...Certified Haulers shall collect the following materials: 1.Newspaper (including magazines, catalogs and teleph...
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