Sammamish, WA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Sammamish residents have both curbside organics collection and the option of backyard composting. The city's solid-waste program directs residents to curbside collection of garbage, recycling, and yard waste/compost, with most of Sammamish served by Republic Services. Yard and food waste collected in the region is composted locally (Cedar Grove). King County provides resources for residents who want to compost at home in a backyard bin or onsite container, and home composting of yard trimmings and food scraps is encouraged as a waste-reduction measure. The Sammamish Municipal Code does not impose a dedicated composting ordinance, but a compost pile must be maintained so it does not become a public nuisance under SMC 23.30.010 or attract rodents — SMC 16.25.200(4) requires exterior property to be kept free from rodent harborage and infestation. Properly managed, enclosed, or covered compost bins avoid these issues. There is no requirement to compost, and no city fee for home composting; curbside organics carts are part of the contracted collection service. Burning yard waste is generally discouraged for air-quality and wildfire reasons.